The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a proposed rule to restrict entry into any U.S. port or place and access to port services by vessels that have been listed as engaging in illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing activities. It would also prohibit the provision by persons and business entities subject to U.S. jurisdiction of certain services to, and commercial transactions with, such vessels. Written comments are due by February 25, 2010. (FR Pub 01/11/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-144.pdf)

The World Customs Organization Secretary General, in a speech before the Customs Union Group of the EU Council on January 7, 2010, stated that the WCO's priorities for 2010 would include: (1) effective implementation of risk management techniques, (2) the establishment of a strong Customs-business partnership, (3) support for the "Globally Networked Customs" initiative, (4) the strengthening of border management and (5) the implementation of a Single Window system (by adopting, among other things, the WCO Data Model). (Report, dated 01/07/10, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/?v=1&lid=1&cid=2&id=194)

During their January 6, 2010 open meeting, the Commissioners of the Consumer Product Safety Commission approved, with certain changes, a final rule on guidelines and requirements for mandatory recall notices and a final rule on exemptions for certain components of children's electronic devices from the lead content limits of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA).

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has presented to Congress the Biannual report on the operation of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act. The report is statutorily-mandated by Congress and describes the main features of the program, analyzes trade trends, and outlines each country's performance related to the CBERA program's eligibility criteria. (Report, dated 12/31/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/webfm_send/1573)

The International Trade Administration is seeking comments on priorities for the Transatlantic Innovation Dialogue from any interested party, including industry, consumer, labor and environmental groups, trade associations, professional organizations/societies, academia, and Federal, state, and local governments. Comments will be used to identify and select projects for cooperation on innovation policy between the U.S. government and the European Commission. Written comments must be submitted on or before February 5, 2010. (FR Pub 12/31/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-31085.pdf)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a final rule, effective June 28, 2010, which establishes requirements for domestic manufacturers and importers of durable infant and toddler products to enable consumers of these products to register and be notified directly if the product is the subject of a recall or safety alert.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a Federal Register notice announcing its interim enforcement policy allowing certain component and paint sample testing for certification of children's and other consumer products for compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act's lead paint and lead content limits that took effect August 14, 2009. (CPSC notice, FR Pub 12/28/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-30669.pdf)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a notice announcing a two day staff-conducted public workshop to receive views from all interested parties on establishing a public consumer product safety incident database.

Representatives from the U.S. and Jordan convened a meeting of the Joint Committee of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement on December 15, 2009. At the Joint Committee meeting, officials discussed economic conditions in both countries, reviewed advances in bilateral trade and investment since the FTA entered into force, and discussed the development of bilateral cooperation in areas including: general economic cooperation, investment, agriculture, innovation, IPR protection and enforcement, customs issues, environmental and labor issues, and capacity building. (Press release, dated 12/18/09, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/press-releases/2009/december/ustr-and-jordan-hold-fta-joint-committee-meeting)

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a press release announcing that a large majority of states and territories - 46 of 56 - have informed DHS that they will not be able to meet the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. In order to ensure that the millions of Americans traveling this holiday season are not disrupted, DHS is extending the Dec. 31 REAL ID material compliance deadline. The May 10, 2011, deadline for full compliance remains in effect, and the Department will continue to work closely with states to meet this deadline. However, DHS states that Congress must act to address systemic problems with the REAL ID Act to advance U.S. security interests over the long term. (Press release, dated 12/18/09, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1261170524591.shtm.)