Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. China Suspends, Revokes Export Certificates for 764 Toy Makers

2. Caribbean Nations Agree to Market the Region Under a Unified Brand Name

American Shipper reports that although Caribbean island nations are still working to create a unified economic unit similar to the European Union, the Caribbean Trade Organization has agreed to begin marketing the region under the unified "Caribbean" brand name. (AS, dated 10/25/07, www.americanshipper.com)

3. IMCC Urges FMC to Intervene in LA/LB Clean Truck Program

The American Trucking Associations has issued a press release announcing that the Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference sent a letter to the Federal Maritime Commission expressing its strong opposition to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Clean Truck Program and urged the FMC to intervene. IMCC cited that the program will increase drayage rates by 80%. (News release, dated 10/04/07, available at http://www.truckline.com/NR/exeres/F2DDC994-21A1-44BA-86F8-CBFCA967247E.htm)

4. AMS Proposes to Increase Fees, Charges for Voluntary Egg, Poultry, Rabbit Grading Certification

The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule to increase the fees and charges for federal voluntary egg, poultry, and rabbit grading, certification, and audit services for the next two fiscal years, FY 2008 and FY 2009. According to AMS, the fees and charges need to be increased by 2.76% to 7.74% certain costs. Comments must be received on or before December 6, 2007. (D/N AMS-PY-07-0065, FR Pub 11/06/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-5571.pdf)

5. Nat'l Advisory Committee on Meat, Poultry Inspection Re-Chartered

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a notice announcing that on July 25, 2007, the Secretary of Agriculture re-chartered the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI). (FR Pub 11/06/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-21748.pdf)

6. DHS Issues Fact Sheet on Border Security and Immigration Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security has posted to its Web site a fact sheet on border security and immigration enforcement. Topics covered by the fact sheet include securing the border, interior enforcement, E-Verify, and no-match letters. (Fact sheet, dated 11/06/07, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1194362675632.shtm)

7. ITA Recruiting Members for Manufacturing Council

The International Trade Association has issued a notice announcing that it is recruiting individuals to help advise and assist the Department of Commerce on manufacturing policies by applying to be members of the Manufacturing Council. Applications for immediate appointment should be received prior to November 15, 2007; applications will be accepted throughout fiscal year 2008 for consideration in the case of future vacancies. (FR Pub 11/01/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-5427.pdf)

8. President Continues National Emergency with Respect to Sudan

On November 1, 2007, the President determined to continue for one year the national emergency declared in Executive Order (EO) 13067 with respect to Sudan because the actions and policies of the Government of Sudan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the U.S. (FR Pub 11/02/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/07-5528.pdf)

9. TWIC Enrollment Dates for Honolulu, Baton Rouge, Tacoma, Beaumont, & Oakland

The Transportation Security Administration has issued a notice announcing that enrollment for the Transportation Worker Identification Credential for the ports of Honolulu, HI; Baton Rouge, LA; Tacoma, WA was scheduled to begin on November 7, 2007. TSA adds that TWIC enrollment for the ports of Beaumont, TX and Oakland, CA is scheduled begin on November 8, 2007. (FR Pub 11/06/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-21801.pdf)

10. AMS Proposes to Increase Complaint Filing Fees, Handling Fees

The Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a proposed rule to amend the Rules of Practice under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (7 CFR Part 47) to increase informal complaint filing fees and formal complaint handling fees. The proposal would increase from $60 to $100 the fee for filing an informal complaint; and would increase from $300 to $500 the fee for handling a formal complaint. Written or electronic comments received December 31, 2007 will be considered prior to issuance of a final rule. (D/N AMS-FV-06-0217; FV07-376, FR Pub 11/01/07, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-21477.pdf)

11. FMC Lists OTI Reissuances and Revocations

The Federal Maritime Commission has issued two notices that either reissue ocean transportation intermediary (OTI) licenses or revoke OTI licenses: