The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated versions of its list of Australia (September 21, 2010) and Israel (September 21, 2010) firms eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.
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):
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced on September 24, 2010 that the U.S. has asked the North American Free Trade Agreement Free Trade Commission to establish a dispute settlement panel regarding Mexico’s decision not to move its “dolphin safe” labeling dispute from the World Trade Organization to NAFTA, as requested by the U.S. and as required by NAFTA.
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has issued a notice requesting written comments by 11:59 p.m. EST on October 6, 2010 regarding a "commercial availability" request it received under the DR-CAFTAfrom Elder Manufacturing Company, Inc.:
The International Trade Administration announces that the Department of Commerce is currently seeking applications to fill three vacant positions on the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board. Applications are due by October 8, 2010.
The American Conference Institute has announced that it will hold its 4th International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Boot Camp on October 19-20, 2010 in Chicago, IL. Topics to be discussed at the Boot Camp include classification of products, services and technology; drafting effective commodity jurisdiction (CJ) requests; update on Part 129 brokering rules amendments; review of recent enforcements and penalties issued by the State Department; preparing effective license applications and knowing when to use exemptions; preparing timely voluntary disclosures; etc.
The Transportation Security Administration has issued a final rule regarding its investigative and enforcement procedures, effective September 24, 2010, which extends the time for parties to reply to a petition for reconsideration or modification of a final decision and order of the TSA decision maker on appeal from 10 days after service to 30 days after service. Similarly, TSA extends the time for parties to reply to a motion from 10 to 30 days after service.
The Department of Energy has issued a proposed rule to amend energy conservation standards for residential refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, and freezers. DOE also announces a public meeting and webinar on October 12, 2010 to receive comment on the proposed rule. Comments are due by November 22, 2010.
On September 23, 2010, APHIS updated the Manual for Agricultural Clearance. The manual provides CBP personnel working at airport and maritime locations with the guidelines, directions, and policy for clearing carriers and passengers/crew and controlling garbage and cargo.