According to the International Trade Commission, a section 337 patent complaint on certain computer and computer peripheral devices and components thereof and products containing same was filed on behalf of Technology Properties Limited, LLC on March 27, 2012. The proposed respondents are:
The International Trade Commission is asking for comments by about April 6, 2012, on a patent complaint filed on behalf of Microchip Technology Incorporated which alleges violations of Section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930 in the importation into the U.S., the sale for importation, and the sale within the U.S. after importation of certain semiconductor integrated circuit devices and products containing same (D/N 2888). ITC is asking for comments on any public interest issues that might affect ITC consideration, including whether the issuance of an exclusion order and/or cease and desist order would impact the public interest.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service reports that a Codex electronic working group (eWG) will meet to discuss animal feed.
In its October 2011 Automated Export System (AES) Newsletter, the Census Bureau provided guidance on determining whether a shipment is routed. The article states that a routed transaction is one where the Foreign Principal Party of Interest (FPPI) facilitates the movement of goods out of the U.S. Conversely, if the USPPI selects and authorizes the freight forwarder to move the goods out of the country, it is considered a standard transaction (not a “Routed Transaction”).
In its first step toward implementing the WTO's findings in three zeroing disputes, the International Trade Administration issued the preliminary results of its section 129 proceedings to recalculate, pursuant to the USTR's instructions, the antidumping cash deposit rates currently in effect for certain companies whose merchandise is subject to 8 AD duty orders on certain products originating from the European Union and Japan. The ITA has preliminarily found AD cash deposit rates of zero for 25 companies, and found reduced AD rates for 7 companies (one company’s rate is unchanged1). These preliminary AD cash deposit rates are not in effect.
On March 23, 2012 the U.S. Trade Representative notified the World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of its decision to appeal an adverse DSB panel ruling against U.S. country of origin labeling (COOL) requirements for retail meat products.
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a significant new use rule (SNUR) under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for hexabromocyclodecane (HBCD). This proposed rule would designate “use in consumer textiles, other than for use in motor vehicles” as a significant new use. This action would require persons who intend to manufacture (including import) or process HBCD for use in covered consumer textiles to notify the EAP at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The general SNUR article exemption for persons who import or process chemical substances as part of an article would not apply.
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing two significant new use rules (SNURs) under section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for (i) di-n-pentyl phthalate (DnPP), and (ii) a short chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCP), and proposing to add nine benzidine-based chemical substances to the relevant existing SNUR. In the case of benzidine-based chemical substances, the EPA is also proposing to make inapplicable the exemption relating to persons that import or process substances as part of an article.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced that the “APEC Conference on Innovation and Trade” will be in Singapore on April 4 and 5 under the leadership of Japan. This is the first international APEC conference that focuses on the impact of trade promotion on innovation. The results of the forum will be reported at the APEC Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade in June 2012 and discussed at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and Ministerial Meeting in September 2012.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper agreed to initiate negotiations on a Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement at a Japan-Canada Summit Meeting on March 25, 2012. A specific schedule for negotiations will be coordinated later.