Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
American Shipper has reported that the European Union was poised to implement the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) solid wood packing material (SWPM) standard in the spring of 2004. However, it has now dropped this initiative due to the admittance of 10 new member countries from Eastern Europe. American Shipper states that a new implementation date has yet to be set. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has also posted an update to its Web site stating that Australia has proposed draft requirements for imported SWPM that are to become effective July 1, 2004. See APHIS' SWPM Web page for more information http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/industry/index.html. (American Shipper Pub May 2004 www.americanshipper.com)
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1. European Union Delays SWPM Implementation Due to Enlargement & Australia Issues Draft Requirements
2. U.S. Trade Negotiator Defends Farm Programs After Preliminary WTO Ruling Against Cotton Subsidies
The State Department's Washington File reports that the chief U.S. agricultural trade negotiator defended U.S. farm programs after a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel issued a preliminary ruling against U.S. cotton subsidies in a dispute brought by Brazil. The negotiator stated that this preliminary ruling has no impact on U.S. farm programs and noted the U.S. could appeal if a negative final ruling is issued. (Washington File Pub 04/27/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=April&x=20040427173033ebyessedo0.4360468&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
3. FDA Bioterrorism Rules Cause Unanticipated Problems for Importers, Brokers
According to a Journal of Commerce article, the new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) bioterrorism rules are causing unanticipated consequences for importers and customs brokers. The article cites as an example of such consequences the problems faced by the reimportation of previously exported U.S.-made goods, as the importer would have to provide facility registration information on its import documentation, even though the goods were made in the U.S. (JoC dated 03/08-14/04, www.joc.com.)
4. BIS Federal Register Notice on Hearing Regarding Materials Containing Copper
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has published notice of its May 19, 2004 hearing (and through May 20, 2004 if necessary) regarding a petition it received requesting the imposition of monitoring and export controls on copper scrap and copper-alloy scrap. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/10/04 news, 04051015, for earlier BP summary.) (D/N 040504140-4140-01, FR Pub 05/10/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10546.pdf)