Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Transportation Secretary Announces Funding for Port, Rail, Road Projects

On February 17, 2010, Transportation Secretary LaHood announced Recovery Act awards to fund innovative transportation projects. The TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) Discretionary Grant Program was included in the Recovery Act to spur transportation projects that promise significant economic and environmental benefits, including improvements to roads, bridges, rail, ports, transit and intermodal facilities. (White House, dated 02/17/10, available for http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/secretary-lahood-announces-funding-over-50-innovative-strategic-transportation-proj.)

2. ITA Extends All Import Administration Proceedings/Deadlines by One Week

The International Trade Administration has determined that due to the recent snowstorms, it will extend all Import Administration deadlines for one calendar week. This determination applies to every IA proceeding, including foreign trade zones and statutory import program proceedings, and deadlines in antidumping and countervailing proceedings. (Memorandum, dated 02/12/10, available at http://ia.ita.doc.gov/download/administrative-deadline-tolling-memo-021210.pdf)

3. ITA Extends Deadline for Q&A Questionnaires for China Drill Pipe to Mar. 2

The International Trade Administration is amending its initiation of antidumping duty investigation on drill pipe from China to limit the number of quantity and value questionnaires that will be sent to exporters and producers, and extend the deadline for parties to submit a response to the Q&V questionnaire from February 11, 2010, to March 2, 2010. (See ITT's Online Archives or 01/28/10 news, 10012840, for BP summary of the ITA's initiation of this investigation.) (ITA amendment notice, FR Pub 02/18/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3118.pdf)

4. DHS Secretary Met with Officials on Global Aviation Security

On February 17, 2010, Department of Homeland Secretary Napolitano traveled to Mexico City to meet with officials from North, Central and South America and the Caribbean and the International Civil Aviation Organization to discuss ways to bolster global aviation security measures and standards. (Press release, dated 02/17/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1266447993278.shtm.)

5. U.S.-Canada Government Procurement Agreement in Effect

The recently signed agreement between the U.S. and Canada to resolve Canadian complaints over "Buy American" provisions in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and to settle U.S. requests for access to Canada's provincial procurement sector took effect February 16, 2010. (See ITT's Online Archives or 02/16/10 news, 10021610, for BP summary on signing of agreement.) U.S.-Canada agreement (signed 02/12/10) available at http://www.ustr.gov/countries-regions/americas/canada)

6. Japan Submits Proposal to WTO Members on Classification of Energy Efficient Goods, Standards

Japan submitted a proposal for consideration byWorld Trade Organization membersthat identifies specific tariff lines coded by the six-digit Harmonized System (HS) 2002 and product descriptions of energy efficient goods as well as draft technological and functional standards and implementation methods to identify energy efficient goods at custom authorities, in order to serve as a basis for future discussion to establish harmonized "Energy Efficient Standards" among Member countries. (Search WTO documents at www.wto.orgunderFebruary 16, 2010for source document or requestcopyby emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)

7. EU Asks to Join WTO Consultations on U.S. "Zeroing" Measures on Certain Shrimp from Vietnam

The European Union has asked to join the World Trade Organization consultations requested by Vietnam on U.S.antidumping measures ("zeroing") on certain shrimp from Vietnam (DS404). (Search WTO documents at www.wto.orgunderFebruary 16, 2010for source document or requestcopyby emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)

8. EU Withdraws GSP Benefits for Sri Lanka Temporarily

European Union Member States have decided to temporarily withdraw preferential tariff benefits to Sri Lanka under a special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance, known as GSP. This decision follows an investigation which identified significant shortcomings regarding Sri Lanka's implementation of three UN human rights conventions. (Press release, dated 02/15/10, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=515)

9. NHTSA Launches Probe into Timeliness of Three Toyota Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner, and if all affected models have been identified. Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists. (Notice, dated 02/16/10, available at http://www.dot.gov/affairs/2010/dot2910.htm)

