Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. FMC Moves to Dismiss its Challenge of LA/LB Clean Trucks Agreement

2. Commerce Secretary and Korean Minister Sign Trade/Tech MOU, Etc.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Locke and Korean Minister of Knowledge Economy Lee signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in 1) trade and investment, 2) high technology and strategic trade, and 3) standards and research and development. The officials expressed support for removing barriers to trade, advancing the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement and the Doha round of WTO negotiations. (Memorandum, signed June 15, 2009, available at http://trade.gov/press/press_releases/2009/korea_mou_061509.pdf )

In addition, the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel (USA-ITA) and the Korea Federation of Textile Industries agreed on joint efforts to: enhance bilateral cooperation and trade in the textile and apparel industries in regards to: eliminating trade barriers, exchanging information and assistance; promoting trade agreements; providing mutual support in the fashion and design sectors; and protecting intellectual property rights. (Memorandum, dated 06/15/09, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com )

3. Miami Announces Agriculture Vessel Inspection Seminar

The Port of Miami has issued an Information Bulletin inviting the maritime industry to attend an outreach event concerning the CBP Agriculture Vessel Inspection Program on June 24, 2009. The seminar will cover compliance procedures, the Asian Gypsy Moth Inspection Program, etc. Bulletin No. 09-027 is available via email by sending a request here.

4. GAO Letter on Border Patrol Agent Funding

The Government Accountability Office has posted its letter to certain members of Congress on CBP improving its estimation of funding needed for new border patrol agents. (Letter, dated 06/15/09, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09542r.pdf)

5. DDTC Reports Import Restriction on Firearms Imports in Thailand

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls reports the Thai Ministry of Interior advises that Bangkok and local registrars are prohibited from issuing permits for the ordering, importing or possession of rifles with the calibers of .223, .30-06, .308, and .338, or equivalent, or under any different name, to firearm shops and ordinary people for 6 months, June 1 - November 30, 2009 and 2. Any orders meeting the above criteria being processed under valid permits will not be allowed to enter Thailand, or be released from the port of entry, until the restriction is lifted. DDTC contact - Chuck Schwingler 202 663-2806. (Notice, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/licensing/documents/WebNotice_ThaiFirearms.doc)

6. DHS Announces Stimulus Funding for Philadelphia Int'l Airport

The Department of Homeland Security issued a press release announcing that Secretary Napolitano has announced approximately $26 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the construction of two new inline baggage handling systems at Philadelphia International Airport. (Press Release, dated 06/15/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1245087110753.shtm)

7. APHIS Updates PPQ Animal Product Manual

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a June 15, 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. (Manual, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)

8. FSIS Updates Plant List for Australia

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted updated lists of U.S. plants approved to export meat and poultry to Australia. (List, dated 06/12/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Frame/FrameRedirect.asp?main=http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OFO/export/laustral.htm)

9. WTO Opens Registration for Public Viewing of U.S.-Japan "Zeroing" Dispute Hearing

The World Trade Organization's Appellate Body has opened registration for public viewing of the oral hearing on June 29-30 in the dispute brought by Japan on "U.S.-Measures Related to Zeroing and Sunset Reviews" (DS322). (Notice, dated 06/12/09, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news09_e/hear_ds322_12jun09_e.htm)

10. Japan and Singapore to Launch Patent Prosecution Pilot July 1st

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced that Japan's Patent Office (JPO) and Singapore's Intellectual Property Office are launching a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Pilot Program on July 1, 2009. The JPO has already started PPH programs with eight Patent Offices in the world, and these Offices including the JPO receive, in total, around 64% of worldwide patent filings. (Notice, available at http://www.meti.go.jp/english/press/data/20090616_01.html)

11. EC Offers Online Course on Economic Operators Registration

The European Commission's Taxation and Customs Union Website has posted information on a new online course to help European Union economic operators and customs officials implement the Economic Operators Registration and Identification number (EORI). The training has been prepared in collaboration with expert customs officials and is freely available for download. (Notice, available at http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/elearning/eori/index_en.htm)

12. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall

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

(Notices, FR Pub 06/16/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14158.pdf)

15. FMC Lists OTI Applications

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has issued a notice that lists those applying for Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:

FMC notice (FR Pub 06/16/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14161.pdf