Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. NJ/NY Port Authority Authorizes Clean Air Initiatives

2. ILA Unanimously Rejects Contract Extension Sought by USMX

On September 3, 2009, the International Longshoremen's Association unanimously rejected a proposed tow-year contract extension offered by the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX). According to an ILA press release, the terms of the current contract will remain in effect for the next 12 months. (ILA press release, dated 09/03/09, available at http://www.ilaunion.org/news_WageScaleRejection.html.)

3. White House Fact Sheets on Outcomes of Recent G-20 Summit

The White House has posted a series of fact sheets outlining the outcomes of the G-20 Summit held in Pittsburgh on September 24-25, 2009. These fact sheets discuss key accomplishments, international economic architecture, food security, climate change challenges, etc. The G-20 Summit Leaders' Statement is available here. (Fact sheets, posted 09/25/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Post-G20-meeting-fact-sheets/.)

4. President Intends to Nominate Espinel as U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Officer

The White House has announced its intent to nominate Victoria Espinel as the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Officer, Office of Management and Budget. (White House press release, dated 09/25/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-More-Key-Administration-Posts-9/25/09/.)

5. ICE Cracks Major Cash Smuggling Scheme in Colombia, Mexico

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), working with law enforcement partners in Colombia, made an initial seizure on September 10 of $11.2 million from a shipment at the port of Buenaventura, Colombia. Subsequent investigation by ICE, Colombian authorities and Mexican authorities revealed additional shipments in Buenaventura and Manzanillo, Mexico, with large amounts of cash (at least $40.5 million and counting) hidden inside. It constitutes the largest container bulk cash smuggling seizure in ICE, U.S. and Colombian history. (DHS blog, posted 09/28/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2009/09/cash-flow-ice-cracks-major-cash.html.)

6. EPA and NHTSA Propose Rule on New GHG Standards for Light Duty Vehicles

The Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a joint proposed rule to establish a National Program of new standards for model year 2012-2016 light-duty vehicles that will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve fuel economy. Comments are due by November 17, 2009. Three public hearings will be held: October 21, 2009 in Detroit; October 23, 2009 in New York City; and October 27, 2009 in Los Angeles. (FR Pub 09/28/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-22516.pdf)

7. DOE to Test AeroSys, Inc. Air Conditioners, Heat Pumps, for Compliance with Appliance Energy Standards

As part of its renewed efforts to ensure compliance with national energy efficiency appliance standards, the Department of Energy has issued a test notice requiring AeroSys, Inc. to provide sample air conditioners and heat pumps for laboratory testing by DOE. The Department will then determine whether these products comply with applicable DOE energy standards. (Press release, dated 09/24/09, available at http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8074.htm)

8. Export Live to Conduct 8 City Seminar Tour for Small and Medium Business

Export.gov is announcing an 8-city seminar tour to showcase how to successfully grow export sales with government solutions. This unique trade event is specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses wanting to start or grow their international sales. The seminars will be held in New York City, Boston, Miami, Houston, Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle during the dates of October 5, 2009 - November 17, 2009. (Notice, posted 09/25/09, available at http://www.export.gov/exports_live/)

9. Export.Gov Announces "Green Build" Road Show for EU Market

Export.gov is traveling to four cities to present information on the newest developments in sustainable building. The road show will promote U.S. exports of goods and services. U.S. business owners, CEOs, and decision makers offering competitive sustainable products and services should attend. The road show will focus on the European Union market and regulatory environment. Dates will be Nov 2 - 10, variously, at Pittsburgh, Denver, San Jose, San Francisco, and Phoenix. (Notice, posted 09/25/09, http://www.export.gov/greentechnologies/index.asp)

10. Coalition of Service Industries to Host Summit in October

The Coalition of Service Industries and partners in the Global Services Coalition will be hosting the Global Services Summit 2009, "Services Drive the Global Economy and Create Jobs" in Washington, DC on October 13-14, 2009. Among the speakers are USTR Kirk, Congressman Charles Rangel, European Commissioner for Trade Catherine Ashton, and World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy. (Notice, posted 09/25/09, available at http://uscsi.org/ServicesSummit2009.html)

11. State Department Official Discusses U.S. Burma Policy, Sanctions

On September 28, 2009 the State Department's Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs discussed the Administrations review of Burma policy. In terms of sanctions, the Assistant Secretary stated that the U.S. would maintain existing sanctions until the U.S. sees concrete progress towards reform and that lifting sanctions now would send the wrong signal. According to the Assistant Secretary, the U.S. will discuss easing sanctions only if Burma takes action on core U.S. concerns. The U.S. will reserve the option to apply additional targeted sanctions, if warranted, by events inside Burma. (Statement, dated 09/28/09, available at http://www.state.gov/p/eap/rls/rm/2009/09/129698.htm.)