10. FTC Issues Warning Letters on Omega-3 Brain and Vision Claims for Children's Supplements

The Federal Trade Commission has sent letters to 11 companies that promote various Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, telling them they should review their product packaging and labeling to make sure they do not make baseless claims about how the supplements benefit children's brain and vision function and development,. Sample letter available here. (News release, dated 02/16/10, available at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/02/omega.shtm)

11. ICE Seizes Counterfeit Items During NBA All-Star 2010

Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced that more than $197,000 worth of counterfeit items - NBA basketball jerseys, T-shirts and other merchandise - were seized from area merchants by local ICE agents during the four-day events leading up to the National Basketball Association's All-Star 2010 game played in Dallas on February 14, 2010. (News release, dated 02/15/10, available at http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/1002/100215dallas.htm)

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):

PA Amusement Ride Safety Seminar; 02/25/10; presentation on Metallurgy and Dissimilar Metals;

American National Standards Institute (ANSI) representatives; 03/02/10; on ANSI activities in China.

(Notice, dated 02/17/10, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/calendar.html)

13. AAFA Comments on USTR's Plus One for Haiti Initiative

The American Apparel & Footwear Association, on behalf of the Haiti-AAFA Recovery and Reconstruction Team, released a statement pledging to work with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, Congress, and industry stakeholders on the USTR's new trade initiative for Haiti achieves success. (AAFA statement, dated 02/16/10, available at https://www.apparelandfootwear.org/UserFiles/File/PressReleases/2010/021610HARRTCommentsonUSTRInitiativeforHaiti.pdf.)

14. FAS Issues New Commodity and Market Intelligence Report

The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service issued a Commodity and Market Intelligence Report on the "Latest U.S. Agricultural Trade Data" on February 16, 2010. (Report, dated 02/16/10, available at http://www.ers.usda.gov/Data/FATUS/MonthlySummary.htm)

15. FWS Submits Proposed Rule to OMB on Boas and Pythons

The Fish and Wildlife Service has submitted a proposed rule to the Office of Management and Budget regarding certain constrictor snakes in the Python, Boa, and Eunectes genera for possible listing as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. (Notice dated 02/16/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=1018-AV68)

16. OMB Extends its Review of FSIS Proposed Rule on Catfish and Catfish Products

The Office of Management and Budget has extended its review of a Food Safety Inspection Service proposed rule to add catfish to the jurisdiction of the Federal Meat Inspection Act. The proposed rule would define catfish and catfish products, establish domestic standards and inspection requirements, and apply equivalent requirements to imported catfish and catfish products. (Notice at at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=0583-AD36)

17. FSIS Updates List of Australia Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated (February 16, 2010) version of its list ofAustraliaestablishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.

18. CBSA Updates D-Memo on Release Prior to Payment Privilege

Canada Border Services Agency has issued a D-memorandum D17-1-8 explaining the policies and procedures related to the privilege associated with the release of imported shipments prior to payment of duties and taxes. This information, which was previously found in D17-1-5, has been updated to provide clarity on the Direct Security and GST Options, procedures related to late payment and non-compliance, and maintaining security for importers and customs brokers. (Memorandum, dated 02/16/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d17/d17-1-8-eng.html)

19. CBSA Updates D-Memo on Registration, Accounting & Payment for Commercial Goods

Canada Border Services Agency has updated its D-Memorandum on Registration, Accounting, and Payment for Commercial Goods (D17-1-5) in order to remove certain sections (as they are now located elsewhere); incorporate related customs notices; update forms, web site references and contact information; etc. This version of the D-memo replaces the previous one. (Memorandum, dated 02/16/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d17/d17-1-5-eng.html)

20. Canada's DFAIT Notice on Supplementary Imports of Eggs & Egg Products

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued a notice setting out the Minister's policies and practices regarding supplementary imports of eggs and egg products. The notice replaces Notice to Importers No. 709 of April 3, 2007 and should be read together with the Export and Import Permits Act (EIPA) and the EIPA Regulations. (Notice, dated 02/12/10, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/eggs-oeufs/notices-avis/762.aspx?lang=eng)

