1. FDA Responds to Report on Sodium Levels in Food
On April 15, 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission voted 3-2 to issue, with changes from the draft version, a proposed rule on a publicly available consumer product safety database, as required by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).
1. Indonesia Requests WTO Consultations with U.S. on Clove Cigarette Ban
1. Canada Moving on Its Own "10+2" Proposal
The Senate is expected to soon begin its consideration of S. 510, the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, possibly as early as the week of April 19.
1. China Says It Will Stick to Its Own Path of Currency Reform
Xinhuanet.com reports that China and Costa Rica signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on April 8, 2010 to remove trade barriers and enhance bilateral ties. The agreement is the first free-trade pact signed between China and a Central American country, and would help both sides tap into each others market, as well as other markets in Asia and Central America. (Notice, posted 04/08/10, available at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-04/08/c_13242298.htm)
On April 7, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano unveiled DHS' Open Government plan - leveraging public input to enhance transparency, public participation and collaboration as part of the Obama administration's Open Government Initiative. (Press release, dated 04/07/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1270662888919.shtm)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that at an April 15, 2010 open Commission meeting, it will discuss its draft proposed "15 Month Rule" and the related draft proposed rule on component testing (both previously scheduled for discussion on April 8, 2010). It will also vote on publication of its proposed rule on a publicly available consumer product safety database.
The following summary provides details of the draft proposed rule for a publicly available consumer product safety database that the Consumer Product Safety Commission posted in advance of its April 7, 2010 meeting on the draft.