Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that on April 11, 2006, U.S. and Chinese officials met for the 17th annual senior-level meeting of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), in Washington. Among other things, the Chinese agreed to reopen its market to U.S. beef exports, require Chinese computers to use legal software, eliminate barriers to trade in medical devices, close optical disk plants that produce pirated CDs and DVDs, etc. (USTR Pub 04/11/06, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/April/United_States_Welcomes_Chinese_Action_on_Key_Trade_Issues.html)
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1. U.S. Welcomes Chinese Commitment on Beef, Software, Etc.
2. Canadian PIP Program to Mirror C-TPAT
The Journal of Commerce reports that Canada's Partnership in Protection (PIP) program is being toughened to meet similar supply chain security requirements of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP's) newly upgraded Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. According to the article, the PIP program is directed mainly at U.S. exports moving into Canada. (JoC, dated 04/11/06, www.joc.com.)
3. FDA Seizes Approximately 31,800 Pounds of Improperly Refrigerated Crab
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a news release announcing that it has seized approximately 31,800 pounds of crabmeat that was being held at American President Lines Limited in New Jersey. According to the FDA, the crabmeat was improperly refrigerated for an extended period of time and could pose a serious health risk. (FDA P06-53, dated 04/07/06, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01351.html)
4. FDA Issues Guidance For Industry on Food Allergens, Labeling, Etc.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued guidance for industry entitled, Questions and Answers Regarding Food Allergens, including the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (Edition 3). (FDA Pub 04/06/06, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/dms/alrguid3.html)
5. NOAA Allows Continued Importation of Yellowfin Tuna from Mexico & Spain
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued notices announcing that it has renewed the affirmative findings for the Governments of Mexico and Spain under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). These affirmative findings allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the Eastern Tropical Pacific in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program (IDCP) by Mexican-flag or Spanish-flag purse seine vessels or purse seine vessels operating under Mexican or Spanish jurisdiction to be imported into the U.S., effective April 1, 2006 through March 31, 2007. NOAA explains that every 5 years, governments must request an affirmative finding and submit certain documentation. In addition, on an annual basis, NOAA will review the affirmative finding and determine whether the harvesting nation continues to meet the requirements. (FR Pub 04/07/06, at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-5121.pdf (Mexico) and http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-5120.pdf (Spain))