The Office of Management and Budget requests comments on the advisability of adopting the Economic Classification Policy Committee's recommendations for North American Industry Classification System updates for 2012, which would clarify definitions and content, recognize new and emerging industries, and correct errors and omissions. Comments are due by July 12, 2010. (OMB notice, FR Pub 05/12/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-11290.pdf)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has canceled its open Commission meeting on May 12, 2010 in which it was scheduled to vote on a final rule for infant bath seats. (CPSC calendar available at http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html)
The Census Bureau has issued an Automated Export System broadcast notifying AESDirect program users that on the morning of May 10, 2010, AESDirect experienced a lack of communication to AES. Census states that the issue has been resolved; however, it caused a large backlog of Electronic Export Information transactions to be processed. Census suggests that AESDirect users await their response for any shipments that were filed during this time. Copies of (AES Broadcast #2010026 are available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Ferro stated in April 28, 2010 testimony before a Subcommittee of Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation, that even with the continued growth in commercial vehicle traffic, the data shows that our Nation's highways experienced their lowest number of fatalities (4,525 in 2008) from crashes involving large trucks and buses since fatal crash data collection began in 1975. (Testimony, dated 04/28/10, available at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/news/speeches/Written-Testimony-for-Administrator-Anne-Ferro.aspx)
The International Trade Administration has made a preliminary affirmative antidumping determination that seamless refined copper pipe and tube from Mexico is being, or is likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value (A-201-838).
The International Trade Administration has made a preliminary affirmative antidumping determination that seamless refined copper pipe and tube from China is being, or is likely to be, sold in the U.S. at less than fair value (A-570-964).
The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have announced that Operation Network Raider1, which targets the illegal distribution of counterfeit network hardware manufactured in China, has resulted in 30 felony convictions and more than 700 seizures of counterfeit Cisco network hardware and labels with an estimated retail value of more than $143 million.
The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that the Pep Boys automotive aftermarket and service chain has agreed to take corrective measures and pay $5 million in civil penalties to settle claims that it violated the Clean Air Act by importing and selling motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and generators manufactured in China that do not comply with U.S. environmental requirements. In addition, the EPA announced that Baja, Inc., which supplied the non-compliant vehicles to Pep Boys, is also settling with the U.S.
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico are proposing that the scope of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layerbe expanded to cover the phase down and licensing (or ban in certain situations) of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)1. The three nations state that a phase down approach is needed (rather than a phase out), as there may not be substitute chemicals for all HFC applications.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a memorandum announcing that the fourth tranche for the fiscal year 2010 specialty sugar tariff rate quota opens on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. EST, or its equivalent in other time zones.