Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Effective April 9, 2010, the Department of Agriculture is canceling all unutilized balances of the GSM-102 Export Credit Program announcements issued for FY 2010. Applications under these announcements must be received by 11:59 p.m. on April 8, 2010, to be considered for guarantee coverage under current terms. If any unused allocations remain under these announcements, USDA will issue new program announcements making the allocations available under new guarantee fee rates. (News release, dated 04/06/10, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0074-10)
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
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. USDA Amends GSM-102 Credit Guarantees for Fiscal Year 2010
2. Administration Issues Surface Transport Security Assessment Report
Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano has announced the Administration's release of its first Surface Transportation Security Priority Assessment report. Its recommendations include "designate a lead agency to coordinate periodic security risk analyses" and "identify an interagency lead to establish a single data repository for all federal security risk information on transportation systems". Napolitano's statement available here. (Report, dated March 2010, available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/rss_viewer/STSA.pdf)
3. Treasury Announces U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership
On April 6, 2010, Treasury Secretary Geithner announced a new U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership that will focus on economic developments in both countries and bilateral policy actions in the context of the G-20 commitment to strong, sustainable and balanced growth. (Press release, dated 04/06/10, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg630.htm)
4. Administration Official Reaffirms Commitment to Trade with Africa
On April 5, 2010, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs gave a speech in which he reaffirmed the U.S. desire to strengthen its trading relationship with Africa. The Assistant Secretary noted that the U.S. already has strong ties in energy, textiles, and transportation equipment, but can and should do more. The Assistant Secretary stated that the Obama Administration is committed to working with Africa to maximize the opportunities created by trade preference programs like AGOA and hopes more African nations will take advantage of AGOA. (Speech, dated 04/05/10, available at http://www.state.gov/p/af/rls/rm/2010/139462.htm)
5. Shipping Committee to Meet on Upcoming IMO Hazmat Conference
The State Department announces a Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting on April 20, 2010 in Washington, DC to prepare for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Diplomatic Conference to Revise the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, to be held April 26-30, 2010. (Public Notice 6946, FR Pub 04/07/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7903.pdf)
6. ITA Quarterly Update on Foreign Government Cheese Subsidies
The International Trade Administration issued its quarterly update, effective April 7, 2010, to its annual list of foreign government subsidies on articles of cheese subject to an in-quota rate of duty. (FR Pub 04/07/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7906.pdf)
7. FAS Issues Market Report on Worldwide Import Demand for Wine
The Foreign Agricultural Service has issued a Market and Trade Data Report stating that the economic crisis has curtailed growth in worldwide import demand, noting that after a decade of robust global import demand growth, trade appears to have temporarily plateaued at 41 million hectoliters (HL) in 2009. (Report, posted 04/06/10, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/horticulture/Wine/3-10WineArticle.pdf)
8. State Dept Proposes to Extend Italy Archaeological Import MOU
The State Department has issued a proposal to extend the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Italy concerning the imposition of U.S. import restrictions on categories of archaeological material representing the Pre-Classical, Classical and Imperial Roman periods of Italy, pursuant to Italy's notice of interest. (Public Notice 6944, FR Pub 04/07/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7894.pdf)
9. EPA Issuing ANPR on PCBs and PCB Items
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to reassess the use and distribution of certain classes of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and PCB items, and requests comments by July 6, 2010 on definitions of excluded manufacturing process, quantifiable level/level of detection, and recycled PCBs, among other things. (FR Pub 04/07/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7751.pdf)
10. EPA Proposes Adding More Chemicals to Toxics Release Inventory List
On April 6, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it is issuing a proposed rule to add 16 chemicals that can reasonably be anticipated to cause cancer in humans to the Toxics Release Inventory list of reportable chemicals. Four of the 16 are being proposed for addition to the polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) category as they are persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic (PBT) chemicals. EPA release available here. (Notice, dated 04/06/10, available at http://www.epa.gov/tri/lawsandregs/ntp_chemicals/index.html)
11. BIS Sends OMB Proposed Rule on Defense Priorities and Systems
The Bureau of Industry and Security has sent to the Office of Management of Budget a proposed rule on "Revisions to Defense Priorities and Allocations System Regulations." (Rule, RIN 0694-AE81, received 03/11/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/jsp/EO/eoDashboard.jsp?agency_cd=0000&agency_nm=All&stage_cd=2&from_page=index.jsp&sub_index=0)
12. 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 Adler and the American Apparel & Footwear Association and Fashion Accessories Shippers Association; 04/12/10; to discuss CPSIA compliance issues and heavy metal regulations for apparel and footwear;
Commissioner Northup and the American Apparel and Footwear Association; 04/15/10; to discuss heavy metal regulations for apparel and footwear;
First meeting of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) on Phthalates; 04/14/10 - 04/15/10; to study the effects on children's health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children's toys and child care articles;
Commissioner Adler and ExxonMobil representatives; 04/20/10; to discuss the phthalates cumulative risk assessment and the CHAP process; and
CPSC's Robert Howell and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Toy Industry Association, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association, and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; 04/26/10; to discuss heavy metals in consumer products.
