China's Ministry of Commerce is announcing the 108th China Import and Export Fair, also called the Canton Fair, which is China's largest trade fair of the highest level. The fair will be held from October 15 to November 4, 2010, in the China Import and Export Fair Complex, No. 382, Yuejiang Zhong Road, Guangzhou, China. The official website for the fair is www.cantonfair.org.cn.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs commented on July 26, 2010 on Canada’s new sanctions against Iran. “For almost 20 years, Iran has concealed its nuclear program and has violated its international obligations on non-proliferation. On July 11, 2010, Iran announced that it had produced 20 kilograms of uranium enriched to nearly 20 percent, in flagrant violation of previously imposed resolutions. These actions bring Iran closer to building nuclear weapons that threaten us all. Under the Special Economic Measures Act, Canada is imposing further sanctions. The new measures prohibit dealings with designated persons involved in nuclear, chemical, biological and missile proliferation. They ban the export of proliferation-sensitive goods, items for refining oil and gas, all remaining arms, and technology related to these goods. They prohibit any new investment in Iran’s oil and gas sector. These measures also bar Iranian financial institutions from establishing a presence in Canada, and vice versa, while banning correspondent banking relationships with Iranian financial institutions and the purchase of Iranian government debt. The sanctions are effective immediately."
The Office of Textiles and Apparel has announced that interested parties may submit comments to the government of Indonesia regarding proposed Indonesian National Standards for tarpaulins of synthetic fibers (HS 6306.12). Comments are due September 15, 2010.
The European Chemicals Agency will install an upgraded version of REACH-IT from August 4-6, 2010. During this time, it will not be possible to submit dossiers or use REACH-IT. REACH-IT will reopen on August 6 at 12:00 CET, permitting companies to submit dossiers before the weekend closure.
The European Commission's Taxation and Customs Unit has posted a new self-assessment questionnaire and new explanatory notes for those seeking Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status. The purpose of the AEO Self-assessment is to help businesses understand the requirements associated with obtaining AEO status and give Customs additional information. The explanatory notes provide guidance on how to answer the questions and explain the standards customs expects businesses to achieve and demonstrate in order to gain AEO authorization.