Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued an Order to Show Cause for Central Agency of Florida, Inc., operating as an ocean transportation intermediary, for failure to designate and maintain a qualifying individual (QI). If Central Agency does not show cause, the FMC will order it to cease and desist from operating as an OTI. (FMC Order, D/N 08-02, dated 06/06/08, available at http://www.fmc.gov/UserFiles/pages/File/Dkt_08-02_Order_to_Show_Cause.pdf)
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1. FMC Issues Show Cause Order for OTI
2. USDA's Amber Waves Newsletter Highlights China's Agriculture Market
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service has posted the June 2008 issue of its Amber Waves newsletter, which highlights China's agriculture market. (Newsletter, dated June 2008, available at http://www.ers.usda.gov/AmberWaves/June08/Features/ChinaFeed.htm.)
3. Canada Launches its Business Resumption Messaging Tool
The Canada Border Services Agency has launched its unified business resumption messaging tool that provides businesses with access to alerts about any major disruptions at Canadian/U.S. land border crossings. (CBSA Business Resumption Messaging Tool available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/eo-ou/menu-eng.html; CBSA press release available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/new-neuf/advisory-avis/2008-06-03-eng.html.)
4. European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki Opens, Coincides with Start of REACH
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki opened on June 3, 2008. This coincides with the start of the key processes of pre-registration and registration under the EC's new REACH program - case studies of companies affected by REACH are also included. (Notice, dated 06/03/08, available at http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/360&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en.)
5. Defense Trade Advisory Group to Hold Open Meeting on June 19, 2008
The State Department's Defense Trade Advisory Group will hold an open meeting on June 19, 2008, in Washington, DC. (Public Notice 6177, FR Pub 06/04/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12510.pdf.)
6. PHMSA to Hold Public Meeting on Int'l Hazmat Transport Standards
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has issued a notice announcing that it will conduct a public meeting on June 18, 2008 in Washington, DC in preparation for the 33rd session of the United Nation's Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, to be held June 30-July 9, 2008 in Geneva, Switzerland. (FR Pub 06/09/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12060.pdf)
7. APHIS Proposes to Adjust User Fees for Animal/Product Trade Related Services
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a proposed rule to amend the regulations concerning user fees for import- and export-related services that APHIS provides for animals, animal products, birds, germ plasm, organisms, and vectors. APHIS is proposing increases in those fees for fiscal years 2009 through 2013. Comments are due on or before August 4, 2008. (Proposed rule, D/N APHIS-2006-0144, FR Pub 06/04/08) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12376.pdf; APHIS press release, dated 06/03/08, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/content/2008/06/vetufee.shtml.)
8. DHS to Upgrade Its Information Network
The Department of Homeland Security announced that it is taking steps to enhance its Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). Known as HSIN Next Generation (NextGen), the enhancement will provide a secure and trusted national platform for Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) information sharing and collaboration between federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, private sector, and international partners. (Press release, dated 06/06/08, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1212787226112.shtm)
9. DHS Announces Launch of 3 Initiatives to Improve Entry Process for Int'l Visitors
DHS has announced the launch of three initiatives: the Global Entry pilot program, the Passenger Service Program, and an expanded Model Ports Initiative, which are intended to strengthen customer service at U.S. ports of entry. (Press release, dated 06/06/08, available at http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1212775979905.shtm)
10. OTEXA Posts Report on U.S. Financing Programs
The Office of Textiles and Apparel has posted the "U.S. Financing Programs" report, which highlights some of the financing programs availablefrom the U.S. government to U.S. companies, including textile and apparel companies. The financing programs include export insurance, working capital guarantees, or offers to bid on federal contracts that support U.S. foreign assistance programs. (OTEXA report available at http://web.ita.doc.gov/tacgi/eamain.nsf/6e1600e39721316c852570ab0056f719/6cabdb9845a9875c85257452005e5962?OpenDocument.)
11. APHIS Recognizes Brazil Pest-Free Areas for S. American Cucurbit Fly
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a notice of its determination to recognize 7 municipalities in the State of Cear and 13 municipalities in the State of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil as pest-free areas for the South American cucurbit fly. (D/N APHIS-2008-0013, FR Pub 06/09/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12855.pdf)
12. EPA Proposes Significant New Use Rules for TSCA Chemicals
The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing significant new use rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for two chemical substances which were the subject of premanufacture notices: dodecandioic acid, 1, 12-dihydrazide (CAS No. 4080-98-2; PMNs P-01-759 and P-05-555) and thiophene, 2,5-dibromo-3-hexyl- (CAS No. 116971-11-0; PMN P-07-283). This
action would require persons who intend to manufacture, import, or process either of these two substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this proposed rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. Comments must be received on or before July 9, 2008. (D/N EPA-HQ-OPPT-2006-0898; FRL-8351-4, FR Pub 06/09/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12862.pdf)
13. EPA Denies Request to Prohibit Use/ Distribution of Certain Adhesives
The EPA has issued a notice that it has denied a petitioner's request under section 21 of the TSCA "to establish regulations prohibiting the use and distribution in commerce of Hevea brasiliensis natural rubber latex adhesives having a total protein content greater than 200 micrograms per gram dry weight of latex based on the American Society for Testing and Materials method ASTM D1076-06 (Category 4)." (D/N EPA-HQ-OPPT-2008-0273; FRL-8368-4, FR Pub 06/09/08, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-12850.pdf)
14. OFAC Adds Three Individuals to its SDN List
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has added three individuals to its Specially Designated Nationals List. (Notice, dated 06/05/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20080605.shtml)
15. FTZ Board Notices
The Foreign Trade Zone Board issued the following:
FTZ 106 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Application for Expansion
FTZ 106 - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Application for Manufacturing Authority, Industrial Gasket, Inc./International Group (Metal Fabrication)
FTZ 147 - Reading, Pennsylvania - Application for Reorganization and Expansion
FTZ 50 - Long Beach, California - Application for Subzone, Michelin North America, Inc. (Tire and Tire Accessories Distribution), San Bernardino, California
FTZ 79 - Tampa, Florida - Application for Temporary/Interim Manufacturing Authority, Tampa Bay Shipbuilding and Repair Company (Shipbuilding), Notice of Approval
(FTZB notices, FR Pub 06/04/08) available by searching the June 4, 2008 Federal Register: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/aces/fr-cont.html.)