Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Shippers' Newswire reports that it now looks virtually certain that many ships and ports will fail to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by July 1, 2004, stating that a May 17, 2004 survey of 35 governments by the IMO showed that only 1,902 of their 20,722 ships have received their ISPS ship security certificates, which represents only 9.2%. Regarding ports, the article states that only 301 out of 5,578 port facilities had received port security certificates as of May 17, 2004, which represents only 5.4%. (American Shipper, dated 05/27/04, ShippersNewsWire@americanshipper.com )
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Export Compliance Daily combines U.S. export control news, foreign border import regulation and policy developments into a single daily information service that reliably informs its trade professional readers about important current issues affecting their operations.
1. Many Ships, Ports to Miss ISPS July 1 Security Code Deadline
2. U.S. Expects to Begin New BSE Testing Program in June 2004
The State Department's Washington File reports that the U.S. is on track to implement an enhanced plan to test cattle for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) by June 1, 2004, according to senior officials of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Under the plan, the USDA expects to test approximately 200,000 high-risk cows (e.g. those aged 30 months or older) and 20,000 normal animals annually. (Washington File Pub 05/24/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=May&x=20040524155921AKllennoCcM0.2212335&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
3. Senator Urges Continued Efforts to Lift Japan's Partial Ban on U.S. Processed Egg Exports
In a press release and attached letter, Iowa Senator Grassley urged the Secretary of Agriculture to continue pressing Japan to lift its partial ban on U.S. processed egg exports. The Senator hopes for immediate, unrestricted trade of pasteurized liquid, frozen, and dried egg products, including trade of shipments that have been blocked over the past months due to Japan's trade measures. This partial ban was imposed when a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in Texas earlier in 2004. (Press Release, dated 05/21/04, available at http://grassley.senate.gov/releases/2004/p04r05-21.htm)
4. DOT Secretary Says U.S. & EU on the Verge of Open Skies Agreement
According to a Washington File report, the Secretary of Transportation is confident that an Open Skies Agreement between the U.S. and the European Union (EU) can be brought to closure in the coming weeks. The Secretary states that a comprehensive transatlantic open skies agreement will create the largest, freest market in air transportation ever, with immediate market-opening benefits for all 25 EU member states. (Washington File Pub 05/24/04, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=May&x=200405241814161CJsamohT9.730166e-02&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
5. BIS Announces Opportunities for U.S. Firms to Sell Goods/Services to NATO
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has made available on its Web site information regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Security Investment Program (NSIP), which offers opportunities for certified U.S. firms to sell to NATO various goods and services, such as construction products for airfields, communications/information systems, etc., in order for NATO to meet its infrastructure requirements. (NSIP Information available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/DefenseIndustrialBasePrograms/OSIES/NATOprograms/index.htm)
6. EPA Solicits Applications for Methyl Bromide Critical Use Exemption
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is soliciting applications for critical use exemptions from the January 1, 2005 phase-out of methyl bromide, an ozone depleting substance. The EPA explains that the critical use exemption permits the limited production and import of methyl bromide beyond the phase-out date for specific uses. Applications for the critical use exemption must be postmarked on or before August 8, 2004. (OAR-2003-0017; FRL-7359-9, FR Pub 05/07/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-10474.pdf)
7. AMS Extends Comment Period on Proposed Rule to Exempt Organic Products from Assessments for Research & Promotion Programs
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a notice extending the comment period for a proposed rule that would exempt producers and marketers of solely 100% organic products from paying assessments to any research and promotion program administered by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). Comments must be received by June 25, 2004. (See ITT's Online Archives or 04/27/04 news, 04042710, for BP summary of this proposed rule.) (D/N PY-02-006 Ext., FR Pub 05/26/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/14mar20010800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-11878.pdf)