Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
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.
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1. DOJ, EPA Sue Engine Importers Under Clean Air Act
he Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency filed a complaint against PowerTrain Inc., Wood Sales Co. Inc., and Tool Mart Inc., all based in Golden, MS, alleging that they imported and sold more than 78,000 Chinese-made small engines that do not meet federal air pollution standards. The suit is the first federal court action enforcing the Clean Air Act's emissions standards for portable generators, water pumps and other "non-handheld equipment." (Notice, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/May/09-enrd-521.html)
2. Counterfeit Shoes Discovered in Alaska, Seized in Mexico
In three containers marked as freight remaining on board, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, acting on a tip, found shoes from China bearing false trademarks, but allowed the ship to transit to Mexico because the containers were not intended for the U.S. In Manzanillo, Mexican authorities intercepted and seized the three 40-foot containers, filled with 28,936 counterfeit shoes. Note that the ICE story bears an incorrect headline. (Notice, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0905/090528washingtondc.htm)
3. 12 Month North American Surface Transport Trade Down, But Up for Most Recent Month
Trade using surface transportation between the U.S. and its NAFTA partners was 27.9 percent lower in March 2009 than in March 2008, dropping to $51.1 billion, according to the Department of Transportation. March was the third consecutive month with a yearly decline of greater than 27 percent. However, the value of U.S. surface transportation trade with Canada and Mexico rose 6.5 percent in March 2009 over February 2009. (Notice, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2009/bts027_09/html/bts027_09.html)
4. Treasury Secretary Gives Speech in China on Economic Growth, Etc.
On June 1, 2009, Treasury Secretary Geithner gave a speech in China regarding the U.S. and China cooperating for recovery and growth. In his speech, Geithner noted that in China, sustainable economic growth will require a very substantial shift from external to domestic demand, from an investment and export intensive driven growth, to growth led by consumption. Strengthening domestic demand will also strengthen China's ability to weather fluctuations in global supply and demand. (Speech, dated 05/31/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg152.htm.)
5. CBP Announces Approval of Additional States, Four Provinces for WHTI EDLs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is announcing that it is designating enhanced driver's licenses and identification documents issued by the States of Vermont and Michigan and the Canadinn Provinces of Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Ontario as acceptable documents for purposes of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, effective on June 1, 2009. (See today's ITT, 09060110, for BP summary of WHTI.) (FR Pub 05/29/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12513.pdf)
6. DHS Has Begun Test of Biometric Exit Procedures in Atlanta and Detroit
The Department of Homeland Security issued a press release announcing that on May 28, 2009, it began collecting biometrics - digital fingerprints - from non-U.S. citizens departing the U.S. as part of a pilot program at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. (DHS press release, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1243605893203.shtm.)
7. U.S.-Mexico Telephone Call on Collaboration and Information Sharing
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release regarding Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano's telephone call with Mexico's Interior Secretary regarding the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the U.S. and Mexico in order to crack down on contraband trafficking and illegal immigration. (Press release, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1243601284252.shtm.)
8. DHS Launches Mandatory Review of New Contracts for Professional Services
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing that during the week of May 25th, it reached the second major milestone outlined in its Department-wide Efficiency Review, launching five major initiatives set forth by Secretary Janet Napolitano in the plan announced on March 27, including the mandatory review of all new contracts for professional services. (DHS press release, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1243542956733.shtm.)
9. Energy Dept Proposes Rule on Energy Conservation Standards for Refrigerated Beverage Vending Machines
The Department of Energy has issued a proposed rule on new energy conservation standards for refrigerated bottled or canned beverage vending machines. DOE is also announcing a June 17, 2009 public meeting on its proposed standards. Written comments on the proposed rule are due by July 28, 2009. (D/N EERE-2006-STD-0125, FR Pub 05/29/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12410.pdf)
10. FDA Final Rule Amends Bottled Water Regulations
The Food and Drug Administration is amending its bottled water regulations, effective December 1, 2009, to make a number of changes, including requiring that bottled water manufacturers test source water for total coliform, as is required for finished bottled water products, amending the adulteration provision of the bottled water standard to reflect the possibility of adulteration caused by the presence of filth, etc. (D/N FDA-2008-N-0446, FR Pub 05/29/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12494.pdf)
11. AMS Proposes Rule to Modify Potato Import Regulations
The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule in order to make "section 8e" changes to the import regulations for Irish potatoes. These include reducing the number of marketing order areas determined as being in the most direct competition with imported potatoes from five to three; exempting U.S. No. 1 grade potatoes imported in certain small containers from size requirements; etc. Written comments are due by July 28, 2009. (D/N AMS-FV-08-0018; FV08-980-1 PR, FR Pub 05/29/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12186.pdf)
12. CPSC Creates Online Drywall Information Center
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has created an online Drywall Information Center which includes information on CPSC's drywall investigation, frequently asked questions, and information for concerned consumers. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/18/09 news, 09051850, for BP summary of a May 21, 2009 Senate hearing on imported drywall safety.) (Information, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/info/drywall/index.html)
