Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. FMC Hearings on Inadequate Vessel Space & Containers in Liner Trades

2. CPSC Posts Method for Testing Children's Toys/Articles for Phthalates

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a test method CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3 entitled, "Standard Operating Procedure for Determination of Phthalates." The document provides detailed information on test methods that will be used by CPSC's testing laboratory for the analysis of phthalate content in children's toys and child care articles covered by the standard set forth in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. (CPSC test method available at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/CPSC-CH-C1001-09.3.pdf)

3. FDA Revises PREDICT Briefing Slides for Importers, Entry Filers

The Food and Drug Administration has posted a March 18, 2010 revised version of its PREDICT (Predictive Risk-based Evaluation for Dynamic Import Compliance Targeting) briefing slides for importers and entry filers. (Slides, posted 03/23/10, available at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ForIndustry/ImportProgram/UCM176726.pdf)

4. DOT Announces Two Major Investigations Into Unintended Vehicle Acceleration

Transportation Secretary LaHood announced two major investigations on unintended vehicle acceleration. The National Academy of Sciences will examine unintended acceleration and electronic vehicle controls across the entire automotive industry, while NASA engineers will help tackle the issue of unintended vehicle acceleration in Toyotas. (Notice, dated 03/30/10, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot5410.htm)

5. BTS Says Jan 2010 Surface Trade with Canada & Mexico Rose 19.5% from Jan 2009

Trade using surface transportation between the U.S. and its North American Free Trade Agreement partners Canada and Mexico was 19.5% higher in January 2010 than in January 2009, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. However, the value of such trade fell 3.0% in January 2010 from December 2009. (Press release, dated 03/30/10, available at http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2010/bts016_10/html/bts016_10.html)

6. USCC to Hold Hearing on China's Green Energy, Environment Policies

The U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission will conduct a public hearing on April 8, 2010 on "China's Green Energy and Environmental Polices." (Press release, dated 03/31/10, available at http://www.uscc.gov/pressreleases/2010/10_04_08pr.pdf)

7. DOE Investigates ENERGY STAR Status of Air Con Heat Pumps, Air Conditioners

The Energy Department has opened an investigation and issued subpoenas to determine whether certain air conditioners and heat pump products manufactured by Air Con International comply with federal energy efficiency standards. This action follows similar subpoenas issued for certain torchiere lighting products and builds on the continuing efforts to enforce the ENERGY STAR program. (Press release, dated 03/26/10, available at http://www.energy.gov/news/8801.htm)

8. DOE Orders AeroSys to Halt Distribution of Inefficient Air Conditioner, Heat Pump Models

The Energy Department announced that it is requiring AeroSys, Inc. to stop distributing two product models - one air conditioner and one heat pump - that DOE testing found to consume more energy than allowed under federal efficiency standards. This is the first time that DOE has told a company or manufacturer that it must halt the distribution of products that fail to meet minimum conservation standards. (Press release, dated 03/30/10, available at http://www.energy.gov/news/8807.htm)

9. G20 Letter Emphasizes Importance of Resisting Protectionism

The White House has posted a joint letter from the G20 leaders which emphasizes that to make progress on Doha, countries need to continue to resist protectionist pressures, and to promote liberalization of trade and investment through the national reduction of barriers, as well as through bilateral and regional negotiations. (Letter, posted 03/30/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/joint-letter-g20-leaders)

10. EU to Release New Trade Policy in 2010, Focus on Doha, U.S. Relations

European Commissioner for Trade De Gucht has announced that the European Commission will issue a new trade policy later this year. Among other things, the trade strategy will focus on multilateralism and the completion of Doha, inherited bilateral trade negotiations, a focus on U.S. and China relations, and a review of the EU's General System of Preferences. (Notice, dated 03/24/10, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2010/march/tradoc_145949.pdf)

11. Codex Circulates Outcomes of March Meeting to WTO Members

The Codex Alimentarius Commission has circulated to World Trade Organization members the outcomes of its March 17-18, 2010 meeting. Among other things, the Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems finalized the Principles and Guidelines for the conduct of assessment of foreign official inspection and certification systems. (Notice, dated 03/31/10, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/DDFDocuments/t/g/sps/GEN1010.doc)

12. ITA Reschedules Travel and Tourism Meeting

The International Trade Administration has rescheduled a U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board meeting to discuss topics related to the travel and tourism industry to April 12, 2010 (from April 8). (FR Pub 04/01/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7393.pdf)

13. China and Taiwan to Hold 2nd Round of Economic Talks

Xinhua News reports that experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan started their second round of talks in Taipei to pave the way for a long-awaited Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which is intended to normalize mainland-Taiwan economic ties and bring the two economies closer. (Notice, posted 03/31/10, available at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-03/31/c_13232868.htm)

14. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

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

15. 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:

99-19: Food Products Due To The Presence Of Salmonella

99-05: Raw Agricultural Products for Pesticides

52-08: Ceramicware Due to Excessive Lead and/or Cadmium

45-07: Food Products Containing Illegal Undeclared Sweeteners

45-02: Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors

16-120: Fish/Fishery Products from Foreign Processors (Mfrs.) Not in Compliance with Seafood HACCP