Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Department of Homeland Security will redeploy $50 million of Recovery Act funding originally allocated for the SBInet Block 1 to other tested, commercially available security technology along the Southwest border, including mobile surveillance, thermal imaging devices, ultra-light detection, backscatter units, mobile radios, cameras and laptops for pursuit vehicles, and remote video surveillance system enhancements. (Press release, dated 03/16/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1268769368466.shtm)
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1. DHS to Redeploy Certain SBInet Recovery Act Funds to Other SW Border Technology
2. President Re-Launches Export Council
President Obama has stated that he has re-launched the President's Export Council, the principal national advisory committee on international trade. Jim McNerney, the President and CEO of Boeing, is its chair, with Ursula Burns, the CEO of Xerox, as vice chair. The re-launched council was announced at the Export-Import Bank's Annual Conference, and will issue recommendations to the President. (Remarks, dated 03/11/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/remarks-president-export-import-banks-annual-conference )
3. Commerce Announces Unprecedented Schedule of Trade Missions
Commerce Secretary Locke announced a slate of 19 new trade missions for 2010, adding that there are some 40 trade missions and reverse trade missions in the works for this year. The unprecedented schedule of Commerce-led trade missions will help advance export opportunities for U.S. businesses and support U.S. jobs. (Press release, dated 03/11/10, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008995)
4. WTO Panel Composed to Examine U.S. Duties on Certain Tires from China
The World Trade Organization has informed Members that on March 12, 2010, a WTO dispute settlement panel was composed to examine "U.S. Measures Affecting Imports of Certain Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires from China" (DS399). (Notice, dated 03/16/10, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/DDFDocuments/t/wt/ds/399-3.doc)
5. U.S. and India Sign Framework for Cooperation on Trade and Investment
U.S. Trade Representative Kirk and Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Sharma signed a "Framework for Cooperation on Trade and Investment." This agreement strengthens bilateral cooperation and seeks to build on recent rapid growth in U.S. India trade, which has more than doubled over the past five years. (Press release, dated 03/17/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/march/united-states-and-india-sign-framework-cooperation-t)
6. FDA Requests Comments on Its Transparency to Regulated Industry
The Food and Drug Administration seeks comments by April 12, 2010 on the ways in which it can increase transparency between FDA and regulated industry. (D/N FDA-2009-N-0247, FR Pub 03/12/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-5377.pdf)
7. Shipping Coordinating Committee to Meet on March 23, 2010
The State Department has announced that the Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct an open meeting on March 23, 2010 in Arlington, VA. The primary purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the fifty-fourth Session of the International Maritime Organization Subcommittee on Fire Protection to be held at the IMO headquarters in London, United Kingdom, from April 12 to April 16, 2010. (Press release, dated 03/15/10, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/03/138364.htm)
8. DOJ Announces Nexus Technologies Guilty Plea for FCPA Violation
The Justice Department states that Nexus Technologies Inc. has pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to bribe Vietnamese officials in exchange for contracts to supply equipment and technology to Vietnamese government agencies, in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. The owner of the company, Nam Nguyen, and several staff and siblings, also pleaded guilty. (News release, dated 03/16/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/March/10-crm-270.html)
9. CPSC Posts Draft Proposed Rule on Toddler Beds for March 17 Meeting
The Consumer Product Safety Commission postedthe draft proposed rule on toddler bedsthatwas discussed atthe Commission'sopenmeeting on March 17, 2010. A recorded webcast of the meeting can be viewed at www.cpsc.gov/webcast/index.html. (Draft rule, posted 03/03/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia10/brief/toddlerbed.pdf)
10. Export.gov Announces Foreign Trade Regs Webinars in Spanish
Export.gov states that the Census Bureau is offering a series of four webinars in Spanish on the Foreign Trade Regulations. Understanding the requirements of the FTR will help firms avoid possible penalties and seizure of shipments. The sessions will be held on April 6 - 8, 2010 and will cover classification, the AES PCLink, and Electronic Export Information (EEI). (Notice, posted 03/17/10, available at http://www.export.gov/webinars/eg_main_021395.asp)
11. WTO's Lamy Finds IPR Differences Between Members Now Clearer
According to World Trade Organization Director General Lamy, recent intellectual property consultations with about 20 delegations on geographical indications and proposals related to biodiversity "have not created convergence, but have certainly shed light on divergences." (Notice, dated 03/12/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news10_e/trip_12mar10_e.htm)
12. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:
| Product: Reason | Company | Release |
|---|---|---|
| Remote Control Kits for Electric Fireplaces and Stoves: Fire and Burn Hazards | Dimplex North America, of Ontario, Canada | 10-167 |
(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar10.html)
13. APHIS Animal Product PPQ Manual Updated
On March 15, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products. (Manual, updated 03/15/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)
14. APHIS Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual Updated
On March 15, 2010, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables. (Manual, updated 03/15/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)
15. FSIS Updates Lists of Canada Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated versions of its list of Canada(March 16, 2010), establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.
16. FSIS Updates List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries
FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following countries:
Australia Plant List (Revised March 15, 2010)
Cuba(Revised March 16, 2010)
17. Revised FDA Import Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
33-10: Candy Due to Lead
45-02: Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors
16-08: Swordfish For Methyl Mercury
18. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
France-aking Stock After Copenhagen: Food Security
New Zealand-Livestock and Products (Beef) Semi-Annual Report 2010: Livestock and Products
Brazil-Livestock and Products Semi-annual: Report 2010
EU-27-New EU Aflatoxin Levels and Sampling Plan: Sanitary/Phytosanitary/Food Safety, Trade Policy Monitoring, Tree Nuts, Oilseeds and Products
Korea-Food Processing Ingredients: Bi-Annual 2010
Russian Federation-Agricultural Budget in 2010: Agricultural Situation, Policy and Program Announcements, Trade Policy Monitoring
Japan-Grain and Feed Annual 2010
Germany-Status of Biomass Sustainability Certification in Germany: Bio-Fuels, Trade Policy Monitoring
India-Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites No. 10: Agriculture in the News
Mexico - Livestock and Products Semi-annual: 2010 Livestock and Products and Semi-Annual
Mexico - Mexico Announces 2010 TRQ for Milk Powder Imports from WTO Members: Dairy & Products, Trade Policy Monitoring, Policy and Program Announcements, WTO Notifications
Mexico - Mexico Announces 2010 TRQ for Import Dairy Preparations for2010: Dairyand Products, Trade Policy Monitoring, Policy and Program Announcements, WTO Notifications