Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
In late September 2008, numerous agricultural and business groups and companies sent a letter to House and Senate leaders urging Congress to reject any attempts to reinstate any provisions of the "Byrd Amendment" (also known as the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act (CDSOA)). According to the letter, the trade groups were concerned that Byrd Amendment provisions could be added to a "must pass" bill in the closing days of Congressional business. (Letter, dated 09/24/08, available at http://www.ncbfaa.org/files/opposebyrdamendment.pdf.)
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1. Numerous Companies and Groups Urge Congress to Reject Attempts to Reinstate Any Byrd Amendment Provisions
2. CBP Provides More Streamlined Process for Nonimmigrant Aliens With HIV
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final rule, effective October 6, 2008, amending 8 CFR Parts 100 and 212 to provide, on a limited and categorical basis, a more streamlined process for nonimmigrant aliens infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to enter the U.S. as visitors on temporary visas (for business or pleasure) for up to 30 days. (D/N USCBP-2007-0084; CBP Dec. 08-41, FR Pub 10/06/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-23287.pdf)
3. Environmental Technologies Committee Seeks Nominations
The International Trade Administration has issued a notice requesting nominations for the Environmental Technologies Trade Advisory Committee by October 24, 2008. (FR Pub 10/06/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-23525.pdf)
4. Illinois-Based Chemical Manufacturer Settles Charges of EAR Violations
The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a press release announcing that a chemical manufacturer, Nalco Company of Illinois, has agreed to pay a $115,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it made thirteen unlicensed exports in violation of the Export Administration Regulations. (BIS press release, dated 10/03/08, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2008/bis_press10032008.htm)
5. Agriculture Secretary Announces Lamb Board Appointments
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer announced on October 2, 2008 five appointments to the 2009 Lamb Promotion, Research and Information Board. Appointees will serve 3-year terms. (USDA, dated 10/026/08, available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateU&navID=&page=Newsroom&resultType=Details&dDocName=STELPRDC5072881&dID=101397&wf=false&description=SchaferAnnouncesAmericanLambBoardAppointments&topNav=Newsroom&leftNav=&rightN)
6. FDA Revises Its Import Alert on Food Products Containing Sulfites
The Food and Drug Administration issued a revised version of its import alert on the detention without physical examination and surveillance of food products containing sulfites. (IA 99-21, revised 10/02/08, available at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia9921.html)
7. FDA Revises Its Import Alert onSurgeon/Patient Examination Gloves
The Food and Drug Administration issued a revised version of its import alert on the detention without physical examination and surveillance of surgeon's and/or patient examination gloves. (IA 80-04, revised 10/02/08, available at http://www.fda.gov/ora/fiars/ora_import_ia8004.html)
8. Canada AD/CV Orders on Certain Steel Round Wire from U.S., Korea, Switzerland, India to Expire in July 2009
The Canada Gazette reports that the AD duty order on certain stainless steel round wire from Korea, Switzerland, and the U.S. and the CV duty order of such products from India, are scheduled to expire on July 29, 2009. (CG, updated 10/03/08, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2008/20081004/html/commis-e.htmlf111)
9. Canada AD/CV Orders on Wood Slats from Mexico, China to Expire in June 2009
The Canada Gazette reports that the AD and CV duty orders on wood slats from Mexico and China are scheduled to expire on June 17, 2008. (CG, updated 10/03/08, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2008/20081004/html/commis-e.htmlf115)
10. Canada Request for Removal of Duties on Certain Woven Polyester Fabric
The Canada Gazette reports that the Canadian International Trade Tribunal has received a request for the removal, for an indeterminate period of time, of the customs duty on importations from all countries of certain woven fabric. The Tribunal has commenced an investigation based on this request. (CG, updated 10/03/08, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/partI/2008/20081004/html/commis-e.htmlf113)
11. China's Quality Watchdog Lists Agencies Approved to Conduct Melamine Testing
The Chinese Government's Official Web Portal reports that China's quality watchdog published on Thursday a list of more than 300 testing agencies approved to conduct melamine testing. (GOV.cn, dated 10/03/08, available at http://english.gov.cn/2008-10/03/content_1111225.htm)