EU Government Notices for Nov 10 - 14
The European Union issued the following trade-related releases on November 10 - 14, 2011 (notices of most significance will be given separate headlines):
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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.
- New rules for use of food additives. The EU has adopted two regulations that will make the use of additives in the EU more transparent. The regulations establish two new lists: (1) the first concerns additives in foodstuff and will come into application in June 2013; (2) the second concerns additives in food ingredients, such as other additives, flavorings, ingredients, etc. and will apply 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal. The regulations also provide for conditions under which additives may be added to food, a program for the re-evaluation of the safety of authorized additives, etc. (here) Q&A Document here.
- Report issued on animal protection during transport. A European Commission report has found that the protection of animals during transport has improved since regulation was applied in 2007, but more needs to be done. The Commission envisages a series of measures to improve the enforcement of rules and plans to increase the number of inspections in Member States. Such measures would also apply to animals (cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, calves) transported to and from third countries. (here)
- EU reinforces restrictions on Syria. The EU Council has reinforced the EU's restrictive measures against Syria's regime. Eighteen more persons responsible for human rights violations were added to the list of those targeted by an asset freeze and travel ban, bringing the total number of persons subject to the measures to 74. The Council also prohibited certain disbursements by the European Investment Bank with Syria. (here)
- End of Russia WTO accession negotiations. The EU welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization. The Members of the Working Party unanimously approved Russia's WTO accession, which paves the way to formalizing the results of these negotiations by the entire membership of the WTO. The EU now looks forward to a unanimous political endorsement of Russia’s WTO accession at the WTO Ministerial Conference on December 15-17. (here)
- Progress made on Mercosur negotiations. Delegations from Mercosur and the EU held working meetings from November 7 - 11 for the negotiation of a future Bi-Regional Association Agreement between both regions. Progress was achieved in the regulatory texts of the Bi-Regional Agreement on antidumping and countervailing measures, rules of origin; and Customs and related matters. The next round of negotiations will be held on March 12 - 16, 2012. (here)
- Recalls. The European Commission has issued its weekly list of measures to prevent or restrict the marketing or use of certain products in the EU, including certain toys, clothing, electrical appliances, chemical products, etc. (here and here)