Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced at a recent trade event that starting in May 2010, the agency will begin issuing its own detention notices directly to importers and brokers. These detention notices will have more information than the current detention notices issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as they will include CPSC contact information and the reason the goods were detained.

2. CPSC to Record & Post Meeting on Database, “15 Month” and Component Testing Proposed Rules

The Consumer Product Safety Commission will be recording and posting to its website on the afternoon of April 15, 2010 its morning open Commission meeting in which it is scheduled to vote on the draft proposed rule on the public database and to discuss the draft proposed “15 Month” rule and related draft proposed rule on component testing. (CPSC Webcast will be available at http://www.cpsc.gov/webcast/previous.html)

3. WTO Circulates U.S.-China Agreement on IPR Dispute

The World Trade Organization has circulated an April 8, 2010 communication from China and the U.S. on their agreement regarding "China - Measures Affecting the Protection and Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights" (DS362). Among other things, the parties agreed that the "reasonable period of time" for China to implement the panel's rulings is twelve months and that the U.S. may request authorization to suspend concessions or other obligations if the measures taken by China to resolve the dispute do not exist or are inconsistent with their agreement. (Notice, posted 04/13/10, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/DDFDocuments/t/wt/ds/362-15.doc)

4. NAM Releases Its Recommendations for Fundamental Export Reform

The National Association of Manufacturers has released its report containing seven recommendations for fundamental reform of the U.S. export control system, as a follow-up to its earlier recommendation of short-term goals to improve U.S. security and global competitiveness. (Notice, posted 04/13/10, available at http://www.nam.org/Communications/Articles/2010/04/Export-Controls-Blueprint.aspx)

5. ITA Officials Discuss Promoting Textile Exports at NCTO Meeting

Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Sanchez and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Textiles and Apparel Glas promoted the benefits of President Obama’s National Export Initiative (NEI) to U.S. textile industry leaders at the National Council of Textile Organizations’ (NCTO) annual meeting. (Press release, dated 04/12/10, available at http://www.trade.gov/press/press-releases/2010/ita-and-textile-leaders-discuss-national-export-intiative-041209.asp)

6. USTR Oversees Signing of U.S.-Indonesia Investment Support Agreement

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk and Indonesian Vice President Boediono oversaw the signing of an updated U.S.-Indonesia Investment Support Agreement on March 13, 2010. The agreement will allow the U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation to provide investment and insurance products to U.S. companies doing business in Indonesia. (Notice, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog/2010/april/ambassador-kirk-presides-over-signing-us-indonesia-investment)

7. USTR Issues Trade Spotlight on Benefits of Trade with ASEAN

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative's weekly trade spotlight is on the benefits of trade with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), since this week, USTR Kirk will be meeting with ASEAN leaders and dignitaries. (Notice, dated 04/13/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog/2010/april/weekly-trade-spotlight-us-asean-trade-relations)

8. DOE Extends Comments on Furnace and Boiler Test Procedures

The Department of Energy is extending the comment period on its supplement to its proposed rule to amend the test procedures for furnaces and boilers; as well as the comment period on its notice of availability and public meeting on its rulemaking analysis plan (RAP) for furnaces. Both comment periods are extended to April 27, 2010. (D/N EE-2009-BT-STD-0020; EE-2009-BT-STD-0022, FR Pub 04/14/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8508.pdf)

9. Goods and Services Deficit Increased in February 2010

The Census Bureau announced that the U.S. international trade deficit in goods and services increased to $39.7 billion in February from $37.0 billion (revised) in January, as imports increased more than exports. The Commerce Department also issued a press release on the February data. (Notice, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/)

10. Census Posts Profile of U.S. Exporting Companies, 2007-2008

The Census Bureau has posted its Profile of U.S. Exporting Companies, which provides information on identified companies and their known export value. (Press release, posted 04/13/10, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/edb/2008/)

11. Export.Gov Offers Additional "Basic Guide to Exporting" Webinars

Export.Gov had added additional webinars to its "Basic Guide to Exporting Webinar Series" that will be held from April 14 to July 7, 2010. The targeted audience is small and medium-sized businesses. Topics covered include financing, NAFTA, Harmonized Codes, and Export Controls. (Notice, posted 04/13/10, available at http://www.export.gov/basicguide/eg_main_020109.asp)

12. WTO Posts Add'l Chinese Responses to 2008 Questions on Its Trade Policies

The World Trade Organization has posted additional responses by China to WTO Member questions resulting from China's 2008 Trade Policy Review. Among other things, China answers questions regarding its free trade agreement with New Zealand, its measures affecting exports, its exchange rate policies, etc. (Responses, posted 04/13/10, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/DDFDocuments/t/wt/tpr/M199A2.doc)

