Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. China: Market to Play Bigger Role in Yuan's Value, Convertibility Possible

2. USTR Submits List of Reform Recommendations for Japan Market

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a press release announcing that it has submitted to Japan a broad and detailed list of reform recommendations aimed at improving the overall business climate and competitive position for innovators in Japan's market while expanding opportunities for U.S. exporters, placing particular emphasis on urging Japan to enact a range of pro-innovation policies in the medical devices and pharmaceuticals sectors. (USTR press release, dated 10/18/07, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/October/Schwab_Urges_Japans_Continued_Commitment_to_Reform_-_Annual_US_Reform_Recommendations_Presented_to_Japan.html)

3. Indictment for Procurement to Export Accelerometers to China

According to a Justice Department press release, a federal grand jury sitting in San Diego handed up an indictment charging Qing Li with conspiracy to procure the illegal export of military-grade accelerometers from the U.S. to China based on an undercover operation by agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS). Accelerometers are a designated defense article frequently used in missiles, "smart bombs" and other major weapons systems. (Press release, dated 10/18/07, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2007/October/07_nsd_833.html)

4. APHIS Approves Two Additional Animal ID Devices

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a press release announcing the approval of two new animal identification devices for use in the national animal identification system: a visual tag with radio frequency identification (RFID) and the first approved injectable transponder. (Press release, dated 10/11/07, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2007/10/naisdevices.shtml)

5. FSIS Updates Export Requirements for Meat, Poultry for Various Countries

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has updated the export requirements for meat, poultry, and/or egg products for the following countries: European Union, Russia, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Cuba, Korea, and Canada. (Requirements, updated in 10/07, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Index_of_Import_Requirements_by_Country/index.asp)

6. Meeting on DR-CAFTA Commercial Availability Request for Fleece Fabrics

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has issued an electronic notice announcing that it has scheduled a meeting with representatives of Perry Manufacturing Company, Texpasa S.A., and Elcatex S.A.de C.V. on October 25, 2007, at 11:30 am in Washington, D.C. regarding Perry's recent DR-CAFTA commercial availability request for certain fleece fabrics. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/19/07 news, 07101930, for BP summary of CITA extending the deadline for consideration of Perry's request.) (CITA notice, dated 10/19/07, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

7. APHIS to Issue Permits for Importation of Eggplant, Okra, & Peppers from Ghana

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection service has issued notice advising the public of APHIS' decision to begin issuing permits for the importation of eggplant and okra from Ghana into all areas of the U.S. and the importation of peppers from Ghana into the continental U.S., based on the findings of a pest risk analysis. (D/N APHIS-2007-0102, FR Pub 10/19/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-20674.pdf)

8. State Dept Committee Meeting on Consumer Protection Proposals

The State Department has issued a notice announcing that its Advisory Committee on Private International Law will hold a public meeting on October 31, 2007 in Washington, DC to review three proposals with regard to consumer protection: (1) a draft Brazilian treaty on choice of law, (2) a Canadian draft model law on choice of law and jurisdiction, and a U.S. proposal for a model law on the availability of consumer dispute resolution and redress. (Public Notice 5962, FR Pub 10/19/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-20647.pdf)

9. PTO Final Rule Corrects Effective/Applicability Date Errors Under 37 CFR

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has issued a final rule, effective November 9, 2007, to correct errors concerning the effective date and applicability date of 37 CFR 1.497 and the fee amount specified in 37 CFR, as published in a September 2007 PTO final rule revising the rules of practice in 37 CFR to conform them to certain amendments made to the Regulations under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) that took effect on April 1, 2007. (PTO final rule, D/N PTO-C-2006-0057, FR Pub 10/11/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-19960.pdf and PTO September 2007 final rule, (D/N PTO-C-2006-0057, FR Pub 09/10/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-17711.pdf)

10. NHTSA Proposes Rule to Ensure Enough VIN Numbers for 30 Years, Etc.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule to amend NHTSA's Vehicle Identification Number regulation. Among other things, the amendment would ensure that there will be a sufficient number of unique manufacturer identifiers and VINs for the current 17-character VIN system to use for at least another 30 years. Comments are due by November 16, 2007. (NHTSA proposed rule, D/N NHTSA-2007-27830, FR Pub 10/02/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-18925.pdf)