Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Miami Bulletin on CBP Policy for Offloading of Vessel Dunnage

2. Intermodal Equipment Providers Must File MCs-150C Form by Dec 17th

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states that each intermodal equipment provider (IEP) that offers intermodal equipment for transportation in interstate commerce must file an identification form, Form MCS-150C, by December 17, 2009. Each IEP will receive a USDOT number. An updated form is required every 24 months. (Notice, posted 08/24/09, available at http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/topics/IEP/registration.htm)

3. Guilty Plea from Chinese National in Illegal Honey Import Scheme

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports that a 20-year employee of a bee products company in China has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges stemming from his role in a scheme to illegally transship honey from China through the Philippines or Thailand (where the honey was re-labeled to avoid antidumping duties) into the U.S. One shipment was also found tainted with a banned antibiotic. (News Release, dated 08/19/09, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0908/090819seattle.htm)

4. AstroTurf Agrees to Eliminate Lead Threats to Children

CEH Investigation Results in an agreement by AstroTurf that sets the first-ever legally binding rules to end lead threats to children from artificial turf. The agreement is the first following from a CEH investigation of high levels of lead found in turf from dozens of artificial turf makers. (Press Release, posted 08/13/09, available at http://www.ceh.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=397&Itemid=166)

5. CPSC Announces Additional Deaths Associated w/ Certain Recalled Simplicity Bassinet

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has re-announced its alert on "close-sleeper/bedside sleeper" convertible bassinets manufactured by Simplicity Inc. (PA). Such bassinets may have a Graco logo or a Winnie the Pooh motif. CPSC has learned of two additional infant deaths since the August 2008 safety alert and recall announcements. (Notice, dated 08/20/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09319.html)

6. Webinar on U.S. Foreign Trade Regulation - In Spanish

The U.S. Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division will hold a series of three webinars in September - in the Spanish language, on Electronic Export Information filing requirements, AESPcLink, and the Harmonized System and Schedule B. The cost of each Webinar is $50. (Notice, posted 08/24/09, available at http://www.export.gov/webinars/eg_main_020111.asp)

7. Coast Guard Notice on DHS First Quadrennial Homeland Security Review

The Coast Guard is inviting participation in the second and third sessions (beginning in late August and late September) of the Department of Homeland Security's first Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, which will be conducted over the Web. The first session occurred during the first week of August. (Notice dated 07/22/09, available at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentTypeId=2&contentId=196493&programId=1073756464&pageTypeId=13489&BV_SessionID=@@@@0227046861.1251207046@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccccadeiefdfihmcfjgcfgfdffhdghl.0 )

8. BIS Regulations and Procedures Committee to Meet

BIS states that the Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Committee will meet on September 15, 2009, in Washington, D.C. for a partially open meeting (open portion alsoavailable via teleconference). The meeting will provide an update on enforcement, regulations, and AES. (FR Pub 08/24/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-20270.pdf)

9. BIS Transportation and Equipment Committee to Meet

BIS states that the Transportation and Related Equipment Technical Advisory Committee will meet on September 16, 2009, in Washington, D.C. for a partially open meeting (open portion alsoavailable by teleconference). The committee examines technical questions that affect the level of export controls applicable to transportation and related equipment or technology. (FR Pub 08/24/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-20250.pdf)

10. OMB Approves Final Rule on Phytos for Air Passenger Fruits/ Vegetables

The Office of Management and Budget has approved the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's final rule that would require a phytosanitary certificate to accompany noncommercial consignments of fresh fruits and vegetables imported into the U.S. by air passengers. (Rule, completed 08/18/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=0579-AB18)

11. APHIS PPQ Treatment Manual Updated

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued an August 21, 2009 version of its Operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation. (Manual, updated 08/21/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/treatment.shtml)

12. FSIS Updates List of Canada Establishments Eligible to Export Meat and Poultry to U.S.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a August 14, 2009 version of its list of Canada establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S. (List, dated 08/14/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Canada_establishments.pdf)

13. FAS Amends GSM-102 Credit Guarantees for Export Sales to Many Countries

The Foreign Agricultural Service has amended the GSM-102 credit guarantees for exports sales to: Russia, Central America region, Turkey, Southeast Asia region, South Korea, South America region, South Asia region, Mexico, Jamaica, China/Hong Kong, Caribbean region, and the Africa and Middle East region. (Notice, posted 08/20/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/)

14. FAS Reports Acceptance of DEIP Bids for Butter and Nonfat Dry Milk

The Foreign Agricultural Service reports that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Commodity Credit Corporation has accepted bids from exporters DairyAmerica, Inc. (nonfat dry milk) and James Farrell & Co., Inc. (butter), under the Dairy Export Incentive Program, for exports to Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Eurasia, variously. 2nd DairyAmerica Inc. notice available here.

15. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall

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

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

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

FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to

Singapore (Aug 21, 2009).

17. FSIS Issues Directive and Notices for its Inspection Personnel

Directive 9500.5 - Laboratory Sampling Program for Imported Meat and Poultry Products (August 13, 2009)

Notice 55-09 - July 2009 Export Library Revisions for countries that that made changes to their export requirements. (August 11, 2009)

Notice 55-08 - New Performance-Based Inspection System Procedure Code and Result Codes (August 11, 2009)