13. China Unveils New Rules for Foreign Investment

Xinhuanet.com reports that the State Council, China's Cabinet, released new regulations on overseas investment. The new rules continue to welcomes foreign investment in high-tech industries, services sectors, energy-saving and environmental protection, but polluting and energy-gorging, or projects in industries running at overcapacity, are not wanted. (Notice, posted 04/13/10, available at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-04/13/c_13249882.htm)

14. EC Announces Results of Operation to Seize Counterfeit Goods

The European Commission announced that a joint customs operation called Matthew II has led to the seizure of more than 16 million cigarettes, 241 kilograms of tobacco products, 6,400 liters of alcohol, 20 tons of counterfeit perfumes, 53.418 other counterfeit items such as bags, coats, scarves, wallets, and 1.515,75 kilograms of cannabis. (Press release, dated 04/13/10, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/10/418&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en )

15. Japan Extends Its North Korea Trade Ban

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has decided to extend its ban on all exports destined for North Korea, and all imports originating in or shipped from North Korea, in line with “Measures against North Korea pursuant to the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act”, which was approved by the Cabinet on April 9, 2010. (Press release, dated 04/09/10, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20100409_01.html)

16. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions and Notices

The Foreign Trade Zone Board has issued the following:

• FTZ 126 -- Site Renumbering Notice: Foreign Trade Zone 126; Reno, NV

17. APHIS Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance PPQ Manual Updated

On April 12, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual. This Manual serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border. (Manual, updated 04/12/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/canadian.shtml)

18. APHIS Treatment PPQ Manual Updated

On April 12, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual. This Manual serves as an operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation. (Manual, updated 04/12/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/treatment.shtml)

19. FSIS Updates Lists of Italy and Spain Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated (April 12, 2010) versions of its lists of Italy and Spain establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.

20. FSIS Issues Notices for its Inspection Personnel and Public

FSIS has issued the following notices:

• Notice 21-10 (April 13, 2010): Submission of FSIS Form 10,240-1, Production Information on Post-Lethality Exposed Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Products
• Directive 9500.9 (April 8, 2010): Foreign Visitor's Program
• Directive 7120.1 (April 12, 2010): Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products

21. 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:

• Russia (Revised April 8, 2010)
• South Africa Plan List (Revised April 8, 2010)
• Japan (Cold Storage Facilities (Revised April 8, 2010)

22. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

• Italy - Italy Rejects GMO Corn Cultivation: Biotechnology
• Indonesia - Cotton and Products Annual: Cotton and Products Annual Report
• Austria - Implementation of the Health Check - One Year On: Trade Policy Monitoring
• Argentina - Oilseeds and Products Annual: 2010
• Indonesia - Grain and Feed Annual: Grain and Feed Annual Report 2010
• United Kingdom - HRI Food Service Annual Report 2010: HRI Food Service Sector
• Sri Lanka - Grain and Feed Annual: 2010
• EU-27 - Lisbon Treaty - Delegated and Implementing Acts: Agricultural Situation
• Vietnam - Grain and Feed Annual: 2010
• China - BioFach China 2009 and Updates on Organic Market in Shanghai: Trade Show Evaluation, Market Development Reports
• Taiwan - Oilseeds and Products Annual: Supply and Demand of Oilseeds and By-Products in Taiwan
• Thailand - Sugar Annual: Annual 2010
• Turkey - Cotton and Products Annual: Turkey Cotton Annual - 2010
• India - Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites No. 14: Agriculture in the News
• EU-27 - Poultry and Products Semi-annual: Semi-annual Report
• Burma - Grain and Feed Annual: Annual
• Turkey - TMO Grain export tender: Grain and Feed
• Mexico - Poultry and Products Semi-annual
• China - Cotton and Products Annual: Test_Brown Build
• Bangladesh - Test_BrownBuild_Prod001: Dried Fruit
• Russian Federation - Biofuels Annual: Test_Brown Build
• 23. 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:

• 99-21: Food Products Containing Sulfites
• 99-19: Food Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella
• 99-14: Raw Agricultural Products for Pesticides
• 99-08: Processed Foods for Pesticides
• 80-04: Surgeon’s and Patient Examination Gloves
• 66-41: Unapproved New Drugs Promoted in The U.S.
• 53-17: Cosmetics Due to Microbiological Contamination
• 53-06: Cosmetics Containing Illegal Colors
• 45-02: Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors
• 33-10: Candy Due to Lead
• 22-01: Cantaloupes from Mexico
• 16-124: Aquaculture Seafood Products Due To Unapproved Drugs
• 16-39: Processed Seafood and Analogue Seafood (Surimi) Products for Listeria Monocytogenes
• 16-08: Swordfish For Methyl Mercury