Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Journal of Commerce states that this year Customs will set up a pilot program to allow private companies to validate C-TPAT supply chains in China. The article states that the U.S. is taking this action as C-TPAT mutual recognition with China is not likely anytime soon, it satisfies a requirement in the SAFE Port Act, etc. (JoC 01/22/07, www.joc.com)
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1. CBP to Set Up Pilot Program to Allow Private Firms to Validate C-TPAT Supply Chains in China
2. U.S. and Liberia Sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that on February 15, 2007, the U.S. and Liberia signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). Under the TIFA, a Council on Trade and Investment will be formed to address a wide range of trade and investment issues that include, but are not limited to implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), trade capacity building, intellectual property, labor, and environmental issues. (USTR press release, dated 02/16/07, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/February/United_States_Liberia_Sign_Trade_Investment_Framework_Agreement.html)
3. U.S. Signs Mutual Recognition Agreement with Japan to Facilitate Trade in Telecommunications Equipment
The USTR has issued a press release announcing that on February 16, 2007, the U.S. and Japan signed a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) that will help U.S. telecommunications and radio equipment makers market and sell their products in Japan and expand the acceptance in Japan of determinations made by U.S. certification bodies. (USTR press release, dated 02/16/07, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/February/United_States_Signs_Agreement_with_Japan_to_Facilitate_Trade_in_Telecommunications_Equipment.html)
4. BIS Denies Certain Export Privileges to Three Related Entities for Activities Related to Export Without Authorization, Etc.
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued three Orders which apply a previous Order imposing a twenty-year denial of certain export privileges to three additional entities: Majid Rahmanifar of Munich; Koto Commercio Iberica, S.L. of Madrid; and Petrom Internacional Trade, S.L., PL of Madrid. According to BIS, these entities are related to Petrom GmbH International Trade, which was issued the previous Order for activities related to its export from the U.S. to Iran via Germany of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Iranian Transactions Regulations without the required U.S. government authorizations. The Orders shall remain in effect until June 6, 2025. (BIS Orders, FR Pub 02/13/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-620.pdf, http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-621.pdf, and http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-622.pdf, respectively.)
5. Japan Reopens Market to U.S. Chipping Potatoes Under Certain Conditions
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a press release announcing that Japan has reopened its market to U.S. chipping potatoes following the completion of a scientific evaluation. Japan temporarily suspended U.S. imports of all varieties of chipping potatoes in April 2006 immediately following the first U.S. detection of potato cyst nematode, Globodera pallida, in Idaho. According to APHIS, the potatoes may only be exported to Japan from certain designated states under certain conditions. (APHIS press release, dated 02/09/07, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2007/02/jchippot.shtml)
6. FMC Corrects OTI Applicant Name
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice which corrects the name of the applicant listed in the January 18, 2007 Federal Register as Macro Transsport Services to read "Marcotransport Services, LLC." (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/23/07 news, 07012399 8, for original BP summary.) (FMC correction notice, FR Pub 02/14/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-2534.pdf)