21. China's Auto Exports Dropped 46% in 2009

China's Ministry of Commerce states that China's auto exports dropped 46 percent in 2009 due to the global downturn, according to statistics by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). (News release, posted 02/11/10, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/201002/20100206784236.html)

22. WTO Ag Negotiations Chair Sites Progress Made During February Talks

According to the chair of the World Trade Organization agriculture negotiations, the first two weeks of February 2010 saw some useful consultations on remaining issues. The chair also met with smaller groups during this time and focused on four topics in particular: the special safeguard mechanism, tariff simplification, tariff quota creation, and tropical products and products enjoying preferences. (News items, dated 02/01/10, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news10_e/agng_01feb10_e.htm)

23. WTO's Dispute Settlement Body Posts Proposed Agenda for Feb 18, 2010

TheWorld Trade Organization's DisputeSettlement Body has posted its proposed agenda for February 18, 2010.Among other things, theagenda includesconsideration ofthe U.S.-EU dispute on the U.S.'s continued existence and application of "zeroing", the U.S.-China dispute onChina's intellectual property rights protection and enforcement, etc. (Search WTO documents at www.wto.orgunderFebruary 16, 2010for source document or requestcopyby emailing documents@brokerpower.com.)

24. 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 date will be considered for return without action for correction to the new name (notice hyperlinked):

25. Updated 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:

New Zealand (Egg Products) (Revised February 12, 2010)

Hong Kong (Revised February 11, 2010)

26. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Thailand - Potato TRQ for 2010 Announces: Trade Policy Monitoring

Thailand - Bangkok Newsletter - February 2010: Agricultural Situation, Market Development Reports

Italy - Italy One Step Closer to Biotech Cultivation: Biotechnology

Thailand - Rice Price - Weekly: Weekly Rice Price Update

Croatia - Grain Report 2010: Grain and Feed

Greece - Greek Farmers Protest amid National Budget Crisis: Agricultural Situation

EU-27 - EU Norway Negotiations on Agricultural Products: Agricultural Situation

Morocco - Grain and Feed Update: Morocco Grain Planting Update

Venezuela - Price Controls Equal Disinvestment and Shortages: Agricultural Situation

Colombia - Colombia Established Whey Import TRQ for 2010: Dairy and Products

Canada - Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards - Certification: FAIRS Export Certificate Report

Thailand - Thai FTA Partners Enjoy Tariff Advantage over U.S. Suppliers: Trade Policy Monitoring

Vietnam - Rice Price - Weekly: 2010

Russian Federation - Food Security Doctrine Adopted: Policy and Program Announcements

India - Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites No. 6: Agriculture in the News

Hong Kong - H.K. Plans for Enacting Genetically Modified Organisms Regulation: Agriculture in the News, Biotechnoloy, Policy and Program Announcements, Sanitary/Phytosanitary/Food Safety, WTO Notifications

Italy - The Financial Cost to Corn Growers of Italy's Ban on Biotechnology: Biotechnology

Philippines - Comprehensive Tariff Review: Trade Policy Monitoring

India - Test voluntary report for email: Citrus

Philippines - Duty-free Importation of Wheat Extended: Grain and Feed

27. Canada Issues Notices on Chicken Marketing Order & Regulations, Procurement, Wheat Board

The following notices were issued in the February 17, 2010 edition of the Canada Gazette:

Canadian Chicken Marketing Levies Order - Order Amending Farm Products Agencies Act

Canadian Int'l Trade Tribunal Procurement Inquiry Regulations - Regulations Amending Canadian Int'l Trade Tribunal Act

Canadian Int'l Trade Tribunal Regulations - Regulations Amending Canadian Int'l Trade Tribunal Act

(Notices, posted 02/17/10, available at http://canadagazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2010/2010-02-17/html/index-eng.html)