Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. EC Issues Annual Report on U.S. Barriers to Trade & Investment

2. CBP Amends Regs on Certification of Cargo Containers for Int'l Transport Pursuant to Int'l Conventions

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a final rule, effective July 27, 2009, which amends 19 CFR concerning the certification of cargo containers for international transport pursuant to international customs conventions. These amendments reflect the designation of Lloyd's Register North America, Inc. as an authority in certifying containers for international transport under customs seal and the update of the addresses of three designated Certifying Authorities that are already listed in the CBP regulations. (FR Pub 07/27/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-17876.pdf)

3. APHIS Recognizes 16 South Africa Districts as Pest-Free for Citrus Black Spot

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a notice advising the public that after reviewing a request from South Africa to recognize 16 additional magisterial districts in 3 provinces as pest-free areas for citrus black spot, APHIS has determined that these areas meet the criteria in its regulations for recognition as pest-free areas. Comments are due September 25, 2009. (D/N APHIS-2009-0037, FR Pub 07/27/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-17794.pdf)

4. FSIS Updates List of Canadian Establishments Eligible to Export Meat and Poultry to USA

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a July 24, 2009 version of its list of Canadian establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S. (List, dated 07/24/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Canada_establishments.pdf)

5. FAS Reports Acceptance of DEIP Bids for Nonfat Dry Milk

The Foreign Agricultural Service reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation has accepted several bids from exporters P.S. International, Ltd. and James Farrell & Co., Inc., under the Dairy Export Incentive Program for nonfat dry milk to Africa and the Middle East. (Notice, dated 07/23/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0140-09)

6. WTO Issues Trade Policy Review for Zambia

The World Trade Organization has issued its Trade Policy Review for Zambia which states that from 2003 to mid 2008, Zambia's economy moved from stagnation towards steady growth, greater prosperity and better access to foreign investment. However, the economy's increasing dependence on mining copper which now accounts for over 75% of total exports and the need for progress on structural reforms to diversify the economy are problems. (Press Release, dated 07/27/09, available at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp319_e.htm)

7. Canada Gazette Notice on Rescission of Finding for Wood Slats from China

In the July 25, 2009 edition of the Canada Gazette, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal gave notice that on July 15, 2009 it rescinded its finding with respect to wood slats originating in or exported from China. (Notice, dated 07/15/09, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2009/2009-07-25/html/commis-eng.htmlf103)

8. Updated List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries

FSIS has provided updated information as noted below for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following:

MexicoPlant List (July 24, 2009)

Australia Plant List (July 23, 2009)

9. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:

(CPSC recall available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereljul09.html)

10. Agency Seeks Comments on Information Collections

Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):

Agency Information Collection Comments Due

(Information collection notices are hyperlinked to agency name.)