Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. WTO's Lamy Warns of "Spill Over" Effects if Doha Fails

2. U.S. and China Agree On Reopening Chinese Pork Market To U.S.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that the U.S. and China have reached an agreement to reopen the Chinese market to U.S. pork and pork products. On March 17, China accepted the U.S. proposal to resume exports of U.S. pork. Pork trade will resume immediately once both sides finalize the export documentation. (Press release, dated 03/18/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/march/us-and-china-agree-reopening-chinese-pork-market-us)

3. China Says It Will Not "Sit Back" if U.S. Imposes Currency Sanction

A Chinese Government press release quotes Minister of Commerce Chen Deming as stating that China will not sit back if the U.S. names China as a currency manipulator and imposes sanctions. Chen made the remarks at the ongoing China Development Forum 2010 when commenting on the the U.S. Treasury's possible naming of China as a currency manipulator next month. (GOV.cn, dated 03/21/10, available at http://english.gov.cn/2010-03/21/content_1561065.htm)

4. ICE Reports on Hong Kong Meeting on Counterfeit Goods

Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently continued its ongoing dialogue with business interests in Hong Kong on March 5, 2010, regarding the criminal counterfeiting and tainting of strong brand names of food, toothpaste, tires, pharmaceuticals, pet food, lead painted toys, surge protectors, extension cords, luxury goods, and automobile and aircraft parts. (New release, dated 03/05/10, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/1003/100305hongkong.htm)

5. CBP Sends Pre-rule on Coastwise Transport to OMB for Approval

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has sent to the Office of Management and Budget for approval a pre-rule on the transportation of certain merchandise and equipment between coastwise points. (Pre-rule, RIN 1651-AA84, received 03/17/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch)

6. OMB Approves FMCSA Final Rule on HOS On-Board Recorders

The Office of Management and Budget has approved the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration's final rule on performance standards for electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) installed in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) manufactured 2 years after the effective date of a final rule. (Rule, completed 03/18/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=2126-AA89)

7. USTR Announces 2011 APEC Trade Ministerial to be Held in Montana

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk announced that the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministerial will be held in Big Sky, Montana during the week of May 23, 2011. The meeting is held annually in order to advance APEC's trade and investment and regional economic integration agenda, and provide support for the multilateral trading system. (Press release, dated 03/19/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2010/march/ustr-names-big-sky-montana-site-2011-apec-trade-mini)

8. Secy of State to Lead Cabinet-Level Delegation to Mexico

Secretary of State Clinton will travel to Mexico for the Merida U.S. Mexico High Level Consultative Group meeting on March 23, 2010. The meeting will include an interagency discussion on the evolution of the Merida Initiative that focuses on breaking the power of drug trafficking organizations; strengthening the rule of law, democratic institutions and respect for human rights; creating a 21st century border; and building strong and resilient communities. (Press release, dated 03/17/10, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/03/138497.htm)

9. BTS Reports U.S.-NAFTA Surface Trade Down 23% from 2008 to 2009

The DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that trade using surface transportation between the U.S. and its North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners Canada and Mexico decreased by 23.3% in 2009 compared to 2008. For Canada, surface transportation decreased 28.1%, for Mexico, it decreased 14.4%. (Press release, dated 03/18/10, available at http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2010/bts014_10/html/bts014_10.html)

10. GAO Reports on the Secure Border Initiative

The Government Accountability Office has issued a report entitled "Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Testing and Performance Limitations That Place Key Technology Program at Risk." (Report, dated January 2010, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10158.pdf)

11. CITES Does Not Adopt Bluefin Tuna Ban at COP15, Says FWS

The Fish and Wildlife Service reports that the proposal to list Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) under Appendix I of CITES (no commercial trade allowed) was not adopted by the Parties on March 18, 2010. The proposal garnered intense debate due to the importance of this migratory fish species for commercial purposes. The final tally was 20 in support, 68 against and 30 abstentions. (News release, dated 03/18/10, available at http://www.fws.gov/news/newsreleases/showNews.cfm?newsId=72888E4B-B593-B3D2-AD7F5CADF3E6F4BD)

12. AMS Indefinitely Delays Processed Raspberry Referendum

The Agricultural Marketing Service announces that it is delaying indefinitely the referendum to determine whether producers and importers of processed raspberries approve the issuance of the proposed Processed Raspberry Promotion, Research, and Information Order, as the Washington Red Raspberry Commission is considering further modifications to its proposal. (D/N AMS-FV-07-0077; FV-07-705-PR-2B, FR Pub 03/19/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-5757.pdf)

