Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. ITDS Posts CBP Proposal for PGA Third Party Sharing

2. ITDS Posts Summary of May 7 ITDS Meeting on Legal Policy

The ITDS has also posted a written summary of its May 7, 2009 ITDS Legal Policy meeting. (Summary, available at http://www.itds.gov/linkhandler/itds/toolbox/library/resource_documents/policy_meeting.ctt/policy_meeting.pdf)

3. U.S., Mexico Discuss Customs Facilitation, Border Infrastructure, Etc.

On June 1, 2009, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Locke and the Mexican Secretary of the Economy met in Washington and discussed border infrastructure, customs facilitation and regulatory cooperation. Regarding Mexican concerns over NAFTA trucking, Secretary Locke reiterated his support for a permanent and NAFTA-consistent solution to this issue, stating "the Administration is committed to finding a timely resolution through legislation for a new program that addresses legitimate congressional concerns and satisfies our NAFTA obligations." (Press Release, dated 06/01/09, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008034)

4. China Surpasses U.S. as Brazil's Largest Economic Partner in April 09

Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade announced that for trade in April 2009, China surpassed the U.S. as Brazil's principal economic partner. The trade balance between China and Brazil was $3.2 billion in April, 2009 versus $2.8 billion between Brazil and the U.S. (The U.S. has been Brazil's principal economic partner for the last several decades.) China's Embassy to the U.S. also issued a press release (in English) on the data which is available here. (Notice, available at http://www.mdic.gov.br/sitio/interna/noticia.php?area=5&noticia=9041)

5. Next U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue to be Held at End of July

Secretary of State Clinton and Treasury Secretary Geithner have issued a joint statement announcing that the first meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue under the Obama Administration will be held in Washington, D.C. during the last week of July 2009. The SED will focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities that both countries face on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global areas of immediate and long-term strategic interest. (Joint statement, dated 06/02/09, available at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/06a/124203.htm.)

6. LA Bulletin on Updated Contact Information for LAX Import Specialist, Entry Teams

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Port of Los Angeles has issued a Public Bulletin providing updated contact information for import specialist teams, entry teams, and their supervisors at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). (LA09-018, dated 06/02/09, available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

7. EPA Issues Nationwide Waiver of Section 1605 Buy America Requirements

The EPA is granting a nationwide "public interest" waiver of the Buy American requirements of Section 1605 to permit the use of non-domestic iron, steel, and manufactured goods when they occur in de minimis incidental components of eligible water infrastructure projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), retroactive to October 1, 2008. (FR Pub 06/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12792.pdf)

8. DOC Seeks Nominations for Export Council

The Department of Commerce is seeking, by close of business on July 15, 2009, nominations of individuals for consideration for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce to serve as a member of one of the sixty District Export Councils (DECs) nationwide. (FR Pub 06/01/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12810.pdf)

9. Export.gov Schedules July Seminar on Finance, Opportunities

Trade advisors from multiple agencies will present a two-day seminar covering trade finance and credit; unpaid foreign sales; entering new markets; environmental sectors; and export opportunities for minority, women-owned, and rural-based businesses. Seminar will take place on July 13-14, 2009 at the Export-Import Bank's D.C. HQ. (Notice, available at http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Invitation.aspx?e=a530dc6f-24a5-4c5e-a767-66f9ee2e8444)

10. DR-CAFTA Commercial Availability Request Withdrawn

The Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements has issued a notice announcing that Cintas Corporation has withdrawn its U.S.-Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) commercial availability request for certain striped oxford fabric classified under HTS 5513.39.0115. (See ITT's Online Archives or 05/22/09 news, 09052235, for BP summary of the request.) (CITA notice available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

11. APHIS Updates PPQ Animal Product Manual

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a June 1, 2009 updated version of the PPQ Animal Product Manual. This Manual provides the background, procedures, and regulatory actions to enforce the regulations governing the import and export of animals, animal products, and animal by-products. (Manual, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)

12. OFAC Blocks Property of 28 Narcotics Traffickers

The Office of Foreign Assets Control is publishing the names of 28 newly-designated Mexico, Colombia, and Panama individuals and entities whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 12978, ''Blocking Assets and Prohibiting Transactions with Significant Narcotics Traffickers.'' (FR Pub 06/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12799.pdf)

13. OFAC Blocks Property of Four Terrorists

OFAC is publishing the names of four newly-designated individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13224, ''Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism.'' (FR Pub 06/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12800.pdf)

14. State Dept Review of Foreign Terrorist Organization

The Department of State is undertaking a review of the designation of Kahane Chai, also known as KACH, and other aliases as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. (FR Pub 06/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-12821.pdf)

15. Revised EU Eco-Label Regulations

The Office of Textiles and Apparel has issued a notice stating that in April 2009 the European Union eco-label legislation was revised, with streamlined processes and lower prices. The new regulation is scheduled to be fully effective in summer 2009. The provisional text of the new legislation (PROV(2009)0209) is available here. List of products eligible, additional details is available here. (Notice, dated 06/01/09, available at http://web.ita.doc.gov/otexa/hotiss.nsf/7bfa72c94f543da685256e5b00498a4d/f5ff734aa9577109852575c8004769de?OpenDocument)

16. Canada's DFAIT Issues Notice to Importers on Powdered Whey TRQ

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued Notice No. 748 to inform importers of the Minister's policies and practices respecting the administration of the 3,198,000 kilogram tariff rate quota (TRQ) for powdered whey. (Notice, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/dairy-laitiers/notices-avis/748.aspx?lang=eng)

17. Canada's CBSA Closes Cornwall, Ontario Port of Entry

Canada Border Services Agency has issued a notice announcing that as a result of a risk to the health and safety of the traveling public and CBSA employees, the CBSA closed the Cornwall (Ontario) Port of Entry Office located on Cornwall Island as of 11:45 p.m. on May 31. Travelers are urged to use either the Prescott, ON/Ogdensburg, NY port of entry or the Dundee, Quebec/Fort Covington, NY port of entry to enter Canada from the U.S. (Notice, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/media/advisory-avis/2009/2009-06-01-eng.html)

18. Agency Seeks 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):

(Information collection notices are hyperlinked to agency name.)