Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to an American Shipper editorial, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's has been tweaking some of the approaches to ESAR while awaiting its deployment. The author opines that one noteworthy change is that instead of dividing Web site "folders" based on functions, which divided the program by user types such as importer/broker or truck carrier, the folders are now based on "processes." That includes folders for electronic truck manifest, revenue, post release, and accounts. (American Shipper, May 2007, www.americanshipper.com)
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1. CBP Tweaking Approaches to ESAR While Awaiting its Deployment
2. U.S.-Japan 2007 Investment Initiative Report Available - FDI Progress
The State Department has issued a press release announcing that on June 6, 2007, the U.S.-Japan 2007 Investment Initiative Report was released. This 2007 annual report demonstrates the progress made through 2007 regarding foreign direct investment (FDI), including a review of the current situation of FDI in both countries, etc. (Press release, dated 06/06/07, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/jun/86096.htm; Report, dated June 2007, available at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/86189.pdf)
3. Many Wal-Mart Suppliers and Distribution Centers Lack RFID Technology
In a Journal of Commerce commentary, a shipping industry executive states that Wal-Mart's directive that its suppliers use radio-frequency identification (RFID) for Wal-Mart shipments or risk losing the company as a customer set an unrealistic timeline. Wal-Mart set an objective of having 12 of its 137 distribution centers fully equipped with RFID tag readers by 2007, with the rest to follow shortly thereafter, but so far only five have achieved the objective. (JoC, dated 06/04/07, www.joc.com)
4. U.S. Proposes Prohibition of Certain Trade-Distorting Subsidies to WTO
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued a press release announcing that the U.S. has submitted a paper to the World Trade Organization Negotiating Group on Rules within the framework of the Doha Development Agenda proposing that certain particularly trade-distorting subsidies be prohibited. The proposal lists five subsidies to be prohibited that are company or industry specific and benefit a product that is exported or competes with imports. (USTR press release, dated 06/04/07, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2007/June/US_Proposes_Strengthened_Subsidy_Rules_to_World_Trade_Organization.html)
5. DHS' National Infrastructure Advisory Council to Hold Open Meeting
The Department of Homeland Security's National Infrastructure Advisory Council has issued a notice announcing that it will hold an open meeting on July 10, 2007 in Washington, DC to address issues relevant to the protection of critical infrastructure as directed by the President, which will include the presentation of initial findings from the two open Working Groups. (D/N DHS-2007-0036, FR Pub 05/29/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10264.pdf)
6. FMC Lists OTI Rescission of Revocations, Revocations and Applications
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued three notices that either rescind revocation orders, revoke OTI licenses or list those applying for OTI licenses as a non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC), ocean freight forwarder (FF) or NVOCC/FF OTI, as follows:
| First Class Exporters (GA) |
FMC notices (rescission of order, revocations & applications) (FR Pub 05/31/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10498.pdf
7. Various Agencies Seek Comments on Information Collections
Various U.S. government agencies are seeking comments on the following information collections for which they have requested or intend to request Office of Management and Budget approval or extension of approval (see notices for specific details):
| Agency | Information Collection | Comments Due |
|---|---|---|
| FSIS | Pathogen Reduction/Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) Systems | 07/02/07 |
| AMS 1 | Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of Processed Fruits and Vegetables and Related Products | 07/31/07 |
| AMS 2 | Lamb Promotion, Research, and Information Program | 07/31/07 |
| CPSC 1 | Procedures for export of noncomplying products | 07/05/07 |
| CPSC 2 | Safety Standard for Multi-Purpose Lighters | 07/05/07 |
| CPSC 3 | Testing and Recordkeeping Requirements Under the Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads | 07/05/07 |
FSIS Information Collection (FR Pub 05/31/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10394.pdf
AMS 1 Information Collection (FR Pub 06/01/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10526.pdf
AMS 2 Information Collection (FR Pub 06/01/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10527.pdf
CPSC 1 & 2 Information Collection (FR Pub 06/04/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10620.pdf
CPSC 3 Information Collection (FR Pub 06/04/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-10625.pdf