13. Cuba Submits Proposal on Technology Transfer to WTO Members
Cuba has submitted to World Trade Organization Members its proposal that developed countries transfer on preferential terms to developing countries the equipment and technology needed to meet developed countries' technical regulations, standards, etc, if the developing country lacks the financial means or equipment to do so. (Proposal, dated 04/06/10, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/DDFDocuments/t/tn/ctd/W32.doc)
14. U.S. to Implement WTO Zeroing Ruling for Thai Retail Bags by Aug 18
The U.S. and Thailand formally circulated notice to World Trade Organization members that they have agreed that the "reasonable period of time" for the U.S. to implement the recommendations and rulings of the dispute settlement panel in the dispute "U.S. - Anti-Dumping Measures on Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags from Thailand" (DS383) on U.S. "zeroing," etc. will end on August 18, 2010. (Notice, dated 04/06/10, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/DDFDocuments/t/wt/ds/383-6.doc)
15. Report Estimates Effect of EU-ASEAN FTA on Europe, ASEAN Countries
The European Commission has posted a Trade Sustainability Impact Assessment of the Free Trade Agreement between the EU and ASEAN. Overall the FTA is expected to have substantial positive impacts (GDP, income, trade and employment) for ASEAN under all scenarios - across all countries - and small but positive effects for the European Union. (Report, dated 06/19/09, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2010/april/tradoc_145989.pdf)
16. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions and Notices
The Foreign Trade Zone Board has issued the following:
FTZ 196 - Application for Manufacturing Authority: Foreign Trade Zone 196; Fort Worth, TX
FTZ 196 - Application for Temporary/Interim Manufacturing Authority: Foreign Trade Zone 196; Fort Worth, TX
FTZ 75 - Application for Reorganization under Alternative Site Framework: Foreign Trade Zone 75; Phoenix, AZ
FTZ 82 - Application for Subzone Authority: Foreign Trade Zone 82; Mobile, AL
17. DDTC Name Change Notices
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has announced the following entity name change(s) for new DDTC license applications. New license applications received after the listed deadline will be considered for return without action for correction to the new name (notice hyperlinked):
Stork SP Aerospace B.V. to Fokker Landing Gear B.V. - 04/30/10
18. APHIS Animal Product PPQ Manual Updated
On April 5, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products. (Manual, updated 04/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)
19. APHIS Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual Updated
On April 5, 2010, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables. (Manual, updated 04/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)
20. FSIS Issues Notices for its Inspection Personnel and Public
FSIS has issued the following notices:
Notice 19-10 (April 6, 2010): Humane Handling Activities and Documentation in Livestock Slaughter Establishments
Notice 20-10 (April 6, 2010): Export Library Revisions for March 2010
21. FSIS Updates List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries
FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following countries:
Taiwan (Revised April 1, 2010)
Russia (Port) Plant List (Revised April 2, 2010)
Australia (Revised April 2, 2010)
Japan (Egg Products) (Revised April 2, 2010)
22. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
Thailand - Rice Price - Weekly: Weekly Rice Price Update
Turkey - Oilseeds and Products Annual: Oilseeds and Products Annual Turkey 2010
Thailand - Rice Price - Weekly: Weekly Rice Price Update
Hungary - CAP Health Check One Year On: Trade Policy Monitoring
EU-27 - Update on Status of the Novel Foods Proposal - 2nd Reading Phase: FAIRS Subject Report
Iraq - Current News in Agriculture and USDA in Iraq: Grain and Feed, Agriculture in the News
Hungary - Land Purchase Moratorium Extension: Agricultural Situation
Korea - Oilseeds and Products Annual: Annual Report
Korea - Recommended Criteria for 2010: FAIRS Subject Report
India - Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites No. 13: Agriculture in the News
Vietnam - Rice Trade - Monthly: March 2010
Italy - Italy Pet Food Sector Overview: Product Brief
Vietnam - News Summary No.2: Agriculture in the News
Uzbekistan - Oilseeds and Products Annual
Thailand - Oilseeds and Products Annual: Annual
Thailand - Cotton and Products Annual: Annual 2010