Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

April 23, 2009 |Top News

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective May 22, 2009, which modifies its requirements concerning the importation of eggs (other than hatching eggs) from regions where exotic Newcastle disease (END) exists. This action is necessary to provide another testing option for determining the END status of flocks producing eggs (other than hatching eggs) for export to the U.S. (D/N APHIS-2007-0014, FR Pub 04/22/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-9102.pdf)

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1. APHIS Final Rule on Egg Imports from END Regions

2. APHIS Updates its Animal Product Manual

On April 17, 2009, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service updated its Animal Product Manual. (APHIS manual available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/apm.pdf)

3. FDA Updates Pistachio Recall Page

The Food and Drug Administration has posted an update to its pistachio product recall page. (FDA update available at http://www.fda.gov/pistachios/overview)

4. FSIS Updates Table of New Technologies for Use in Establishments

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has updated its New Technology Table describing the new technologies received and reviewed by FSIS for which there has been "no objection" for their use in establishments. (FSIS reviews new technologies that companies employ to ensure their use is consistent with FSIS regulations and will not adversely affect product safety, inspection procedures, or the safety of FSIS inspectors.) (FSIS table, updated 04/20/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/New_Technology_Table_Feb_06/index.asp)

5. ITA Requests Applicants for Appointment to U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum

The International Trade Administration is announcing membership opportunities for appointment as representatives to the U.S. Section of the U.S.-Brazil CEO Forum. The current U.S. Section term will expire on May 18, 2009. Applications should be received no later than May 29, 2009. (ITA notice, FR Pub 04/22/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-9292.pdf)

6. CBP Inspector Convicted of Alien Smuggling, Bribery

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement press release states that Sergio Lopez Hernandez of Brownsville, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspector, was convicted of alien smuggling, drug trafficking and bribery on April 13, 2009, in a Texas court. The conviction was a result of a multi-agency investigation that included ICE's Office of Professional Responsibility. (ICE, dated 04/15/09, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0904/090415brownsville.htm)

7. Commission Hearing on China's Military, Security Activities Abroad

The U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission has posted the transcript of its March 4, 2009 hearing on China's Military and Security Activities Abroad. (Transcript available at http://www.uscc.gov/hearings/2009hearings/transcripts/09_03_04_trans/09_03_04_trans.pdf.)

8. Chinese Embassy Announces Oil Deal with Russia

The Chinese Embassy has issued a release stating that the Chinese and Russian governments have signed an oil cooperation agreement. This follows on seven agreements on a package cooperation program for energy resources signed in February. (Release, dated 04/22/09, available at http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/xw/t558605.htm.)

9. Canada Introduced Legislation for FTAs Signed with Colombia, Peru

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada reported that legislation was introduced in March in Canada's House of Commons for the free trade agreements Canada recently signed with Colombia and Peru. (Notice available at http://w01.international.gc.ca/MinPub/Publication.aspx?isRedirect=True&Language=E&publication_id=386972&docnumber=78.)

10. Canada, UAE Signed Economic Cooperation Agreement in March

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada reported that in March, Canada's Minister Day traveled to the United Arab Emirates, where he signed an agreement on economic cooperation, trade and investment. The agreement will set the stage for more trade opportunities in the UAE for Canadian business. (Notice available at http://www.international.gc.ca/commerce/bulletin/2009-04.aspx?lang=en.)

11. WCO Head Attends Meeting of the West and Central Africa Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices

At an April 20, 2009 Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs) meeting of Customs services from 15 West and Central Africa countries, World Customs Organization Secretary General Mikuriya stressed the importance of information analysis and exchange. (WCO notice, dated 04/20/09, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/default.aspx?lid=1&id=136; Additional information available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/default.aspx?lid=1&id=137.)

12. WTO Issues Trade Policy Review for Mozambique

The World Trade Organization has issued its trade policy review for Mozambique which states that structural problems in Mozambique are inhibiting development. (WTO notice available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news_e.htm.)

13. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:

Product: Reason	Company	Release
Playground Equipment: Violation of Lead Paint Ban	SportsPlay Equipment Inc. (MO)	09-737
2004 Roubaix Comp and Roubaix Pro Bicycles: Fall Hazard	Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. (CA)	09-198
Specialized 2009 Model Bicycles: Serious Fall Hazard	Specialized Bicycle Components Inc. (CA)	09-197

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelapr09.html)