Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. FMC Publishes Justice Comments on NVOCC Tariff Exemption Petition

The Federal Maritime Commission has published in the Federal Register comments submitted by the Justice Department in support of the petition of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. requesting an exemption for non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) from certain tariff publishing and enforcement requirements, which the FMC recently voted to initiate a rulemaking to implement. (FR Pub 02/23/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3325.pdf)

2. AMS Announces March 30th Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Meeting

The Agricultural Marketing Service will hold a public Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meeting on March 30, 2010 in Washington, DC. Topics of discussion will include: audit requirements, Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act program, marketing agreements, food safety, local farmer/education initiatives, commodity purchasing programs, and work group assignments and orientation for the new members. (D/N AMS-FV-10-0017; FV-09-378, FR Pub 02/23/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3447.pdf)

3. FDA Requests Comments on Safety Practices for Production/Packing of Fresh Produce

The Food and Drug Administration is opening a docket to obtain information about current practices and conditions for the production and packing of fresh produce. FDA requests comments and information that will inform the development of safety standards for fresh produce at the farm and packing house and strategies to ensure compliance. Comments are due by May 24, 2010. (D/N FDA-2010-N-0085, FR Pub 02/23/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3409.pdf)

4. ITA Receives Application for Export Trade Certificate of Review from Pacific Cod Exporter

The International Trade Administration has received an application for an Export Trade Certificate of Review from Alaska Longline Cod Commission (ALCC), which would protect it from certain antitrust actions for the export of frozen at-sea, headed and gutted, Alaska cod (Gadus macrocephalus), aka Pacific cod. Comments may be submitted by March 9, 2010. (FR Pub 02/23/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3422.pdf)

5. Pharmacist Convicted of Importing, Distributing Steroids and Growth Hormones

The Justice Department reports that Thomas Bader, a licensed pharmacist and former owner and operator of College Pharmacy in Colorado Springs, was convicted in federal court in Denver on thirty-one counts related to the importation and/or distribution of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone smuggled into the U.S. from China for distribution to bodybuilders. (Press release, dated 02/02/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/co/press_releases/2010/February10/2_2_10.html)

6. Canadian Weaver, U.S. Subsidiary to Pay $4 Million for Defective Bullet-Proof Vest Fabric

The Justice Department reports that Lincoln Fabrics Ltd., a Canadian weaver of ballistic fabrics, and its American subsidiary, will pay the U.S. $4 million for their role in the weaving of Zylon fabric used in the manufacture and sale of defective Zylon bullet-proof vests. Lincoln has also pledged to cooperate in a larger investigation of the industry's use of Zylon in body armor. (News release, dated 02/12/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2010/February/10-civ-136.html)

7. Court Sentences Two Miami Men for Illegal Imports of ODSs, False Customs Declarations

The Justice Department announced that James Garrido, of Miami, and Kroy Corporation, a Florida corporation, were sentenced (30 months imprisonment for Garrido) on charges related to their smuggling of ozone-depleting substances into the U.S. An associate, Amador Hernandez, of Miami, pled guilty to charges of making false statements and declarations on Customs entry forms to disguise the illegal merchandise being imported. (Press release, dated 02/11/10, available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/fls/PressReleases/100211-01.html)

8. EPA Unveils Great Lakes Restoration Action Plan

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Jackson has released an action plan to address the most urgent threats facing the Great Lakes. The action plan, which covers FY 2010 through 2014, directs aggressive action under five priority "focus areas," including protection and cleanup of the most polluted areas in the lakes and combating invasive species. (News release, dated 02/22/10, available at http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d0cf6618525a9efb85257359003fb69d/8f1d360db17327c1852576d20053ca01!OpenDocument)

9. China to Implement Policy to Encourage Chinese Brands & Consolidation in Auto Sector

According to Xinhua News Agency, a Chinese official recently announced China's plan to implement a policy in the first half of 2010 to encourage auto industry consolidation and the development of Chinese-brand passenger vehicles. Xinhua states that sources with knowledge of the policy say the intent is for Chinese-brand passenger vehicles to comprise at least half of its vehicle sales by 2015. (Notice, dated 02/22/10, available at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/china/2010-02/22/c_13182876.htm)

10. WTO Summarizes Oct 2009 Workshop on SPS Committee's Relation to CODEX, IPPC, OIE

The World Trade Organization has circulated a summary of its October 2009 workshop on the relationship between the WTO Sanitary and Phytosanitary Committee and the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the International Plant Protection Convention and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The workshop examined issues in the development, adoption and monitoring of international standards and ways to improve coordination. (Search WTO documents under Feb 22, 2010 for source document or request copy by emailing documents@brokerpower.com) (Documents online, available at http://docsonline.wto.org/gen_home.asp?language=1&_=1)

11. CBSA Audit Concludes Border Control Improvements Needed for Licenses, Permits, Etc

Canada Border Services Agency has posted an internal audit report of the administration of permit, license and other requirements for commercial goods. Among other things, the audit concluded that improvements were needed in the application of border controls for program areas that relied on reviews by border services officers and manual paper-based processes, and in performance measurement, monitoring and information sharing. (Report, posted 02/22/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/agency-agence/reports-rapports/ae-ve/2009/aplorcg-cplaemc-eng.html)

12. CBSA Final Affirmative AD/CV Determinations for Certain Oil Country Tubular Goods from China

Canada Border Services Agency has made final affirmative antidumping and countervailing duty determinations regarding certain oil country tubular goods from China. The Canadian International Trade Tribunal is continuing its inquiry into the question of injury to the domestic industry and will make an order or finding by March 23, 2010. Provisional duties will continue to apply until this date. (Notice, posted 02/22/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/i-e/ad1385/ad1385-i09-nf-eng.html)

13. CBSA Initiates AD Reinvestigation of Certain Bicycles from Taiwan, China

Canada Border Services Agency has initiated a reinvestigation of the normal values and export prices of certain bicycles originating from Taiwan and China. Exporters that wish to participate are required to provide a complete and accurate submission by April 9, 2010. Importers are cautioned that the cost of production information will be verified during the current re investigation and may result in additional duties. (Notice, dated 02/22/10, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/ri-re/ad0962/ad0962-ri10-ni-eng.html)

14. 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):

15. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Russian Federation - Fish and Seafood Production and Trade Update: Fishery Products

Pakistan - Grain and Feed Update: Wheat Update

Malaysia - Oilseeds and Products Update Jan: Oilseeds and Products