Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice announcing that an internal system error resulted in the modification of a series of unique identifier numbers (UIDs) that were associated with recently released Specially Designated National names. It is recommended that users of the delimited, fixed-width, and XML versions of the SDN List review this technical actions notice. (OFAC notice, dated 10/03/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20081003.shtml)

2. Webcast, Presentations from CPSC Meeting on Testing and Certification

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted the webcast of and presentations from its October 2, 2008 public meeting on testing and certification. (CPSC notice, dated 10/02/08, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/testing.html)

3. OFAC Designates 8 Individuals under Narcotics Kingpin Act

The Office of Foreign Assets Control is publishing the names of eight additional individuals whose property and interests in property have been blocked pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act. (OFAC notice available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-23358.pdf)

4. U.S., Uruguay Sign Protocols to their TIFA

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued press release announcing that the governments of the U.S. and Uruguay have signed two protocols to their bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) covering commitments in the areas of trade facilitation and public participation in trade and environment. The U.S. and Uruguay have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to advance bilateral cooperation on renewable energy and energy efficiency. (USTR press release, dated 10/02/08, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2008/October/United_States_Uruguay_Continue_to_Advance_Bilateral_Trade_Relations_by_Signing_Two_Protocols_to_the_United_States_Uruguay_T.html and State Dept. press release, dated 10/01/08, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2008/oct/110546.htm)

5. OFAC Adds 10 Individuals, 6 Entities to Its SDN List, Removes 10

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice announcing that it is adding ten individuals and six entities to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List. OFAC also deleted ten individuals/entities on the list. The Treasury Department issued a press release on the designation of the ten individuals and six entities that were designated, which are tied to the Amezcua Contreras Organization, a major Mexican drug trafficking organization. (OFAC notice, dated 10/02/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20081002.shtml and Treasury Dept. press release, dated 10/02/08, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/hp1171.htm)

6. FDA Awards Up to $2.5 Billion to Modernize IT Over 10 Years

The Food and Drug Administration announced the selection of ten contractors to receive up to a total of $2.5 billion for information technology (IT) and data center management services over the next ten years. (FDA press release, dated 09/30/08, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01893.html)

7. FDA Posts Updated Q&A on Dioxins

The FDA has posted a revised version of its questions and answers document on dioxins. (FDA Q&A, updated September 2008, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/lrd/dioxinqa.html)

8. Lion Pavilion Recalls Bamboo Shoots that are Product of China

The FDA has issued a press release announcing that Lion Pavilion Ltd. is recalling Yulanpian Brand Dried Slices of Tender Bamboo Shoots because it contains undeclared sulfites. Yulanpian Brand Dried Slices of Tender Bamboo Shoots is sold in a 230 gram, clear plastic package with the following code: 2008.1.3 and was distributed nationwide. It is a product of China. (FDA recall firm press release, available at http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/lionpavilion09_08.html)

9. FAS' Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agricultural Service issued the following GAIN reports (each is hyperlinked):

· EU-27 Agricultural Situation: EU Certification Guide - Update

· Israel FAIRS Subject Report: Organic Food Products

· China Agricultural Situation: Weekly Hongbao - Special Dairy Scandal Addition

· Russia Grain and Feed: October Monthly Update

· Thailand Grain and Feed: Grain Update

· Brazil Sugar: Semi Annual

· Germany Biotechnology: 'Without Genetech' Labeled Foods in the German Retail Market

· Israel FAIRS Subject Report: Organic Food Products

· Nigeria Exporter Guide: Exporter Guide Annual

· Turkey Grain and Feed: TMO Paddy Rice Price Announcement

· China FAIRS Subject Report: Phytophthora Regulation

· Mexico Livestock and Products: Annual Report

· Taiwan Agricultural Situation: Taiwan Evaluation Report 2008 Taipei International Food Show

10. OFAC Publishes Enforcement Information forSeptember 5, 2008

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has issued a notice announcing the following enforcement information forSeptember 5, 2008:

(OFAC notice available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/civpen/penalties/09292008.pdf)