Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
On July 22, 2004, both the House of Representatives and the Senate passed H.R. 4842, the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Implementation Act. (See future issue of ITT for additional details on H.R. 4842 and the U.S.-Morocco FTA.)
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1. Congress Passes U.S.-Morocco FTA Implementing Legislation
2. Congress Passes Conference Version of Coast Guard Authorization Bill
On July 21, 2004, the House of Representatives passed the conference version of H.R. 2443, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act, a bill that would, among other things, authorize fiscal year (FY) 2004 and 2005 appropriations for the U.S. Coast Guard. On July 22, 2004, the Senate passed the conference version of H.R. 2443, clearing the measure for the President. (H.R. 2443 conference report (H. Rept. 108-617) available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_reports&docid=f:hr617.108.pdf.)
3. Vietnam Closer to Reaching Agreement on WTO Membership
The World Trade Organization's (WTO's) 63 members negotiating a membership package with Vietnam praised that country for considerably improving its market access offers for goods and services as well as its program for applying WTO agreements. While the negotiating members stated that they were much closer to an agreement with Vietnam than at their December 2003 meeting, the negotiating members also said a good deal of work still remains. (WTO Press Release, dated 06/15/04, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news04_e/acc_vietnam_15june04_e.htm)
4. Taiwan's Legislature Has Revised Customs Rules
The Journal of Commerce Online (JoC Online) has reported that revisions to Taiwan's customs law by its legislature should mean better and faster clearance procedures. According to JoC Online, the changes are in line with the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Kyoto Convention) and are intended to improve trade facilitation. (JoC Online Pub 07/19/04, www.joc.com)
5. WCO Announces Cooperation Agreement with EAN International to Implement & Promote the WCO UCR
According to a World Customs Organization (WCO) press release, the WCO and EAN International have agreed to cooperate on the implementation and promotion of the WCO Unique Consignment Reference (UCR). The WCO UCR is aimed at providing an "origin to destination" reference key for all international consignments and will help various Customs administrations along the supply chain cooperate and offer authorized traders end-to-end premium procedures and simple integrated treatment of the total transaction. (WCO Press Release, dated 06/25/04, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/ie/En/press/Joint%20Statement%20WCO%20EAN_36.htm)
6. APHIS Extends Comment Period on ANPR for Humane Handling, Etc. of Certain Birds, Rats, and Mice
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has extended the comment period until November 1, 2004 (from August 3, 2004) on its advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) regarding several changes it is considering to 9 CFR Parts 2 and 3 to help promote the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of birds, rats, and mice not specifically excluded from coverage under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). (See ITT's Online Archives or 06/17/04 news, 04061799 3, for BP summary of the ANPR.) (D/N 98-106-5, FR Pub 07/21/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-16541.pdf)
7. FTC Issues Final Rule on Comparability Ranges for Water Heaters, Etc.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule, effective October 12, 2004, that announces new ranges of comparability for storage-type water heaters, gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. The FTC also states that the current ranges of comparability required by the Appliance Labeling Rule for room air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, and pool heaters will remain in effect until further notice. (FR Pub 07/14/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-15924.pdf)
8. Various Agencies Seek Comments on Information Collections Submitted to OMB
The following agencies have submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), for review and approval/clearance the following information collections:
| Agency | Information Collection | Comments Due |
| ITC | Producer Questionnaire, Foundry Products | Comments may be submitted1 |
| Treasury Department | Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Loss Reporting (Forms: TRIP 01 and TRIP 02) | 07/30/042 |
| BIS | Procedure for Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Violations | within 30 days of 06/30/043 |
| BIS | Procedures for Acceptance or Rejection of Rated Order | within 30 days of 06/30/044 |
1 FR Pub 07/12/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-15674.pdf
2 FR Pub 06/30/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-14794.pdf
3 FR Pub 06/30/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-14835.pdf
4 FR Pub 06/30/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-14838.pdf