The Drug Enforcement Administration extended the temporary listing of three synthetic phenethylamines to Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (here), continuing strict controls to the import and export of the chemicals because of their potential for abuse. The final order will remain in effect for one year pending completion of a permanent scheduling order. The DEA also on Nov. 13 issued a proposed rule that would make the listing of phenethylamines in Schedule I permanent (here).
Recently-adopted changes to the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act will take effect on Dec. 17, said the Federal Trade Commission in a final rule (here). The commission had voted unanimously on Sept. 30 to adopt the changes (see 1510070029), which, among other things, will allow companies not to list their street addresses on packaging as long as the address is available on a website. The final rule also eliminates provisions governing use of certain outdated terms like "cents off," "introductory offer" and "economy size," specifically allow use of exponents for customary measurements like cubic inches, include a more detailed metric/customary conversion table, and add a statement cautioning that states may still regulate products that are exempt from the FTC regulations.
The Energy Department is withdrawing certain energy efficiency standards for walk-in refrigerators and freezers that were set to take effect in 2017, it said (here). A federal court ordered DOE to vacate six of the standards set in a June 2014 final rule (see 14060221), in a lawsuit brought by air conditioning manufactures, said the agency. The vacated standards relate to (1) the two energy conservation standards applicable to multiplex condensing refrigeration systems operating at medium and low temperatures and (2) the four energy conservation standards applicable to dedicated condensing refrigeration systems operating at low temperatures, said DOE. Thirteen other standards set in the June 2014 final rule that apply to other components of walk-in coolers and freezers are still set to take effect on June 5, 2017, it said.
The Drug Enforcement Administration placed the opiate eluxadoline into Schedule IV of the Controlled Substances Act, in a Nov. 12 final rule (here). Effective Dec. 14, eluxadoline will be subject to new registration, labeling, recordkeeping, and import and export requirements.
A Trans-Pacific Partnership joint declaration on macroeconomic policies and exchange rates marks the first time the U.S. has included currency language in a free trade agreement, and that language will strengthen the Treasury Department’s hand in cracking down on manipulation, said Peterson Institute TPP experts Fred Bergsten and Jeff Schott in a Nov. 6 blog (here). The declaration (here), endorsed by all TPP parties, pledges a commitment to “refrain from competitive devaluation” and avoid targeting exchange rates for “competitive purposes” in line with an International Monetary Fund pact.
The International Trade Commission is requesting proposals for possible changes to the World Customs Organization’s Harmonized System tariff schedule that would be implemented in the U.S. HTS in January 2022 (here). Any proposals received will be reviewed by the ITC, Commerce Department and CBP, before being forwarded to the WCO for possible adoption, said the ITC.
The Federal Communications Commission published a notice (here) in the Federal Register on the agency's plans to waive its Form 740 certification requirements for radio frequency (RF) devices imported between July 1 and Dec. 31, 2016. (see 1510200035). The temporary waiver allows time for the FCC to consider its proposal to eliminate importer declaration requirements entirely (see 1508110024), without imposing new burdens on importers that would otherwise be forced to file on paper once CBP's Automated Commercial Environment is required, the FCC said.
The Federal Trade Commission on Nov. 2 posted to its blog a Q&A with Julia Ensor, an attorney in FTC’s enforcement decision, on Made in U.S.A. claims (here). Among the topics discussed include U.S. content disclosure requirements, when a product can be labeled as Made in U.S.A., required proof, the FTC’s “all or virtually all” standard, and how to report violations.
The Federal Trade Commission published changes to its energy-use labeling rules, including an extension of “lighting facts” label requirements to non-general service light bulbs in a Nov. 2 Federal Register notice (here). Most of the regulatory changes become effective Dec. 2. Separately, the FTC requested comment on several proposed amendments (here) to "create requirements related to a new label database on the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Web site, redesign ceiling fan labels, improve and update the comparability ranges for refrigerator labels, revise central air conditioner labels in response to new DOE enforcement requirements, improve water heater labels, and update current plumbing disclosures.," it said. Comments are due Jan. 11.
The Federal Trade Commission approved changes to its energy-use labeling rules, including an extension of “lighting facts” label requirements to non-general service light bulbs (here). Under the FTC’s rule (here), lighting facts labels would be required for decorative consumer bulbs not currently covered by label requirements. The FTC also set new marking requirements for decorative bulbs. Lighting facts labels were previously required only on general service medium screw base incandescent, compact fluorescent, and LED bulbs, said the FTC. Other types of consumer light bulbs like decorative bulbs, non-medium screw base bulbs, shatter-resistant bulbs, and vibration service bulbs are excluded from the requirement.