Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued an interim rule, effective June 14, 2006, amending the noxious weed and imported seed regulations by adding South African ragwort (Senecio inaequidens DC.) and Madagascar ragwort (Senecio madagascariensis Poir.) to the list of terrestrial noxious weeds and to the list of seeds with no tolerances applicable to their introduction. Written comments are due by August 21, 2006. (D/N APHIS-2006-0019, FR Pub 06/20/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-9665.pdf.)
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1. APHIS Issues Interim Rule on Noxious Weeds
2. APHIS Issues Correction to Regulations Concerning Apples and Pears from Australia and New Zealand
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice announcing a correction to 7 CFR 319.56-2j, which concerns conditions governing the entry of apples and pears from Australia (including Tasmania) and New Zealand. (FR Pub 06/20/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-55521.pdf)
3. AMS Seeks Comments on Voluntary Standard for Grass
The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is soliciting comments on a revised proposed voluntary standard for a grass (forage) fed marketing claim. Written comments are due by August 10, 2006. (D/N LS-05-09, FR Pub 05/12/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-7276.pdf.)
4. DOE Extends Date for California Petition for Exemption for Residential Clothes Washers
The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a notice announcing that the extension of the time period for evaluation and decision on the disposition of the California Energy Commission's Petition for Exemption from Federal Preemption of California's Water Conservation Standards for Residential Clothes Washers. The time period for issuing a decision on the petition is extended to December 23, 2006 (from June 23, 2006). (D/N EE-RM-PET-100, FR Pub 06/20/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-9637.pdf.)
5. Mexico, Canada, and U.S. Launch North American Competitiveness Council
The Commerce Department has issued a press release announcing the launch of the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC)-which will be made up of high level business leaders from Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.-to help combat intellectual property violations. According to the press release, the NACC is a priority for the three countries in their commitment to the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP). (Press release, dated 06/15/06, available at http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/Secretary_Gutierrez/2006_Releases/June/15_US_Canada_Mexico_NACC_Launch_rls.htm; Fact sheet on SPP's recent accomplishments, dated 06/15/06, available at http://www.commerce.gov/opa/press/Secretary_Gutierrez/2006_Releases/June/15_SPP_Recent_Accomplishments_FactSheet.htm)
6. The Gambia Suspended from Millennium Challenge Compact Program
The Washington File reports that the board of directors of the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) suspended the Gambia's eligibility for MCC assistance on June 16, 2006, citing a pattern of actions inconsistent with MCC's selection criteria. According to the article, the board of directors based its decision on documented evidence of human rights abuses in the Gambia and increased restrictions on political rights, civil liberties and press freedom by the government, as well as worsening economic policies and diminishing anti-corruption efforts. (Washington File Pub 06/16/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=June&x=20060616162708WCyeroC0.9567224)
7. FMC Lists OTI Reissuances, Revocations and Applications
The FMC has issued three notices that either reissue ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses, revoke OTI licenses, or list those applying for OTI licenses, as follows:
| Empire Shipping Company, Inc. (NJ) |
FMC notice (FR Pub (06/01/06) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-8502.pdf)