13. FAS Commodity Intelligence Report on Ukraine 2009/10 Crop Production Estimates
Foreign Agricultural Service Analysts conducted April crop-assessment travel in Ukraine in order to assess 2009/10 production prospects for grains and oilseeds, drawing several conclusions, including that tight credit and high interest rates had minimal impact on spring planting. (Report, dated 05/20/09, available at http://www.pecad.fas.usda.gov/highlights/2009/05/ukr_20may2009/)
14. APHIS Updates PPQ Animal Product Manual
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a May 26, 2009 updated version of the PPQ Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products. (Updates, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)
15. APHIS Updates PPQ Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual
APHIS has issued a May 27, 2009 version of the PPQ Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual, which serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border. (Updates, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/canadian.shtml)
16. APHIS Updates PPQ Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual
APHIS has issued a May 27, 2009 version of the PPQ Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual, which summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
17. FSIS Updates Russia's Export Requirements
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted updated export requirements for Russia regarding certain fresh/frozen poultry meat, pork and beef. The information regarding certification requirements and eligible/ineligible products has been updated. (Notice, dated 05/27/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Russia_Requirements/index.asp)
18. DOC to Hold Meeting on APEC Energy Issues
The Department of Commerce will host a two-hour meeting on June 2, 2009 during which senior U.S. government officials will brief the business community on recent developments in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on energy issues, including the APEC Energy Working Group meeting in Santiago, Chile in April 20-24, 2009. (FR Pub 05/29/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12632.pdf)
19. CBSA Makes Preliminary Dumping Determinations for Certain Rubber Footwear from China, Vietnam
On May 28, 2009, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) made a preliminary determination of dumping regarding waterproof footwear and waterproof footwear in nearly finished form, constructed wholly or in part of rubber and/or thermoplastic rubber originating in or exported from China and waterproof footwear and waterproof footwear in nearly finished form, constructed wholly or in part of rubber, thermoplastic rubber and/or plastic originating in or exported from Vietnam. (Notice, dated 05/28/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/i-e/ad1377/ad1377-i08-np-eng.html)
20. Canada-U.S. Softwood Lumber June 11-12 Hearing Open to the Public
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) has issued a notice stating that the public is invited to attend the hearing in a softwood lumber arbitration, LCIA case 91312 (whether Canada has cured the breach identified in LCIA 7941) that will occur on June 11-12, 2009 in Washington, DC. (Notice, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/softwood-bois_oeuvre/other-autres/hearing-audience.aspx?lang=eng)
21. Canada's TRQ for Certain Milk Protein Substances Has Been Filled
DFAIT has issued a notice to on-line brokers announcing that effective May 28, 2009, the portion of the tariff rate quota (TRQ) for milk protein substances with a milk protein content of 85% or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not originate in a NAFTA country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel, reserved for non-end-users for the period of April 1 to December 1, 2009, has been filled. (Notice, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/dairy-laitiers/messages-0529.aspx)
22. CBSA Posts Publications on Importations Using 2010 Winter Olympic Games Remission Order
Canada Border Services Agency has posted two publications regarding importations using the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Remission Order: CN09-010 for permanent importations and CN09-009 for temporary importations.
23. 19th World Economic Forum on Africa to Take Place June 10-12
The World Economic Forum announced that South Africa's new President Jacob Zuma will host the 19th World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town from June 10-12, 2009. (Notice, available at http://www.weforum.org/en/media/Latest%20Press%20Releases/PR_Zuma)
24. EU, Yemen Conclude Bilateral Market Access Negotiations on Yemen's WTO Accession
The European Union an Yemen have concluded bilateral market access negotiations on Yemen's accession to the World Trade Organization. This is an important step leading towards the accession of Yemen to the WTO. (Notice, dated 05/28/09, available at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/newround/pr280509_en.htm)
25. FSIS Updates Plant Lists, Eligible Foreign Establishments
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted updated lists of U.S. plants approved to exportmeat, poultry, and egg products to Australia, Russia, and Mexico. In addition, FSIS updated its list of eligible foreign establishments in Italy, Spain, Australia, andMexico certified to export meat, poultry, and/or egg products to the U.S.
26. Revised FDA Import Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
27. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:
Product: Reason | Company | Release |
---|---|---|
Offset Patio Umbrellas: Impact Injury | The Home Depot (GA) | 09-232 |
(CPSC recall available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmay09.html)
28. FMC Lists OTI Applications
The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for OTI licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:
NVOCC OTI Applicants: |
Atlantic Express Corporation (IL) |
Top Since Logistics, Inc. (CA) |
NVOCC/FF OTIApplicants: |
The Maritime Company For Navigation U.S.A., Inc. dba The Maritime Company For Navigation (NJ) |
Grimes Supply Chain Services, Inc. (FL) |
Simos Logistics Co., Inc. (IL) |
Cortez Customhouse Brokerage Company (MI) |
Poseidon Shipping Lines Inc. (CA) |
New Horizon Shipping, Inc. (CA) |
FF OTI Applicants: |
TLR-Total Logistics Resource, Inc., dba Innovative Freighting (OR) |
Venture Logistics Inc. (FL) |
ATEC Logistics, LLC (FL) |
Partenaire Co. (VA) |
Total Global Solutions, Inc. (GA) |
FMC notice (FR Pub dated 05/28/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12424.pdf