13. DOE Defines "Household" to Potentially Set Energy Standards for Add'l Household Products

The Department of Energy has issued a final rule, effective April 19, 2010, which defines the term "household" and related terms under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act. With this definition in place, the Secretary may exercise statutory authority to classify as covered products additional qualifying products beyond those already specified in EPCA, and set test procedures and efficiency standards for them. (D/N EE-RM-03-630, FR Pub 03/19/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-6045.pdf)

14. DoD Final Rule on Costa Rica DR-CAFTA, Oman FTA, Peru TPA

The Department of Defense announces that the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council have finalized, without change, its interim rule of June 15, 2009 amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement the DR-CAFTA with respect to Costa Rica, the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement, and the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement. (FR Pub 03/19/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-5990.pdf)

15. EPA to Increase Restrictions on Flea, Tick Products

The Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs. Immediately, EPA will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need stronger and clearer labeling statements. Next, EPA will develop more stringent testing and evaluation requirements for both existing and new products. (News release, dated 03/17/10, available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/76d2b52162bcedaa852576e9005c0d97!OpenDocument)

16. BIS Sends OMB Final Rule on MCTR Agreement

The Bureau of Industry and Security has sent the Office of Management and Budget for approval a final rule that would revisions to the Export Administration Regulations based on the 2009 Missile Technology Control Regime Plenary Agreements. (Rule, RIN 0694-AE79, received 03/08/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch)

17. Labor Sends Final Rule on Child Labor to OMB for Approval

The Labor Department has sent a final rule on child labor regulations, orders, and statements of interpretation to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. (Rule, RIN 1235-AA01, received 03/12/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/jsp/EO/eoDashboard.jsp?agency_cd=0000&agency_nm=All&stage_cd=4&from_page=index.jsp&sub_index=0)

18. FMCSA Sends Proposed Rule on CMV Use of Wireless Devices to OMB for Approval

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has sent to OMB for approval a proposed rule regarding drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles and limiting the use of wireless communication devices. (Rule, received 03/18/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=2126-AB22)

19. EPA/NHTSA Send OMB Final Rule on Light-Duty GHG Emission Standards, Etc.

The Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration have sent OMB a final rule to approve on national emissions standards to control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from passenger cars and light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles. (Rule, received 03/09/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=2060-AP58)

20. State Dept Imposes Statutory Debarment on 32 Individuals/Entities

The State Department has imposed statutory debarment on 32 individuals and entities convicted of violating, attempting to violate or conspiring to violate Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act, who are prohibited from participating directly or indirectly in the export of defense articles, including technical data, or in the furnishing of defense services for which a license or other approval is required. (Public Notice 6924, FR Pub 03/19/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-6067.pdf)

21. APHIS Export Program PPQ Manual Updated

On March 17, 2010, APHIS updated its PPQ Export Program Manual. This is an operational manual for Authorized Certification Officials to enable them to inspect and issue Federal Export Certificates for plants and plant products. The Manual also provides information that helps exporters meet the plant quarantine import requirements of foreign countries. (Manual, updated 03/17/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/domestic/xpm.shtml)

22. Brazil and India Pushing Ahead with Duty-Free Scheme for LDCs

Brazil and India have told the World Trade Organization Committee on Trade and Development that they are pushing ahead with commitments to provide duty free, quota free treatment of imports from least developed countries (LDCs). Brazil said that an inter-ministerial group is finalizing the commitment that would cover 80% of the tariff lines by midyear and be expanded to reach 100%. (Notice, dated 03/18/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news10_e/devel_18mar10_e.htm)

23. China's AQSIQ Launches Inspection and Quarantine E-Cert System

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine has announced the launch of China's Inspection and Quarantine E-Cert System. The system makes possible the automatic exchange of information on inspection and quarantine certificates issued by China and foreign countries, online inspection and verification, feedback, and electronic tracing of fake certificates. (News release, dated 03/18/10, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/201003/t20100318_138975.htm)

24. EU & ACP Countries Revise Agreement, New Trade Relationship Reflected

On March 19, 2010, the European Commission and the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) group of 79 countries concluded the second revision of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement. The trade chapter of the Agreement reflects the new trade relationship and the expiry of preferences at the end of 2007. The agreement will be reviewed every five years until 2020. (Press release, dated 03/19/10, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/327&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en)

25. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

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

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar10.html)

26. Revised FDA Import Alerts

The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:

45-02: Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors

16-125: Refrigerated (Not Frozen) Vacuum Pak or Modified Atmosphere Packaged Raw Fish and Fishery Product

27. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Report

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN report:

Malaysia - Oilseeds and Products Annual: Annual

28. FSIS Lists Swedish Establishments Eligible to Export Meat, Poultry to U.S.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated version of its list of Swedish (March 16, 2010) establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S. (List, dated 03/16/10, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Sweden_establishments.pdf)

29. FSIS Updates List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries

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

Chile (Revised March 17, 2010)

Egypt (Revised March 17, 2010)