Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce Online reports that on June 1, 2004, the World Trade Organization (WTO) delayed its decision on a request for sanctions against the U.S. in the "Byrd Amendment" case. According to the article, the European Union, Canada, Japan, India, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and South Korea are seeking the right to retaliate against U.S. exports because the U.S. Congress has failed to repeal the Byrd Amendment, which the WTO declared illegal more than a year ago. (JoC Online dated 06/01/04, www.joc.com.)
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1. WTO Delays its Decision on "Byrd Amendment" Sanctions Against U.S.
2. DHS Secretary and Attorney General Joint Statement on Threat of Terrorist Attacks in Upcoming Months
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a joint statement by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Attorney General John Ashcroft regarding credible intelligence from multiple sources which indicates that al-Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the U.S. in the coming months. According to the statement, based on this credible intelligence the U.S. has made additional efforts in recent months and has improved intelligence collection and sharing, enabling government agencies to better prevent terrorist attacks. (Joint Ridge/Ashcroft statement, dated 05/28/04, available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=3654.)
3. U.S. and Canada Sign Science and Technology Agreement
The State Department has issued a press release announcing that on June 1, 2004, the U.S and Canada signed an "Agreement for Cooperation in Science and Technology for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Border Security." According to the press release, this agreement creates new mechanisms to help the U.S. and Canada work together to protect common infrastructures and strengthen the security of the common borders. (State Dept press release, dated 06/01/04, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/33009.htm.)
4. IMO Rules on Air Pollution from Ships to Enter into Force in May 2005
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that regulations for the prevention of air pollution from ships are set to enter into force on May 19, 2005, following Samoa's ratification of Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78). IMO states that Annex VI sets limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone-depleting substances. (IMO press release, dated 05/26/04, available at http://www.imo.org/home.asp)
5. Canada Border Services Revises One Memorandum and Replaces Another
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has issued a notice stating that Appendix H (Bar Code Specifications for Cargo Control Numbers) to its May 1994 Memorandum entitled, Regulations Respecting the Importation, Transportation, and Exportation of Goods, has been revised. In addition, CBSA has issued a Memorandum entitled, Release of Commercial Goods, which replaces section 2 (Release) in its Memorandum entitled, Importing Commercial Goods. (Memorandum D3-1-1 (Appendix H), dated 02/26/04, available at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d3-1-1/README.html) (Memorandum D17-1-4 (Release), dated 02/26/04, available at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cm/d17-1-4/README.html)
6. ITA Seeks Comments for Study of International Drug Pricing
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a notice seeking information pursuant to a study of international drug pricing, as required by section 1123 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. The ITA states that comments should be submitted by July 1, 2004. (FR Pub 06/01/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-12205.pdf)
7. ITA Announces Inaugural Meeting of the Manufacturing Council
The International Trade Administration (ITA) states that the Manufacturing Council will hold its inaugural meeting on June 15, 2004. The ITA explains that this council was established to ensure regular communication between government and the manufacturing sector. For more information on attending this meeting, visit www.manufacturing.gov/council.htm. (FR Pub 05/28/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-12143.pdf)
8. ITA Seeks Comments on Work of Unfair Trade Practices Taskforce
The International Trade Administration (ITA) has issued a notice requesting public comment on the work of the newly established Unfair Trade Practices Task Force. To help the Task Force establish its initial priorities, ITA is asking the public and representatives of the manufacturing sector to identify unfair trade practices of the greatest concern that are deserving of the Task Force's attention. Written comments and electronic files must be received on or before 5 p.m. on June 28, 2004. (FR Pub 05/27/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-12050.pdf)