On April 29, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual. This Manual summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 04/29/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
On April 28, 2010, APHIS updated the Manual for Agricultural Clearance. The manual provides CBP personnel working at airport and maritime locations with the guidelines, directions, and policy for clearing carriers and passengers/crew and controlling garbage and cargo. (Manual, updated 04/28/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/mac.shtml)
The State Department has announced that the U.S., Canada and Mexico submitted a joint North American proposal on April 30, 2010 to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. (State release, dated 04/30/10, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/04/141074.htm)
On April 28, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks highlighting the Department’s ongoing efforts to bolster aviation security at the National Chamber Foundation’s Annual Aviation Summit—a forum sponsored by the non-profit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in order to foster public debate on emerging critical aviation issues. (News release, dated 04/28/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1272490740438.shtm)
The Department of Homeland Security has announced that Secretary Napolitano and Mexican Interior Secretary Gómez-Mont will participate in a moderated discussion about U.S.-Mexico cooperation to strengthen security, coordinate law enforcement activities, and streamline lawful commerce and travel on May 4, 2010. The discussion and the entire event will be streamed live on www.dhs.gov/live.
The International Trade Administration has issued a fact sheet announcing its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty investigations of certain coated paper suitable for high-quality print graphics using sheet-fed presses from China and Indonesia (A-570-958 and A-560-823).
The International Trade Administration is requesting comments on any subsidies, including stumpage subsidies, provided by certain countries exporting softwood lumber or softwood lumber products to the U.S. during the period July 1 -- December 31, 2009.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to request data and information on the food1 transportation industry and its practices. FDA is also requesting data and information on the contamination of transported foods and any associated outbreaks.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has released its 2010 “Special 301” annual report on the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection by U.S. trading partners.
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that it will hold confidential hearings on May 11-13, 2010 pursuant to its investigation into current conditions and practices in the U.S. liner trades, including container vessel capacity and equipment availability, as well as potential impediments to the flow of ocean-borne import and export trades.