The International Trade Data System Product Information Committee1 has presented a concept paper on recommendations for the use of "product information codes" to the ITDS Board of Directors.
CBP has issued a CSMS message stating that the FDA has become aware that some recent revisions to its Import Alerts are not being posted correctly on the FDA website. After further investigation, there are data system difficulties preventing the trade community from viewing the most up-to-date versions of the import alerts. The appropriate parties within FDA are aware of the situation and are working expeditiously to remedy the problem. (CSMS 09-000284, dated 08/07/09, available at http://apps.cbp.gov/csms/viewmssg.asp?Recid=17674&page=&srch_argv=09-000284&srchtype=all&btype=&sortby=&sby)
The International Trade Commission has instituted a section 337 patent-based investigation of certain collaborative system products and components thereof pursuant to a complaint.
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has announced that as of August 7, 2009, D-Trade1 (aka D-Trade) is offline and no longer in service, and all industry must utilize the D-Trade2 (currently version 2.11) to submit new license applications.
CBP has posted a memorandum announcing a special import quota of 13,407,416 kg for upland cotton that is provided for in HTS Chapter 99, Subchapter III, U.S. Note 6 and is entered under HTS 9903.52.56. (CBP notes that this quantity is not subject to the tariff rate quotas in Chapter 52 Additional U.S. Notes 5 through 10.)
The technologies developed by Internet and software companies can’t be subject to a “backward-looking” patent- eligibility test, Yahoo said in an amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court last week. The court is reviewing a 2008 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that narrowed the scope of subject matter that can be patented, to what’s “tied to a particular machine or apparatus” or “transforms a particular article into a different state or thing.” Yahoo said it wasn’t supporting either party in the Bilski case, which revolves around a rejected patent on managing risk when buying or selling energy commodities.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is expected to publish a Federal Register notice containing revised enforcement requirements for the Lacey Act Declaration for plants and plant products before October 1, 2009, the date the next phase of implementation is scheduled to begin1.
On August 5, 2009, Secretary of State Clinton addressed the 8th Forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act. Secretary Clinton stated that the Administration is exploring ways to lower global trade barriers to ease the burdens on Africa's farmers and producers. During her remarks, Secretary Clinton noted the possible benefits that could be achieved through greater product diversification and a reduction in intra-Africa trade barriers. (Remarks, dated 08/05/09, available at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2009a/08/126902.htm.)
Broadband providers played tug-of-war with states and public interest groups in comments last week on how the FCC should release combined broadband data based on Form 477 submissions while maintaining confidentiality. Companies asked the commission to protect their deployment and speed information strongly. But others asked the FCC to share as much information as possible with the state bodies and others involved in broadband mapping eligible to see it. The Broadband Data Improvement Act requires the commission to provide aggregated data by census tract.
Broadband providers played tug-of-war with states and public interest groups in comments last week on how the FCC should release combined broadband data based on Form 477 submissions while maintaining confidentiality. Companies asked the commission to protect their deployment and speed information strongly. But others asked the FCC to share as much information as possible with the state bodies and others involved in broadband mapping eligible to see it. The Broadband Data Improvement Act requires the commission to provide aggregated data by census tract.