Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. WCO Announces World Customs Forum 2009

2. ITC Updates Online 2009 HTS Supplement to Reflect Printed Version

The International Trade Commission states that the online 2009 Supplement has been updated to reflect changes to the printed version. Changes include those related to certain agriculture products of Chapter 99. (Supplement, available at http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/)

3. Agreements Filed with FMC to Revise Levels of Service, Etc.

The Federal Maritime Commission is announcing that the U.S./Australia Discussion Agreement has filed Agreement Amendment No. 011117-048 to, among other things, revise the minimum level of service. The HSDG/Alianca/CSAV/Libra/CLNU Cooperative Working Agreement has filed Agreement Amendment No. 011938-005 to reduce the number of vessel strings, etc. (FR Pub 08/05/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-18752.pdf)

4. DOE Says Independent Report Confirms Clean Energy Bill's Low Cost

The Depart of Energy reports that a new analysis by the independent, non-partisan Energy Information Agency confirms findings by earlier reports from the Congressional Budget Office and the Environmental Protection Agency that the Waxman-Markey energy and climate legislation will cost American households roughly the same as a postage stamp a day - 23 cents. (Notice, dated 08/04/09, available at http://www.energy.gov/news2009/7740.htm)

5. U.S. Launches Bilateral Investment Treaty Negotiations with Mauritius

On August 5, 2009, the Secretary of State and U.S. Trade Representative announced that the U.S. and Mauritius will begin formal negotiations toward a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) that would strengthen investor protections and encourage the continuation of market-oriented economic reforms in Mauritius. (Press release, dated 08/05/09, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/aug/126888.htm.)

6. President Addresses AGOA Forum Via Video

On August 5, 2009, the President addressed the African Growth and Opportunity Act forum via video. During his message, the President noted that AGOA has transformed the U.S.-Africa trade relationship, but that U.S.-Africa trade has yet to realize its full potential. (Message, dated 08/05/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Barack-Obamas-video-message-to-the-AGOA-Forum/.)

7. Export.gov Announcement on Biennial U.S. - Africa Business Summit

Export.gov is announcing that the Corporate Council of Africa is holding its 7th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit on September 29- October 1, 2009 in Washington, D.C. (Notice, available at http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.aspx?e=a83433d4-f64f-4adb-aeda-0525c94ca0eb)

8. EC Comments on China's Request for WTO Consultations on Certain EU Antidumping Measures

The European Commission has posted comments on China's recent request for World Trade Organization consultations on EU anti-dumping measures on imports of certain iron or steel fasteners from China. According to the EC, the request is within China's rights as a WTO member but the EC believes that its decision to impose AD measures was taken on the basis of clear evidence that unfair dumping of Chinese products has taken place with State distortion of raw material prices. (Comments, posted 07/31/09, available at http://ec.europa.eu/trade/issues/respectrules/anti_dumping/pr030809_en.htm)

9. EC Posts Market Access Newsletter

The European Commission has posted the latest edition of its Market AccessNewsletter. The newsletter discusses market access issues such as China's recent "Buy Chinese" policy and long-standing issues with the U.S. such as Irish music and online gambling. (Newsletter, dated 07/31/09, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2009/august/tradoc_144203.pdf)

10. DHS Readout of H1N1 Summit Webcast

On August 4, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano, Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius and Department of Education Arne Duncan joined with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases Schuchat to discuss H1N1 preparedness and answer questions from the public. (Press release, dated 08/04/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1249420893978.shtm.)

11. DHS Secretary's Remarks at Global Cyber Security Conference

On August 4, 2009, DHS Secretary Napolitano discussed DHS' response to the cybersecurity challenge at the Global Cyber Security Conference. (Press release, dated 08/04/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/speeches/sp_1249422144667.shtm.)

12. DDTC Posts License Processing Times for July 2009

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has posted July 2009 statistics on its processing times for US defense firms' munitions license submissions. The agency reports a lengthening of license application intervals to an average of 15 days (from 13 days for June). (License processing times, updated 08/03/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/metrics/index.html)

13. APHIS Animal Product PPQ Manual Updated

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued an August 3, 2009 updated version of the Plant Protection and Quarantine 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, updated 08/03/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)

14. APHIS Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual Updated

APHIS has issued an August 3, 2009 version of its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables PPQ Import manual. This manual lists by country the fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the U.S. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables, pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables. (Manual, updated 08/03/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)

15. FAS Reports Acceptance of DEIP Bids for Butter

The Foreign Agricultural Service reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation has accepted a bid from Hoogwegt U.S., Inc. under the Dairy Export Incentive Program for butter to Africa and the Middle East. (Notice, dated 08/04/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0151-09)

16. FSIS Updates List of Canadian Establishments Eligible to Export Meat and Poultry to USA

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued an August 4, 2009 version of its list of Canadian establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S. (List, dated 08/04/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Canada_establishments.pdf)

17. Updated List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries

FSIS has provided updated information as noted below for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following:

Mexico (August 4, 2009)

China (August 2009)

Japan (July 31, 2009)

Russia (July 30, 2009)

18. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

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

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelaug09.html)