Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
According to U.S. tobacco growers, a bill which recently passed Canada's House of Commons and is currently before the Canadian Senate, would have the effect of banning all imports and sales in Canada of U.S.-grown burley tobacco and cigarettes. The bill, C-32, would amend Canada's Tobacco Act with new controls on, among other things, little cigars, additives, and advertising, but is written so broadly as to apply to all cigarettes containing flavoring agents normally used with burley tobacco to lessen harshness, according to industry representatives. Virginia Farm Bureau release available at http://www.vafb.com/news/2009/june/061809_3.htm. Draft of Canadian Bill C-32 available at http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Sites/LOP/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Chamber=N&StartList=A&EndList=Z&Session=22&Type=0&Scope=I&query=5835&List=toc-1
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1. Tobacco Growers Warn Proposed Canadian Legislation Threatens Industry
2. President Continues Russia Nuclear Proliferation National Emergency
The President has determined to continue, for one year, the national emergency with respect to the risk of nuclear proliferation created by the accumulation of weapons- usable fissile material in the territory of the Russian Federation. (FR Pub 06/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14675.pdf)
3. Export.gov Webinar on IC-DISC Tax Break for Exporters July 8
The U.S. Commercial Service will present a one-hour webinar on July 8, 2009, on the IC-DISC, covering its accounting basis in lay terms, identifying which export activities, property and assets qualify for IC-DISC benefits, and quantifying the savings opportunities for your company. (Notice, available at http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=29592)
4. U.S. Trade and Investment Conference Maputo, Mozambique July 15
The Department of Commerce will offer a trade conference aimed at informing U.S. businesses about trade and investment opportunities in key sectors of Mozambique's market on July 15, 2009 in Maputo, Mozambique. (Notice, available at http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=16073)
5. GAO Letter on Monitoring SLA 2006 Compliance
The Government Accountability Office has posted its letter to certain congressional members on the U.S. and Canadian governments establishing mechanisms to monitor compliance with the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement, but they face operational challenges. (Letter, dated 06/18/09, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09764r.pdf)
6. GAO Testimony on Textile Transshipment
GAO has posted its testimony on observations on U.S. government efforts to address textile transshipment. (Testimony, dated 06/18/09, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09813t.pdf)
7. DHS Conducted a Continuity of Operations Exercise
The Department of Homeland Security conducted an exercise to test the readiness and capabilities of federal departments and agencies - coordinating with the White House - to execute their Continuity of Operations plans on June 17, 2009. The exercise, known as Eagle Horizon, is a mandatory annual exercise for all executive branch departments and agencies coordinated by DHS through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and its National Continuity Programs Directorate. (Press release available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1245258718688.shtm.)
8. DHS Announces Stimulus Funding for Jackson Hole Airport
The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano has announced approximately $6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for the construction of a new inline baggage handling system at Jackson Hole Airport. (Press release available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1245357826274.shtm.)
9. OFAC Designates Entities/Individuals under Drug Trafficking EO
The Office of Foreign Assets Control is publishing the names of 15 newly-designated entities and 9 newly-designated individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 12978, "Blocking Assets and Prohibiting Transactions with Significant Narcotics Traffickers." In addition, OFAC is publishing changes to the identifying information associated with one entity and nine individuals previously designated pursuant to Executive Order 12978. (FR Pub 06/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14383.pdf)
10. United States, Switzerland Agree to Increased Tax Information Exchange
The Treasury Department announced conclusion of negotiations with Switzerland to amend the U.S.-Switzerland income tax treaty to provide for increased tax information exchange. Official signing of the protocol is expected in the next few months. (Treasury press release TG-177, dated 06/19/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg177.htm.)
11. APHIS to Hold National Animal ID System Meeting
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will hold an additional public meeting on June 30, 2009 to discuss stakeholder concerns related to the implementation of the National Animal Identification System. (D/N APHIS-2009-0027, FR Pub 06/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14481.pdf)
12. FMC to Meet on June 24th
The Federal Maritime Commission will hold an open meeting on June 24, 2009 to consider the Port of Seattle/Terminal Operator Agreement, the FY 2009 Budget Status Update, etc. (D/N 02-15, FR Pub 06/19/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-14575.pdf)
13. FDA Posts Enforcement Report for June 17th
The Food and Drug Administration has posted its Enforcement Report for the week of June 17, 2009. The report contains information on actions taken in connection with agency regulatory activities. (Report, dated 06/17/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/UCM167873.pdf)
14. FSIS Updates Plant Lists, Eligible Foreign Establishments
The Food Safety and Inspection Service updated its list of eligible foreign establishments in Spain, Canada, and Denmarkeligible to export meat and/or poultry products to the U.S.