Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce reports that 11 of the 12 security elements included in the 102 proposed rule are consistent with the World Customs Organization's Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE Framework), and the U.S. intends to go through the formal process of amending the SAFE Framework to include the last element, country of origin. (See ITT's Online Archives or 02/04/08 news, 08020405, for most recent BP summary on 102) (JoC, dated 01/28/08, www.joc.com.)
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1. U.S. to Try to Amend WCO's SAFE Framework for One 102 Element
2. CBP Updates Q&A Documents on its RFI for Container Security Devices
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted two updates of its question and answer document on CBP's Request for Information (RFI) for conveyance security devices (CSDs, commonly referred to as container security devices). (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/16/08 news, 08011610, for BP summary of CBP's clarification of its RFI's technical requirements for CSDs.) (CBP updated Q & A documents, dated 01/28/08 and 01/31/08, available at http://www.fbo.gov/spg/DHS/USCS/PDDC20229/Reference%2DNumber%2DRFICSD/listing.html)
3. Recent Changes to AESDirect May Affect Pop-Up Blockers
The Census Bureau has issued an Automated Export System (AES) broadcast announcing that the recent changes to AESDirect may have affected how pop-up blockers treat some of the pop-up windows opened by AESDirect. The broadcast is to serve as a reminder that all pop-up blockers must be either disabled or set to allow all pop-ups from www.aesdirect.gov. (AES Broadcast 2008004, dated 01/28/08, available by emailing BP at documents@brokerpower.com)
4. FAS Accepting Applications for Emerging Markets Program Funding
The Foreign Agricultural Service has issued a press release announcing that it is accepting applications for the Emerging Markets Program (EMP) to help expand commercial export markets for U.S. agricultural commodities. Applications for funding are due by 5:00 p.m. EST on Feb. 25, 2008 and can be submitted online at http://www.fas.usda.gov/cooperators.html. (FAS press release, dated 01/23/08, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0025-08)
5. TSA Updates its Quarterly TWIC Deployment Plan
The Transportation Security Administration has issued an updated version, as of January 24, 2008, of its quarterly deployment plan for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential. (TSA's TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan as of 01/24/08, available at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule.pdf)
6. NRC Held Meetings on Transportation of Radioactive Material in January
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued a notice announcing three public meetings to seek public comment to enhance the development of the technical basis for rulemaking proposing to revise NRC regulations on the security requirements for the transportation of Radioactive Material in Quantities of Concern (RAMQC). These meetings were scheduled to have taken place on January 15, 17, and 23, 2008. Comments should be submitted by February 8, 2008. (NRC Notice, FR Pub 01/04/08, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E7-25630.pdf)
7. APHIS Proposes to Amend its Regulations on Transport of Live Animals
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a notice proposing to amend the Animal Welfare Act regulations regarding transportation of live animals other than marine mammals by removing the current ambient temperature requirements for various stages in the transportation of those animals and replacing those requirements with a single performance standard under which the animals would be transported under climatic and environmental conditions appropriate for their welfare. Submit comments by March 3, 2008. (APHIS notice, D/N 99-014-2, FR Pub 01/03/08, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E7-25530.pdf)
8. EPA Proposes Clarification for Chemical Identification Describing Activated Phosphors
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a notice proposing clarification for chemical identification describing activated phosphors for the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) section 8(b) Chemical Substance Inventory purposes. This proposed clarification is necessary because EPA's interpretations in this area have been inconsistent. Comments are due by March 17, 2008. (EPA Notice, EPA-HQ-OPPT-2007-0392, FR Pub 01/16/08, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20081800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-681.pdf)
9. FAS Reports on EU Animal Disease Situation, Animal Cloning, Trade Agreements
The Foreign Agricultural Service has issued three attach reports which respectively state that: (1) the European Union reported that Foot and Mouth Disease, Bluetongue and Avian Influenza developed beyond expectations in 2007; (2) on January 11, 2008, the European Food Safety Authority released a Draft Scientific Opinion on Food Safety, Animal Health and Welfare and Environmental Impact of Animals derived from Cloning by Somatic Cell Nucleus Transfer; and (3) the EU released a report providing an overview of current and prospective EU bilateral and regional trade agreements. (Attach reports, released 01/16/08 and 01/18/08, available by query at http://www.fas.usda.gov/cots/attache.html)