12. DDTC Notice on Amending Licenses on DTRADE-2, Etc.

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has posted a Web Notice stating that DSP119 forms may now only be used to amend DSP85 licenses. To amend a DSP-5, DSP-61 or DSP-73 license, the applicant must submit the companion amendment form via DTRADE-2. (Notice, posted 09/25/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/)

13. APHIS Final Rule on Commuted Traveltime for Certain States

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective September 28, 2009, on overtime services provided by employees of the Agency's Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) program, by adding or amending commuted traveltime allowances for travel between certain locations in the District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota. (D/N APHIS-2009-0055, FR Pub 09/28/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-23327.pdf)

14. IPPC Explanatory Document for ISPM 31 on Sampling Methods

The International Plant Protection Convention has posted an explanatory document for ISPM No. 31 (Methodologies for Sampling of Consignments), which provides supporting information for the standard. (Document, dated 09/14/09, available at https://www.ippc.int/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND05Mzc4My4yMTUxMTcmNj1lbiYzMz1uZXdzJjM3PWluZm8)

15. NAPPO Guidelines for Cargo Infested with Asian Gypsy Moth

The North American Plant Protection Organization has issued a document entitled: Guidelines for Regulating the Movement of Ships and Cargo from Areas Infested with the Asian Gypsy Moth (RSPM 33). (Guidelines, dated 08/10/09, available at http://www.nappo.org/Standards/NEW/2009/RSPM%20No%2033Final05-08-09-IM-e.pdf)

16. Draft NAPPO Guidelines on Entities Performing Phytosanitary Services on Behalf of NPPOs

NAPPO states that this standard (RSPM 31) describes the essential elements required for the authorization of entities, including individuals, facilities, businesses, and other organizations to perform specific phytosanitary services on behalf of a National Plant Protection Organization. This standard is designed to complement, and not replace other RSPMs such as RSPM 8 and 9. (Draft Guidelines, dated 10/19/09, available at http://www.nappo.org/Standards/Consultation/RSPM28/RSPMNo.28-Authorization26-06-09-final%20draft-e.pdf)

17. EC Parliament to Consider Textile Disclosures, Energy Efficiency, Trucking Hours, Etc. This Fall

During the remainder of 2009, the European Parliament is set to consider energy efficiency for both buildings and tires, disclosures to consumers on textiles, limiting truck drivers' hours, climate change, etc. (Notice, posted 09/28/09, available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/008-61230-292-10-43-901-20090925STO61209-2009-19-10-2009/default_en.htm)

18. CBSA Concludes AD Review of Certain Potatoes from U.S.

Canada Border Services Agency has concluded its re-investigation of the normal values of whole potatoes, excluding seed potatoes, red potatoes, yellow potatoes and the exotic potato varieties, regardless of packaging, and white and russet potatoes imported in 50-lb. cartons in certain count sizes and excluding imports during the period from May 1 to July 31, inclusive, of each calendar year, originating in or exported from the U.S., for use or consumption in the province of British Columbia. New normal values determined as a result of this re-investigation are applicable to subject goods released from the CBSA on and after September 25, 2009. (Notice, dated 09/25/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/ri-re/ad0689/ad0689-ri09-nc-eng.html)

19. Canada Makes Negative Injury Determination for Waterproof Footwear from China, Vietnam

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal found that the dumping of waterproof footwear and waterproof footwear in nearly finished form from the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam had not caused and was not threatening to cause injury to the domestic industry. Anti-dumping duties will therefore not be collected by the Canada Border Services Agency. (CBSA press release, dated 09/25/09, available at http://www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/press/nq2j001_e.asp)

20. CBSA Posts Memorandum on AD/CV Duties on Certain Aluminum Extrusions from China

Canada Border Services Agency has posted Memorandum D15-2-54 on the application of anti-dumping and countervailing duties to importations of certain aluminum extrusions originating in or exported from China. (Memorandum D15-2-54) dated 09/21/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d15/d15-2-54-eng.html)

21. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions

FTZ 196-5. Fort Worth, TX: Application for Processing Authority; ATC Logistics & Electronics (Personal Navigation Devices)

22. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Italy Bees - Italy Suspends the Use of Certain Pesticides: Agricultural Situation

Finland Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Narrative: FAIRS Country Report

Greece Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Narrative: FAIRS Country Report

Sweden Exporter Guide Annual: Exporter Guide

Canada Canadian Food Brokers: Market Development Reports

China Tree Nuts Annual: Annual

Thailand Thai FDA Revising Pesticide MRLs in Foods: Sanitary/Phytosanitary/Food Safety

Venezuela Poultry and Products Annual: Venezuela Poultry Annual Report

China Poultry and Products Annual: Annual Report

23. FMC Lists OTI Applications

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for ocean transportation intermediary licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:

(FMC notice, FR Pub 09/23/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-22984.pdf

25. FMC Lists OTI Applications

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for ocean transportation intermediary licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:

FMC notice (FR Pub 09/23/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-22985.pdf

26. 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.)