Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. China and Costa Rica Sign Free Trade Agreement

2. CPSC Announces April 15 Meeting on Phthalates

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the first meeting of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) on Phthalates on April 15, 2010 in Bethesda, MD, to study the effects on children’s health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children’s toys and child care articles, pursuant to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). (FR Pub 04/09/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8144.pdf)

3. CPSC to Vote on 3rd Party Lab Requirements to Test Electrically Operated Toys, Clacker Balls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is scheduled to vote by April 14, 2010 on publication of a Federal Register notice that would establish the accreditation requirements for CPSC-recognized third-party labs to test electrically operated toys or other electrically operated articles intended for use by children and clacker balls. (Document, posted 04/09/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia10/brief/clacker.pdf)

4. GAO Report on Adult-Sized ATVs Used by Children

The Government Accountability Office has issued a report entitled "All-Terrain Vehicles: How They Are Used, Crashes, and Sales of Adult-Sized Vehicles for Children’s Use." (Report, dated April 2010, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d10418.pdf)

5. FMCSA Requests Comments on New Motor Carrier Safety Measurement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is requesting comments on its withdrawal of its proposed Motor Carrier Safety Status Measurement System (SafeStat), and replacement with the Carrier Safety Measurement System (CSMS), to be implemented on November 30, 2010. Beginning April 12, FMCSA will provide an advance preview at http://csa2010.fmcsa.dot.gov. Comments are due by September 30, 2010. (D/N FMCSA-2004-18898, FR Pub 04/09/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8183.pdf)

6. Export.Gov Reports on FedEx’s Green Industries Trade Mission to Europe

Export.Gov reports that FedEx Corp. is collaborating with the Commerce Department's U.S. Commercial Service on a trade mission to Europe for April 11-16, 2010. The mission will bring representatives of 25 U.S.-based businesses to eight European countries to engage with government and industry leaders in Europe. (Press release, dated 04/07/10, available at http://www.export.gov/articles/eg_press_release_021440.asp)

7. TTB May 2010 Wine Seminars on Oregon and Washington States

The Alcohol, Tobacco, Tax and Trade Bureau is hosting a series of free, one-day seminars for the wine industry over May 11-20, 2010 in various locations in Oregon and Washington states. TTB experts will discuss topics that will help the wine industry better understand relevant Federal requirements and avoid common compliance pitfalls. (Notice, posted 04/08/10. available at http://www.ttb.treas.gov/wine/oregon_washington-wine-seminar.shtml)

8. European Parliament Considers Tracking System for Bluefin Tuna

The European Parliament is considering legislation to require tracking of bluefin tuna from catch to sale to deter illegal fishing. Documentation would be required for every stage, including transshipping, caging, harvesting, importing, exporting and re-exporting. Parliament and the European Council would have to agree on the legislation for it to be adopted. (Press release, dated 04/08/10, available at http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/expert/infopress_page/033-72199-096-04-15-904-20100406IPR72175-06-04-2010-2010-false/default_en.htm)

9. China's AQSIQ and EU Meet on Toys, Chemical Products, Etc.

China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (AQSIQ) reports that on March 25, 2010, the Eighth Annual Meeting of Sino-EU Industrial Products and WTO/TBT Negotiation Mechanism was held in Beijing. Among other things, reports on mechanic and electronic products, medical devices, cars, toys, chemical products, cosmetics, alcohol drinks, conformity assessment and standardization were presented. (News release, dated 04/08/10, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/PhotoGallery/201004/t20100408_140498.htm)

10. 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/prerelapr10.html)

11. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Report

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN report:

· Russian Federation - Meat and Poultry Quota Quantities for 2010-2012 Approved: Livestock and Products

12. FSIS Updates 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 the following country:

· France (Revised April 7, 2010)

13. APHIS Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance PPQ Manual Updated

On April 7, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Canadian Border Agricultural Clearance Manual. This Manual serves as a guide for authorized Federal officers at ports of entry along the Canadian Border. (Manual, updated 04/07/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/canadian.shtml)