Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

The President of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers recently stated at the NCBFAA's annual conference that Canada currently has a proposal on the table for their own version of 10+2.

2. USCC Reports on Safety of Chinese Raw Ingredients in Drugs, Supplements

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has released a new contracted report entitled: “Potential Health & Safety Impacts from Pharmaceuticals and Supplements Containing Chinese-Sourced Raw Ingredients” on the safety of Chinese-sourced raw ingredients that are incorporated into pharmaceutical products, & dietary, and nutritional supplements. (Report, posted 01/14/10, available at http://www.uscc.gov/researchpapers/2010/NSD_BIO_Pharma_Report--Revised_FINAL_for_PDF--14_%20April_2010.pdf)

3. USTR Kirk Discusses TPP Negotiations with Congressional Dairy Caucus

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk met with the Congressional Dairy Caucus on April 14, 2010 to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. (Notice, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog/2010/april/ambassador-kirk-meets-congressional-dairy-caucus

4. U.S. and South Africa Sign MOU to Launch Strategic Dialogue

On April 14, Secretary of State Clinton and South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Nkoana-Mashabane signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally launch the U.S. -- South Africa Strategic Dialogue. The Strategic Dialogue will reinforce cooperation between the two countries in key areas, such as trade, health, education, food security, law enforcement, investment, energy, and nonproliferation. (Press release, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2010/04/140196.htm)

5. DOT Solicits Applications for Marine Highway Program

The Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration is soliciting applications for Marine Highway Projects under the Marine Highway Program, as outlined in its April 9 final rule. The application period begins April 15, 2010 and is open through June 11, 2010. (FR Pub 04/15/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8619.pdf)

6. BTS Announces 0.3% February Rise in Freight TSI

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics announced that the Freight Transportation Services Index rose 0.3% in February 2010 from its January level, rising for the second consecutive month, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported. The Freight TSI measures the output of the for-hire freight transport industry and consists of data from for-hire trucking, rail, inland waterways, pipelines and air freight. (Press release, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2010/bts017_10/html/bts017_10.html)

7. CPSC to Vote April 21 on Component Testing, 15 Month Proposed Rules

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has scheduled a vote on its draft proposed rules on testing and labeling ("15 Month Rule") and testing component parts during its public meeting on April 21, 2010 in Bethesda, MD. (FR Pub 04/15/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8805.pdf)

8. CPSC Posts Webcast from First Day of Phthalates Panel Meeting

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a recorded webcast from the first day of the April 14-15, 2010 meeting of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel, appointed to study the effects on children’s health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children’s toys and child care articles. A live webcast of the second day of meetings and the meeting agenda are also available. (Webcast, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/chap0410.html)

9. CPSC to Post Meeting on Database, 15 Month, Component Testing Proposed Rules

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that the webcast of its April 15, 2010 open meeting, in which it is scheduled to vote on the draft proposed rule on the public database and to discuss the draft proposed “15 Month” rule and related draft proposed rule on component testing, will be posted that afternoon. (Notice, posted 04/15/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/webcast/previous.html)

10. CPSC Issues Its Open Government Plan

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted its Open Government Plan in accordance with the Obama Administration's Open Government Initiative. CPSC states it is engaging in an aggressive plan to put forth its data, deliberations, decisions, determinations, collaborations and actions in an open, accessible manner to consumers, stakeholders and the general public. (Notice, dated 04/12/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/open/plan.html)

11. AMS Referendum Continues Mango Promotion Order

The Agricultural Marketing Service states that first handlers and importers of fresh mangos have voted to continue the Mango Promotion, Research and Information Order in a referendum conducted March 15-26, 2010. The program is funded by an assessment of on-half cent per pound on all handled and imported fresh mangos. (News release, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/ams.fetchTemplateData.do?template=TemplateU&navID=&page=Newsroom&resultType=Details&dDocName=STELPRDC5083845&dID=130098&wf=false&description=Mango+First+Handlers+and+Importers+Vote+to+Continue+the+Mango+Promotion%2C++Researc)

12. FSIS Announces Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminar Schedule

The Food Safety Inspection Service has announced its May - October 2010 Meat and Poultry Inspection Seminars for International Officials. These four seminars, to be held in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, will cover issues including Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Pathogen Reduction, import and export procedures, etc. (Notice, posted 04/12/10, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/2010_Meat_&_Poultry_Inspection_Seminars/index.asp)

13. FDA Official Testifies on Regulation of Pseudoephedrine

Director Ganley of the FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation IV testified before the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control that measures restricting the sale of pseudoephedrine to achieve important public safety goals that would result from reduced product misuse should be balanced with the need to maintain access for legitimate use. (Testimony, dated 04/13/10, available at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Testimony/ucm208425.htm)

14. PHMSA to Meet to Prepare for Upcoming UN Meeting

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is announcing a public meeting on June 9, 2010 in Washington, DC in preparation for the 37th session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods to be held June 21-30, 2010 in Geneva, Switzerland. (FR Pub 04/15/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8446.pdf)

15. Executive Order Blocks Certain Property of Persons Due to Conflict in Somalia

On April 13. 2010, the President issued an Executive Order blocking of property of certain persons contributing to the conflict in Somalia. The Executive Order also prohibits donations of certain types of articles. (Executive Order, dated 04/13/10, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-concerning-somalia)

16. USCC Issues Report on Potential U.S.-China BIT

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission has released a new contracted report entitled: “Evaluating a Potential U.S.-China Bilateral Investment Treaty: Background, Context and Implications.” Both countries resumed BIT negotiations in June 2008, following the fourth Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) meeting. (Report, posted 04/14/10, available at http://www.uscc.gov/researchpapers/2010/EIU_Report_on_US-China_BIT--FINAL_14_April_2010.pdf)

17. CBSA D-Memorandum on Direct Shipment Exemption for Haiti

The Canadian Border Services Agency has issued Memorandum D11-4-28 containing the regulations exempting goods originating in Haiti, for which the benefits of the General Preferential Tariff (GPT) or the Least Developed Country Tariff (LDCT) will be claimed, from the condition of direct shipment from Haiti on a through bill of lading when the goods are shipped through a port in the Dominican Republic. (Memorandum, posted 04/13/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d11/d11-4-28-eng.html)

18. Canada Approves “Lastol” and “PLA" as New Generic Fiber Names

The Canada Gazette reports that Canada’s Textile Labeling and Advertising regulations have been amended to include the two new generic fiber names of “lastol” (from ethylene and olefin) and “PLA” or “polylactic acid” (from lactic acid ester derived from sugars) for use on labels. (Amendments, posted 04/14/10, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2010/2010-04-14/html/sor-dors73-eng.html)

19. European Chemicals Agency Publishes Six Guides on REACH Registration

The European Chemicals Agency has published six Practical Guides to help registrants meet their information requirements for REACH registration. The guides are: How to Report In Vitro Data; How to Report Robust Study Summaries; How to Report Weight of Evidence; How to Report Waiving; How to Report (Q)SARs; and How to Report Read-Across and Categories. (News alert, dated 04/09/10, available at http://echa.europa.eu/doc/press/na_10_16_practical_guides_20100409.pdf)

20. Frito Lay Introduces Compostable Bag

Frito Lay has introduced the first 100% compostable chip bag for its SunChip brand. The new compostable bags are made with plant-based polylactic acid (PLA), a renewable material that also allows the bags to fully compost in approximately 14 weeks. (Press release, dated 03/31/10, available at http://www.fritolay.com/press-release-20100331.html)

21. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions and Notices

The Foreign Trade Zone Board has issued the following:

• FTZ 41 -- Grant of Authority For Subzone Status: Foreign Trade Subzone 41I; Racine, WI

22. CPSC Announces Open Meetings with Industry Stakeholders

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has updated its list of meetings between CPSC and industry stakeholders that are open to the public, unless otherwise stated (partial list):

• Commissioner Nord and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA); 04/20/10; on NEMA's concerns about the consumer products factory audit standard being developed by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA);
• Commissioner Nord and the American Apparel and Footwear Association; 04/22/10; to discuss heavy metal regulations for the apparel and footwear industry;
• CPSC's Gib Mullan and the Craft and Hobby Association; 04/15/10; to discuss CPSC enforcement.
• CPSC's Patricia Bittner at a Washington International Trade Association event; 04/19/10; on CPSC's interaction with USTR;
• Cancelation of meeting between Commissioner Adler and ExxonMobil; 04/20/10; on the CHAP phthalates process.

(Notice, dated 04/14/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html)

23. 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)