Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Federal Aviation Administration initiated an administrative proceeding, known as a notice of investigation, to determine whether the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will violate federal regulations if it follows through with its proposal to bar airlines from using takeoff and landing slots at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty International Airports if the slots are acquired by auction. (DOT press release 122-08, dated 08/26/08, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/dot12208.htm.)
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1. FAA to Review Legality of NY/NJ Port Authority's Proposal to Ban Certain Flights
2. TWIC Enrollment for Guam
The Transportation Security Administration is announcing that enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential for the Port of Guam will begin on September 4, 2008. (TSA notice, FR Pub 08/27/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19806.pdf.)
3. ITA/Interior Propose New Insurance Formula in Duty Refund Benefit for IP Watch/Jewelry Producers
The International Trade Administration and the Interior Department have issued a proposed rule to amend their regulations governing watch duty exemption allocations and watch and jewelry duty-refund benefits for producers in the U.S. insular possessions (IPs). The proposed rule would amend the regulations by updating the formula that is used to calculate the combined amount of individual and family health and life insurance per year that is creditable towards the duty refund benefit. Comments are due September 22, 2008. (ITA/Interior Dept. proposed rule, D/N 080716841-8842-01, FR Pub 08/21/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19411.pdf)
4. APHIS Proposes to Allow Imports of Chilean Grapes under a Systems Approach
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service issued a proposed rule to amend the fruits and vegetables regulations to allow fresh table grapes from Chile to be imported into the continental U.S. under a systems approach. Currently, as a condition of entry, all table grapes from Chile must be fumigated with methyl bromide as a risk-mitigation measure for Brevipalpus chilensis. Under this proposal, APHIS would allow a combination of risk-mitigation measures, or a systems approach, to be employed in lieu of methyl bromide fumigation. Comments due on or before October 27, 2008. APHIS press release on the proposed rule is available here. (Proposed rule, D/N APHIS-2007-0152, FR Pub 08/27/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19875.pdf.)
5. New Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee Established
The International Trade Administration issued a notice announcing the establishment of the Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee, which will advise the Commerce Secretary regarding the development and administration of programs to U.S. regulations, among other things. The notice also requests nominations for membership, which must be received on or before September 30, 2008. (ITA notice, FR Pub 08/27/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-19839.pdf.)
6. NC Ferry Terminal Begins Pilot Using Backscatter Imaging Technology
The Transportation Security Administration reports that a North Carolina ferry terminal began a four-week pilot in which it was using backscatter imaging - security screening technology already used at airports -to screen vehicles for explosives before they are driven onto the Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach Ferry near Havelock. (TSA notice, dated 08/26/08, available at http://www.tsa.gov/press/happenings/maritime_security_pilot.shtm.)
7. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
FAS issued the following GAIN reports:
China Agricultural Situation: Weekly Hongbao
Germany Bio-Fuels: First Biogas Plant Using 70 Percent Chicken Manure as Feedstock Inaugurated
Israel Poultry and Products: Bird Flu - 1/3/08
Taiwan Grain and Feed: Grain and Feed Annual
Turkey Cotton and Products: Cotton and Products Update
China Agricultural Situation: Weekly Hongbao
Colombia Agricultural Situation: Colombian Transporters Strike
Hong Kong FAIRS Subject Report: Chemicals Allowed in Hong Kong Food Regulations
8. Canada Concludes Free Trade Negotiations with Jordan
On August 25, 2008, the Government of Canada concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) with Jordan, as well as on parallel agreements on labor cooperation and the environment. Upon implementation, this FTA will eliminate tariffs on the vast majority of current Canadian exports to Jordan, directly benefiting Canadian exporters. (Press release available at http://www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/jordan-jordanie/index.aspx?lang=en.)
9. ACI Conference on Resolving Disputes with Chinese Entities, Oct. 20-21, 2008
The American Conference Institute will hold a conference geared to the private sector entitled, "Resolving Disputes with Chinese Entities," from October 20-21, 2008 in New York, NY. (Conference information available at http://www.americanconference.com/ChinaDisputes.htm)