The World Trade Organization has announced that the panel report in the disputes brought by the U.S. (DS375), Japan (DS376), and Taiwan (DS377) on the EC’s tariff treatment of certain IT products, including flat panel computer monitors, printers, copiers, faxes, etc. will again be delayed. The panel now expects to issue its report by July 2010.(WTO document - may have to attempt to open twice for proper viewing - available at http://docsonline.wto.org:80/DDFDocuments/t/WT/DS/377-10.doc)
World Customs Organization Secretary General Mikuriya has announced the accession of the Republic of Mali to the WCO International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures. (release dated 05/04/10, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/press/?v=1&lid=1&cid=7&id=210)
The Port of Los Angeles is pursuing plans to become the world’s first port to offer a reduced tariff for zero-emission vehicles imported into the U.S. through the Port. (News release, dated 05/04/10, available at http://www.portoflosangeles.org/newsroom/2010_releases/news_050410_zeroemissions.asp)
Canada's Border Service Agency has announced that the NEXUS program has reached the 400,000th member mark. NEXUS is available at all major Canadian airports, at 17 land border crossings and at over 430 marine ports of entry. It is a joint program of CBSA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and is designed to simplify border crossings for pre-approved travelers while enhancing security. (News release, dated 04/30/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/media/release-communique/2010/2010-04-30-eng.html)
The Canadian Border Services Agency has issued an updated version of its D-Memorandum on Settler's Effects Tariff Item No. 9807.00.00 (D2-2-1). This memorandum outlines and explains the conditions under which a settler may import goods into Canada for personal or household use without the payment of duties. (dated 05/04/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d2/d2-2-1-eng.html)
The World Trade Organization has issued its Trade Policy Review for Albania. Among other things, the review states that Albania has maintained an ambitious program of economic, legal and institutional reform, largely driven by WTO Membership and its desire to join the EU. In so doing, it has continued to engage in a remarkable process of transformation from a closed, centrally-planned economy to one that is liberal, market-oriented and private-sector driven. (Press release, dated 04/28/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp329_e.htm)
The World Trade Organization has posted a dataset of services commitments in preferential trade agreements. The dataset details the level of services commitments by WTO members in PTAs. Data is provided for 37 members (counting the European Union as one) in 40 PTAs. (Dataset, posted 05/04/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/serv_e/dataset_e/dataset_e.htm)
The Port of Long Beach is inviting the public to a meeting on May 6, 2010 to learn about and comment on plans by the Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles and regional air quality authorities to apply for statewide transportation grants to reduce air pollution. (Notice, posted 05/03/10, available at http://www.polb.com/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=690&targetid=1)
Canadian International Trade Minister Van Loan gave an update on the status of Canada-European Union talks on a comprehensive economic and trade agreement, noting that a third round of talks began in Ottawa on April 19. A fourth negotiating round will take place in Brussels in July 2010. The deal is expected to deliver a $12-billion annual boost to the Canadian economy. (Release dated 04/30/10, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2010/147.aspx?lang=eng)
Canada's Department of the Environment and Department of Health are proposing to add the following toxic substances to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999: “Michler’s ketone”; “butanone oxime”; and “n-butyl glycidyl ether.” Comments are due in 60 days from May 1, 2010 (Canada Gazette, dated 05/01/10, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2010/2010-05-01/html/reg2-eng.html)