Note that Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions does not appear in today's issue of International Trade Today. Publication of this feature will resume as new information becomes available.
The World Customs Organization states that Cuba, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka have deposited their instruments of accession to the revised Kyoto Convention on the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures with the WCO during the Annual Sessions of the WCO Council. (Press Release, dated 06/26/09, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/press/?v=1&lid=1&cid=6&id=185)
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano released her remarks at a "pen and pad" session with DHS reporters regarding five major DHS missions - counterterrorism, securing the borders, enforcing smart and effective immigration policies, preparing for, responding to, recovering from disasters; and then building one Department of Homeland Security out of the 22 agencies that were originally put into DHS. (Remarks, dated 06/25/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/speeches/sp_1245965901250.shtm.)
China's Ministry of Commerce reports that China will abolish export duties on some grains and industrial products and cut the export duties for chemical fertilizers and nonferrous metals from July 1 to promote exports. (Notice, dated 06/23/09, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200906/20090606352494.html)
According to U.S. tobacco growers, a bill which recently passed Canada's House of Commons and is currently before the Canadian Senate, would have the effect of banning all imports and sales in Canada of U.S.-grown burley tobacco and cigarettes. The bill, C-32, would amend Canada's Tobacco Act with new controls on, among other things, little cigars, additives, and advertising, but is written so broadly as to apply to all cigarettes containing flavoring agents normally used with burley tobacco to lessen harshness, according to industry representatives. Virginia Farm Bureau release available at http://www.vafb.com/news/2009/june/061809_3.htm. Draft of Canadian Bill C-32 available at http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Chamber=N&StartList=A&EndList=Z&Session=22&Type=0&Scope=I&query=5835&List=toc-1
The Office of Textiles and Apparel reports that a revised version of the Chinese textile care labeling code using symbols became effective on March 1, 2009. The revisions bring China's standard into alignment with the international care label standard ISO 3758. (Notice, dated 06/17/09, available at http://web.ita.doc.gov/otexa/hotiss.nsf/7bfa72c94f543da685256e5b00498a4d/442effa40e66e049852575d8004b80f2?OpenDocument)
Beginning June 22, 2009, importers of FSIS-exempt food products that contain small amounts (less than 2%) of meat or poultry which comes from an animal disease country1 will not be granted a new (or renewed) APHIS import permit unless FSIS makes a determination that the meat or poultry ingredient is from an approved source2.
On June 17, 2009, Brazil, Russia, India and China met to discuss reforms to discuss trade, the global financial system and weigh the possibility of creating a new reserve currency. (Notice, dated 06/12/09, available at http://www.counciloftheamericas.org/article.php?id=1708)
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service sent its list of approved applicants for the Lacey Act Automated Line Release/Border Release Advance Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) pilot program1 to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on June 10, 2009.
The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that it filed in the U.S. District Court in Washington D.C. a motion requesting the court to withdraw the its challenge of FMC Agreement No. 201170, the Los Angeles/Long Beach Port Infrastructure and Environmental Programs Cooperative Working Agreement. (News release, dated 06/16/09, available at http://www.fmc.gov/speeches/newsrelease.asp?SPEECH_ID=281)