EU Government Notices for Nov 6-7
The European Union issued the following trade-related releases Nov 6-7 (notices of most significance will be given separate headlines):
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- Modernizing trade defense. The EU's Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht gave a speech today in Brussels calling for the modernization of trade defense instruments in the EU such as countervailing and anti-dumping measures. He noted that the last time EU trade laws were updated was in 1995 and the need for protection of EU companies from government retaliation for participating in European Commission investigations. (here)
- TTIP negotiations. The EU and U.S. are set to hold the second round of Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations from November 11-15 in Brussels. Talks were postponed due to the shutdown of the U.S. government. This round is set to discuss services, investment, energy and raw materials, and regulatory issues. (here)
- Duty-free jet fuel imports. The European Commission has proposed to exempt jet fuel imports from customs duties beginning on January 1, 2014. Currently the majority of countries from which the EU receives jet fuel are operating under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), however GSP rules will change next year and jet fuel may not be given preferential treatment under the new rules. (here)
- Substance evaluation planning 2014-2016. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) is updating the Community rolling action plan (CoRAP) for 2014-2016, as required by the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The draft proposal suggests a review of 125 substances, 56 new substances, and 69 substances from the March 2013 CoRAP update. The CoRAP process does not include a public consultation and the Member State Committee of ECHA will issue an opinion on the draft update in February 2014. (here)
- Methanol classification. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) is calling for comments on a new proposal for harmonized classification and labeling (CLH) of methanol. Primary uses for methanol include fuel, waste water treatment, and biodiesel production, and as a component of antifreeze fluid. The public consultation period will end on December 13, 2013. (here)
- Recalls. The European Commission issued its weekly list of measures to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of 43 products in the EU, including certain clothing, toys, chemical products, cosmetics, and motor vehicles. (here)