Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
In a letter to DHS Secretary Chertoff, seventeen Senators, lead by Oregon Senators Smith and Wyden, expressed their concerns about CBP's proposed reinterpretation of the practice of Customs valuation based on the first sale rule. (Letter, dated 04/17/08, available by emailing BP at documents@brokerpower.com )
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1. 17 Senators Write DHS Criticizing Proposed Change to "First Sale" Rule
2. EPA Revises EnergyStar Specifications for TVs Effective Nov 1, 2008
The EPA has announced a revised Energy Star specification for televisions: effective Nov. 1, 2008, TVs that carry the Energy Star label will be up to 30 percent more efficient than conventional models and will save energy while they are on and when they are off. The new modifications are expected to prevent greenhouse gas emissions while offering U.S. consumers the very best in terms of feature-rich, high-quality TVs. (released 02/05/08, http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/dc57b08b5acd42bc852573c90044a9c4/e089a15a83c8b922852573e600671f67!OpenDocument )
3. EPA Asking Organizations to Join Energy Star Carbon IT Campaign
The EPA is asking organizations to join the Energy Star Low Carbon IT Campaign. By enabling the power management, or sleep mode, on their computers and monitors, organizations will help reduce our growing demand for electricity, and save money while fighting climate change. (released 04/03/08, http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/dc57b08b5acd42bc852573c90044a9c4/0bda6ac3a293fb6e85257420004aa066!OpenDocument )
4. China, EU Leaders Meet on Trade Tensions
According to WTOPnews.com, Chinese and European Union leaders launched a high-level dialogue Friday on tensions over China's swelling trade surplus with Europe and disagreements over how to tackle climate change. (dated 04/25/08, http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=111&sid=1393243 )
5. U.S.-Chile Meeting on Environmental Provisions of U.S.-Chile FTA
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative reports that on April 23-24, 2008, U.S. and Chilean officials were scheduled to meet in Santiago, Chile to discuss the Environment Chapter of the U.S.-Chile FTA and the work plan associated with the Environmental Cooperation Agreement. (dated 04/21/08, http://www.ustr.gov/assets/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2008/April/asset_upload_file941_14859.pdf )
6. Nigeria Blocks Export of Hardwoods
According to AllAfrica.com, Nigeria's Federal Government has ordered its Customs Service to immediately confiscate containers of hardwood being shipped out of the country, as it is interfering with local furniture manufacturing industries. (dated 04/28/008, http://allafrica.com/stories/200804281670.html )
7. Fine Land Corp Recalls Various Products Due to Undeclared Sulfites
The FDA has posted notices announcing that Fine Land Corp of Brooklyn, NY is recalling the following products due to undeclared sulfites: Golden Girl Brand "Mut Gung" Sweetened Ginger (product of Vietnam); Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Dried Bulbus Lily (product of China); and Ying Feng Foodstuffs Brand Dried Snow Fungus (product of China). (Ginger release at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/fineland204_08.html, Lily release at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/fineland304_08.html, Fungus release at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/fineland04_08.html .)
8. CBP LA Public Bulletins and Chicago Pipeline
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Ports of Los Angeles and Chicago recently issued the following Public Bulletins and Pipeline:
Changes to Post-Entry Amendment Procedures (LA Bulletin LA08-011)
DFO Announces Interim Assistant Director, Trade Operations (LA Bulletin LA08-013)
Announcement of the Centralized Examination Station Application Period and Selection Process for the Port of Chicago, Illinois (Chicago Pipeline 08-16)
(Information Bulletins, Pipeline available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)