Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
American Shipper reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Deputy Commissioner Jayson Ahern recently stated that the mandatory use of container security devices on all ocean containers entering the U.S. is unlikely due to difficulty finding a reliable CSD; however, CSDs could be useful in limited applications. (AS, dated 10/31/07, www.americanshipper.com)
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1. CBP Deputy Commissioner Envisions Limited Role for CSDs
2. CBP Arizona Top Official Says All AZ Ports Could Use Improvement
According to Arizona Daily Star, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's top official in Arizona, David Higgerson, has stated that none of the ports of entry in Arizona are in good shape and could all use improvement. (AZ Daily Star, dated 10/31/07, available at http://www.azstarnet.com/metro/209111.php)
3. APHIS Adopts Wood Packaging Material Interim Rule as Final
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective October 30, 2007, adopting its interim rule, without change, that amended 7 CFR Part 353 to clarify that an International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) quality/treatment mark is an industry-issued certificate for the export of wood packaging material (WPM), and may only be issued when the organization applying the mark has entered into an agreement with APHIS. (See ITT's Online Archives or 07/18/07 news, 07071815, for BP summary of the interim rule.) (D/N APHIS-2006-0122, FR Pub 10/30/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-21316.pdf)
4. ITA's Travel and Tourism Advisory Board's Charter Renewed for Two Years
The International Trade Administration has issued a notice announcing the renewal of the charter for the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board for a two-year period, through September 21, 2009. (FR Pub 10/24/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-20915.pdf)
5. FSIS Updates Lists of Plants Certified to Export Meat, Etc. to U.S.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has updated its lists of eligible foreign establishments certified to export meat, poultry, and/or egg products to the U.S. for the following countries: New Zealand, Canada, Italy, and Australia. (Lists, updated 10/19/07-10/25/07, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Eligible_Foreign_Establishments/index.asp)
6. PHMSA Proposes to Permit Certain Fuel Cell Cartridges, Systems to be Transported by Air Passengers
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a proposed rule to amend the Hazardous Materials Regulations to permit certain fuel cell cartridges and fuel cell systems designed for portable electronic devices to be transported by passengers and crew in carry-on baggage on board passenger-carrying aircraft. Written comments should be submitted on or before November 19, 2007. (D/N PHMSA-2006-25446 (HM-243), FR Pub 09/20/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-18532.pdf)
7. TSA Extends Comment Period on Secure Flight Program Proposed Rule
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a notice extending the comment period to November 21, 2007 (from October 22nd) on its proposed rule to assume from aircraft operators the function of conducting pre-flight comparisons of airline passenger information to federal government watch lists for international and domestic flights under its proposed Secure Flight Program. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/05/07 news, 07090599 8, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (TSA comment extension notice, D/N TSA-2007-28572, FR Pub 10/24/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-5254.pdf)
8. FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Impact-Resistant Lenses
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a notice announcing the availability of a draft guidance entitled "Impact-Resistant Lenses: Questions and Answers," which answers importer, manufacturer, and consumer questions on impact-resistant lenses. Written or electronic comments are due by January 24, 2008. (D/N 2007D-0364, FR Pub 10/26/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-21122.pdf)
9. OIG Issues Review of DHS' Michigan-Canada Border Activities
The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General has issued a review (unclassified summary) of the challenges facing DHS components charged with securing the border between the cities of Detroit and Port Huron, and the steps being taken to meet those challenges, among other things. (OIG-07-68, dated August 2007, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_07-68_Aug07.pdf)
10. OIG Issues Audit of Aviation Security Requirements at Foreign Airports
The OIG has issued an audit of the implementation of aviation security requirements at foreign airports based on discussions with Transportation Security Administration representatives, foreign government officials and airport authority representatives, U.S. aircraft operator representatives, and certain companies providing contracted screening services. (OIG-07-64, dated August 2007, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/assets/mgmtrpts/OIG_07-64_Aug07.pdf)
11. BIS Guidance on the Int'l Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act
The Bureau of Industry and Security has posted to its Web site a press release and fact sheet which highlight the enhanced penalties and other provisions contained in the recently enacted International Emergency Economic Powers Enhancement Act (Public Law 110-96) and provides guidance on how BIS will apply the provisions of P.L. 110-96. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/23/07 news, 07102325, for BP summary of the signing of P.L. 110-96 into law.) (BIS press release (dated 11/07/07) available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/News/2007/Mancuso11012007.htm; BIS fact sheet (dated 11/01/07) available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/News/2007/FactSheet11012007.pdf.)