The European Chemical Agency's current REACH-IT system will be shut down as of 17.00 (EET) on May 26, 2010 to allow data to be backed up, migrated to the new system and tested. The new version of REACH-IT will go live on Monday May 31, 2010.
The World Bank reports that the first quarter of 2010 saw a 20% decrease in industry demands for new antidumping, safeguard, and countervailing duty investigations from the same time period in 2009. This follows the fourth quarter of 2009 which also resulted in a 20% decrease relative to the same time period in 2008.
In the May 26, 2010 edition of the Official Journal of the European Union, the following trade-related Commission Regulations were posted:
The World Trade Organization has circulated Thailand's responses to U.S. questions on its programs to promote manufacturing of passenger cars and motorcycles in Thailand. Thailand states that approved companies are eligible to receive waivers on import duties for machinery and an exemption on corporate income tax for periods of 3-8 years.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is announcing that the 2010-2011 tariff rate quota for frozen pork from the European Union will be accessible on July 5, 2010, at 12:00 noon (EDT). Any applications submitted prior to that date and time will be rejected. Information on the issuance of import permits for this TRQ available here.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued a notice to (1) inform importers of the Minister’s policies on administering the 3,394,000 kilogram tariff rate quota for specialty creams, and (2) to invite applications for quota shares of this cream TRQ available for August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued a notice to (1) inform importers of the Minister’s policies on administering the 3,198,000 kilogram tariff rate quota for powdered whey, and (2) invite applications for quota shares of this whey TRQ level that are available for August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011.
Canada has issued the 2010 list of companies that hold quota for broiler hatching eggs & chicks.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has a web page devoted to current and pending Free Trade Agreements, negotiations, Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection (FIPAS) agreements, and other types of agreements. The text of Canada's FTA and other agreements, as well as information on negotiations, is available from this site.
The Government of Canada is proposing to update the Canadian safety standards for Anchorages of Seats and Seat Belt Anchorages, as well as amend the definitions of designated seating position and designated seating capacity. These proposals will improve safety and harmonized motor vehicle regulations among the NAFTA parties.