The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has asked the Office of Management and Budget to review and approve its proposed rule to establish definitions for the terms “common cultivar” (except trees) and “common food crop”, which are among the categorical exemptions to the Lacey Act Amendments requirements.
The Federal Register has published the spring 2010 semi-annual regulatory agendas for Federal government agencies.
1. FDA Responds to Report on Sodium Levels in Food
1. NAM Responds to Gate's Export Control Reform Proposals
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that the U.S. and Brazil have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) as part of the “path forward” toward resolving the upland cotton dispute.1
On April 8, 2010, U.S. Customs and Border Protection held a webinar that provided an update on Automated Commercial Environment and the International Trade Data System “Concept of Operations”.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule that would change the disease status of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina to allow importation into the U.S. of certain animals and animal products by adding Santa Catarina to the list of regions recognized by USDA as being free of various animal diseases. Because Santa Catarina borders a region where animal diseases exist, however, APHIS is proposing that imports of meat and other animal products from Santa Catarina be subject to certain restrictions.
1. Indonesia Requests WTO Consultations with U.S. on Clove Cigarette Ban
1. CPSC to Start Issuing Its Own Import Detention Notices in May 2010
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a March 2010 version of its Lacey Act Primer. Also, at a recent brokers meeting, APHIS officials commented on current developments concerning the Lacey Act declaration for imported plants and plant products.