Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. WCO Recommends Amendments to 2012 HS Nomenclature

2. FDA Prior Notice Guidance Document Available

Food and Drug Administration officials have made available a guidance document entitled "What You Need to Know About Prior Notice of Imported Food Shipments." The document is a restatement of the FDA's current requirements for prior notice of food presented in a simplified format and language. (Guidance document available via email by sending a request to documents@brokerpower.com)

3. IPPC Seeks Member Input on Revising Export and Phyto Certificate Standards

The International Plant Protection Convention is seeing member comment by September 15, 2009 on the revision of several standards, including ISPM No. 7: Export Certification System and ISPM No. 12: Guidelines for Phytosanitary Certificates. All public comments should be channeled through the national official contact points for the respective countries. (Notice, available at https://www.ippc.int/servlet/CDSServlet?status=ND0yMTI2NDQmNj1lbiYzMz0qJjM3PWtvcw)

4. NAPPO Requests Comments on Draft Revised Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures

The North American Plant Protection Organization is seeking comments by September 30, 2009 on a draft revised Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (RSPM 28). NAPPO Regional Standards for Phytosanitary Measures are subject to periodic review and amendment. (Draft, dated 10/19/09, available at http://www.nappo.org/Standards/Consultation/RSPM28/RSPMNo.28-Authorization26-06-09-final%20draft-e.pdf)

5. DHS Implements OMB Guidance on Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension

The Department of Homeland Security is issuing an interim final rule, effective August 17, 2009, to establish a new Part 3000 on nonprocurement debarment and suspension in Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Comments and related material are due by August 17, 2009. (D/N DHS-2007-0006, FR Pub 07/16/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-16429.pdf)

6. ITC Finds Final AD/CV Injury for Tow-Behind Lawn Groomers from China

The International Trade Commission has issued a final determination that a U.S. industry is materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of certain tow-behind lawn groomers from China. As a result, the Department of Commerce will issue countervailing and antidumping duty orders on imports of these products from China. (News Release 09-053, dated 07/15/09, available at http://www.usitc.gov/ext_relations/news_release/2009/er0715gg1.htm)

7. Canada to Drop AD Duties on Wood Slats from Mexico, China

On July 15, 2009, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal found that the dumping of wood slats from Mexico and China is unlikely to result in injury. Therefore, the Canada Border Services Agency will stop imposing anti-dumping duties on these products. (Press Release, dated 07/15/09, available at http://www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/press/rr2i03a_e.asp)

8. CPSC Posts Memo & Technical Guidance on Unblockable Drains

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted a memo and draft Technical Guidance on Unblockable Drains pursuant to the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, (Public Law 110-140). (Memorandum, dated 06/16/09, available at http://www.poolsafety.gov/unblockdrain.pdf)

9. Connecticut Investor Found Guilty of Violating FCPA in Scheme to Bribe Government Officials in Azerbaijan

The Justice Dept reports that Frederic Bourke Jr., was found guilty of knowingly violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by participating in a conspiracy to bribe senior government officials in Azerbaijan to obtain ownership of an oil company. Bourke had invested approximately $8 million in Oily Rock, on behalf of himself and family members and friends. Evidence also showed that Bourke obtained directorships, salary and stock options with related companies. (Notice, dated 07/10/09, available at http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2009/July/09-crm-677.html)

10. $8.7 Million to Support Law Enforcement Efforts on the Southwest Border

Attorney General Holder announced more than $8.7 million in Recovery Act funds for three communities in California to use in fighting crime and drug trafficking as part of the Justice Department's Southwest Border Strategy. The grant awards are to Chula Vista ($2,864,605); San Mateo County ($800,700); and San Diego County ($4,999,996). San Diego County will use the funds to create a team of 16 uniformed officers to patrol the border for drug smuggling and criminal activity. (Notice, dated 07/15/09, available at http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/July/09-ag-683.html)

11. FSIS Issues Revision 4 of Directive 5930.1 on "Custom Exempt Review Process"

This directive provides instructions for FSIS personnel to use when conducting reviews of custom exempt facilities to determine their compliance with the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA) and the Poultry Products Inspection Act (PPIA), and applicable regulations. (Directive, dated 07/15/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISDirectives/5930.1Rev4.pdf)

12. FSIS Updates List of NZ Plants Eligible to Export Meat/Poultry to USA

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has posted a July 15, 2009 updated list of eligible New Zealand plants certified to export meat and poultry (ratites only) to the U.S. (List, dated 07/15/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/New_Zealand_establishments.pdf)

13. FSIS Amends Meat Export Requirement for Shipments to Russia

On July 15, 2009, FSIS amended its information on the export to Russia of fresh and frozen pork and pork products derived from swine originating from New York. (Requirements, dated 07/15/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/Russia_Requirements/index.asp)

14. FAS Seeks Nominees for Emerging Markets Committee

The Foreign Agricultural Service has announced it is seeking nominees to serve on its Advisory Committee on the Emerging Markets Program (EMP). Committee members must have expertise in international agriculture, trade and development related to emerging market economies. The committee will be composed of 20 representatives; the program supports private and governmental technical assistance activities designed to promote U.S. agricultural exports. Applications are due by August 13, 2009. Federal Register notice available here. (Notice, dated 07/14/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0131-09)

15. OFAC Designates Iraq Individual/Entity

The Office of Foreign Assets is publishing the names of one newly designated entity, Kata'ib Hizballah, and one newly designated individual, Al-Muhandis, Abu Mahdi, whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13438, ''Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq.'' (FR Pub 07/16/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-16877.pdf)

16. BIS Export Enforcement Major Cases for July 2009

The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued its July 2009 Major Cases List, which summarizes some of BIS's most significant cases. The Major Cases List is comprised of two sections: new additions to the List are highlighted first, followed by major cases from over the last several years grouped by case focus. (List, dated July 2009, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/complianceandenforcement/majorcaselist/mcl072009.pdf)

17. ITDS Program Support Group to Meet July 24

The International Trade Data System's Program Support Group is scheduled to meet on July 24, 2009, in Washington, D.C. Agenda items include the ITDS Standard Data Set. (Agenda available at http://www.itds.gov/linkhandler/itds/news/psg_agenda.ctt/psg_agenda.pdf)

18. FMC Dropped Agenda Item from July 14 Meeting

The Federal Maritime Commission has published notice that an agenda item titled "Order Initiating Proceeding - Admission to Practice Before the Commission" was withdrawn from the closed portion of its July 14, 2009 meeting. (FR Pub 07/16/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-16961.pdf)

19. Export.gov FAQ on Exporting

Export.gov has posted a set of Frequently Asked Questions on exporting, including export basics, free trade agreements, international logistics, etc. (FAQ, available at http://www.export.gov/faq/index.asp)

20. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recalls:

(CPSC recalls available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereljul09.html)