Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
On May 14, 2008, the House of Representatives passed the conference version of H.R. 2419, the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act (the "Farm Bill") by a vote of 318 yeas to 106 nays, which is more than the 2/3 majority needed to override the President's expected veto. The Senate began its consideration of the H.R. 2419 conference report on May 14, 2008. If the President vetoes the measure, it would still become law if both the House and Senate each override his veto by a two/thirds majority. (Conference version of H.R. 2419 available at http://www.rules.house.gov/110/text/110_hr2419_confrpt.pdf; Joint explanatory statement available at http://www.rules.house.gov/110/text/110_hr2419_jes.pdf.)
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1. House Passes Conference Version of Farm Bill by More Than 2/3 Majority
2. Congress Passes Another Extension of 2002 Farm Bill Trade Provisions
On May 14, 2008, both the House and Senate passed H.R. 6051, a bill to extend certain trade and other provisions of the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (2002 Farm Bill) until the earlier of May 23, 2008, or the date of the enactment of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (H.R. 2419). This is the fourth extension. (H.R. 6051 information available at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.06051:).
3. WCO Announces Conference on Future of 100% Scanning
The World Customs Organization has posted a notice announcing a conference on June 10-11, 2008 in Brussels, Belgium entitled "What future for 100% scanning?," which will take a critical look at the future of 100% scanning of maritime cargo containers prior to loading. (Conference announcement available at http://www.wcoomd.org/event_fact_sheet_.htm)
4. NOAA Allows Certain Yellowfin Tuna Imports from Mexico, Spain, Ecuador
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued three notices announcing that the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries has renewed the affirmative findings for Mexico, Spain, and Ecuador to allow yellowfin tuna harvested in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean in compliance with the International Dolphin Conservation Program by their respective flag purse seine vessels, or purse seine vessels operating under their respective jurisdictions, to be imported into the U.S. (NOAA notices, FR Pub 05/09/08, available by scrolling down to the NOAA at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a080509c.html)
5. Arms Export Control Act Reform Bill Report Filed in House
The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has filed a report for H.R. 5916, a bill to reform the administration of the Arms Export Control Act, and for other purposes, with an amendment. (House Report 110-626, available at http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_reports&docid=f:hr626.110.pdf.).
6. House Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on the Device and Cosmetic Provisions of the FDA Globalization Act
On May 14, 2008, the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Health held a hearing on the device and cosmetic safety provisions of the Food and Drug Administration Globalization Act "discussion draft." This is the third hearing on various aspects of the "discussion draft." (Hearing information, including links to webcast and statements available at http://energycommerce.house.gov/cmte_mtgs/110-he-hrg.051408.DiscDraftCosmetics.shtml.)
7. Foreign Affairs Subcommittee Announces Export Compliance Hearing
The House Foreign Affairs Committee has announced that its Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade will be holding an open hearing on May 20, 2008 on "Export Compliance: Ensuring Safety, Increasing Efficiency" with both Commerce Department and CBP officials scheduled to testify. Hearing announcement available by emailing documents@brokerpower.com.
8. CBSA Releases Canadian Automated Export Declaration Version 8.10
The Canada Border Services Agency has issued a notice informing exporters that the Canadian Automated Export Declaration (CAED) 2008 Version 8.10 was to be released on May 12, 2008. (Customs Notice 08-016, dated 05/06/08, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn08-016-eng.html
9. CBSA Posts Revised Guide on Importing a Vehicle into Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency has posted a revised version of its guide entitled, "Importing a Vehicle into Canada." Vehicles imported into Canada must meet the requirements of the CBSA, Transport Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency before they can be imported. (Guide available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5048-eng.html)
10. TSA Updates its TWIC Quarterly Deployment Plan
The Transportation Security Administration has posted its latest (as of May 9, 2008) Transportation Worker Identification Credential quarterly deployment plan. (Plan available at http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/twicquarterlydeploymentschedule.pdf)
11. OFAC Designates One Entity under Kingpin Act
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice publishing the name of one additional entity (MERCURIO INTERNACIONAL S.A.) whose property and interests in property has been blocked pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. (FR Pub 05/13/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-10600.pdf)