CBP has posted updated Excel workbooks containing historical information and fill dates for the following tariff rate quotas:
The Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission have approved an interim final rule containing the CPSC's interpretation of the statutory and other civil penalty and mitigation factors that may be considered for "knowing" violations of the prohibited acts listed in the Consumer Product Safety Act, the Flammable Fabrics Act, and the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, as amended by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. Commissioner statements are availablehere. In addition, CPSC has approved a notice withdrawing its related July 2006 proposed rule on civil penalty factors. (Interim Final Rule, dated 08/19/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr09/civilpenaltyfactors-draft.pdf)
The International Trade Administration announced an Energy Efficiency Trade Mission to India that will occur on November 16-20, 2009. (FR Pub 08/18/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-19777.pdf)
The White House has posted a joint statement from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from the recent meeting of the North American Leaders in Mexico. In the joint statement the leaders noted that they are investing in border infrastructure, including advanced technology, to create truly modern borders to facilitate trade and the smooth operation of supply chains, while protecting security. The leaders pledge to cooperate in the protection of intellectual property rights to facilitate the development of innovative economies. (Statement, dated 08/10/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Joint-statement-by-North-American-leaders/)
Note that Daily Update on Capitol Hill Trade Actions does not appear in today's issue of International Trade Today. Publication of this feature will resume as new information becomes available.
On August 6, 2009, the Bureau of Industry and Security and the Office of Foreign Assets Control announced that they have entered into a joint settlement agreement with DPWN Holdings (USA), Inc.1 and DHL Express (USA), Inc. (collectively DHL), regarding allegations that DHL unlawfully aided and abetted the illegal exportation of goods to Syria, Iran and Sudan and failed to comply with record keeping requirements of the Export Administration Regulations and OFAC regulations.
The Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission are scheduled to vote by August 7, 2009 on a draft Federal Register notice that announces the availability of its Statement of Policy concerning the tracking label provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). (The policy statement on tracking labels was posted to the CPSC website in July 2009.) (Notice, dated 07/31/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia09/brief/trackinglabelpolicy.pdf)
The White House has posted a statement by the President on the House passage of the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. In his statement, the President commends the House of Representatives for its passage and states that he looks forward to working with the Senate to enact food safety legislation. (Statement, dated 07/30/09, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Statement-by-the-President-on-House-Passage-of-the-Food-Safety-Enhancement-Act-of-2009/.)
On July 24, 2009, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano unveiled five new efficiency initiatives, marking the fourth milestone in the Department-wide Efficiency Review launched in March. According to DHS, the new initiatives will streamline operations, improve customer service, and help stretch homeland security dollars. (DHS press release, dated 07/24/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1248468743775.shtm.)
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a final rule, effective July 23, 2009, which amends the Iranian Transactions Regulations to revise the definition of the term "Iranian accounts."