The Census Bureau has posted a press release announcing that the U.S. international trade deficit increased to $36.4 billion in November from $33.2 billion (revised) in October, as imports increased more than exports. (Press release, posted 01/12/10, available at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/data/)
The World Customs Organization Secretary General, in a speech before the Customs Union Group of the EU Council on January 7, 2010, stated that the WCO's priorities for 2010 would include: (1) effective implementation of risk management techniques, (2) the establishment of a strong Customs-business partnership, (3) support for the "Globally Networked Customs" initiative, (4) the strengthening of border management and (5) the implementation of a Single Window system (by adopting, among other things, the WCO Data Model). (Report, dated 01/07/10, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/?v=1&lid=1&cid=2&id=194)
The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced its 90-day finding, in response to a petition, that listing Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) as endangered, or to list multiple distinct population segments as threatened or endangered and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act may be warranted. Comments are due by February 5, 2010. (D/N 0912231440-91443-01, FR Pub 01/06/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/E9-31373.pdf)
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has presented to Congress the Biannual report on the operation of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. The report is statutorily-mandated by Congress and describes the main features of the program, analyzes trade trends, and outlines each country's performance related to the CBERA program's eligibility criteria. (Report, dated 12/31/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/webfm_send/1573)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has updated the Lacey Act Declaration postings on its Website to include an updated Lacey Act Primer and a sample BRASS/ALR blanket declaration spreadsheet. APHIS is also planning an update to the declaration form (PPQ 505), and is interested in creating instructions for those filing the Lacey Act declaration electronically, etc..
The Transportation Security Administration has issued an annual summary of all enforcement actions taken by TSA under the authority granted in the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11Commission Act of 2007. (D/N TSA-2009-0024, FR Pub 12/28/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-30623.pdf)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a Federal Register notice announcing its interim enforcement policy allowing certain component and paint sample testing for certification of children's and other consumer products for compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's lead paint and lead content limits that took effect August 14, 2009. (CPSC notice, FR Pub 12/28/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-30669.pdf)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has posted a notice to its website stating that personal imports of Christmas trees from British Columbia into Washington State require certification from the grower that their holiday tree was grown in an area of Canada where gypsy moth and pine shoot beetle are not known to occur. Blaine port sources state that this certification can take the form of a purchase receipt, or for those that cut their own, completing a local Blaine/BC form. See APHIS PPQ Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual, Chapter 3, "Cut Flowers and Greenery" for information on commercial imports of Christmas trees from Canada. (Notice, dated 12/11/09, available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/12112009_6.xml )
The National Nuclear Security Administration states that the United Arab Emirates will join the U.S. Megaports Initiative, a cooperative effort to detect, deter, and interdict illicit maritime smuggling of nuclear and other radioactive material. As part of the agreement, the NNSA will work with the UAE to install radiation detection equipment and associated infrastructure (and provide training) at the ports of Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The Megaports Initiative is currently operational at 28 ports worldwide. (Press release, dated 12/16/09, available at http://nnsa.energy.gov/2760.htm)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective January 14, 2010, which establishes requirements for the import into the U.S. of certain hides and skins from regions with African swine fever (ASF) and from Mexico, and bird trophies from regions with exotic Newcastle disease (END).