Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. USTR Requests Panel in WTO Case Involving Poultry Exports to EU

2. CPSC Reminder Lead Content Reports Due Oct. 9th for Products with Stays (Bikes, ATVs, Etc.)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a reminder that October 9, 2009 is the extended deadline for filing reports on the lead content of certain accessible metal parts in connection with the stays of enforcement of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) lead limits for children's products, namely (1) bicycles, jogger strollers and bicycle trailers; and (2) youth all-terrain vehicles, youth off-road motorcycles and youth snowmobiles. (CSPC notice, dated 10/09/09, available at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/leadreports.html)

3. OFAC Guidance on Exporting/Reexporting Replacement Parts

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has updated its frequently asked questions document to provide a question and answer on exporting or reexporting replacements parts pursuant to the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSRA). (FAQ, posted 10/08/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/faq/answer.shtml119)

4. Commerce Announces 8 Public-Private Partnerships for Boosting Small and Medium Size Business Exports

U.S. Commerce Secretary Locke has announced that eight firms have joined the the department's Corporate Partnership Program, aimed at boosting exports, and solidifying U.S. jobs, for small- and medium-sized U.S. businesses. The new partners - Aon Consulting; Federation of International Trade Associations; Gartner, Inc; Lufthansa; Reed Exhibitions; TV Rheinland; Think Global; and Trade Center Management Associates join the existing 11 commercial service partners, including Baker & McKenzie, City National Bank, Comerica Bank, FEDEX, Google, M&T Bank, PNC Bank, TD Bank, the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and Zions Bank. (Press release, dated 10/05/09, available at http://www.commerce.gov/NewsRoom/PressReleases_FactSheets/PROD01_008489)

5. DDTC Reminds that DTAG Membership Applications Due Oct. 9th

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has issued a reminder notice that applications for DTAG membership are due on October 9, 2009. The original August 12, 2009 Federal Register notice is available here. (Notice, posted 10/05/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/)

6. ECHA Creates Database of Chemicals Registered Under REACH, Etc

The European Chemicals Agency has created a database of registered chemical substances submitted by companies before September 24, 2009 to satisfy the registration requirement of the EC's REACH program (which stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals). ECHA has also updated its Questions and Answers document for the registrants of previously notified substances and the Data Submission Manual 5: How to complete a technical dossier for registrations and PPORD notifications. (Notice, posted 10/08/09, available at http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/registered_substances_en.asp)

7. Six Firms Settle with FTC for False Certification of U.S./EU Privacy Safe Harbor

Six U.S. businesses have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they deceived consumers by falsely claiming they were abiding by an EU/U.S. Safe Harbor privacy framework that provides a means for U.S. companies to legally transfer data from the European Union to the U.S. (Notice, dated 10/06/09, available at http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/safeharbor.shtm)

8. EPA Requests OMB Approval for Final Rule to Ban Imports of HCFC Charged Products

The Environmental Protection Agency is requesting OMB approval of a final rule to ban the import of HCFC pre-charged products once the domestic phaseout of the import and production of their bulk substances occurs. (Rule, received 10/06/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=2060-AN58)

9. NHTSA Receives Petition on Harleys Not Originally Mfged to U.S. Safety Standards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received a petition for a decision that 2009 Harley Davidson FX, FL, XL and VR Series Motorcycles that were not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards are eligible for importation into the U.S. Comments are due by November 9, 2009. (D/N NHTSA-2009-0161, FR Pub 10/08/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24330.pdf)

10. FSIS Issues Proposed Rule to Establish Formulas for Meat, Poultry, Egg Inspection Fees

The Food Safety and Inspection Service is proposing to amend its regulations to establish formulas for calculating the fees that it charges meat and poultry establishments, egg products plants, importers, and exporters for providing voluntary inspection, identification and certification services, etc. FSIS is also proposing to increase the codified flat annual fee for its Accredited Laboratory Program. Comments due by November 9, 2009. (D/N FSIS-2006-0025, FR Pub 10/08/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24283.pdf)

11. WTO Issues Trade Policy Review for Chile

The World Trade Organization has issued its trade policy review for Chile. According to the WTO, since Chile's last review in 2003, it has adopted measures to modernize customs and facilitate trade, maintained a single MFN tariff rate of 6% with a few exceptions, abolished some import taxes and export subsidies, and introduced significant reforms to its competition policy, government procurement and intellectual property systems. (Press release, dated 10/07/09, available at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp320_e.htm)

12. Foreign Trade Zone Board Notices and Actions

FTZ 43. Termination of Review of Sourcing Change: Battle Creek, MI; Subzone 43D, Perrigo Company (Ibuprofen Products), Allegan, MI.

13. DDTC Announces Company Name Change for License Applications

DDTC has announced that QinetiQ Limited's Underwater Systems Division will be now be known as Atlas Elektronik UK Limited. New license applications received after November 10, 2009 identifying QinetiQ as a party to the license will be considered for return without action for correction to the new name. (Notice, posted 10/07/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/licensing/documents/webnotice_qinetiq.pdf)

14. FDA Posts Import Refusal Report for September

The Food and Drug Administration has posted the Import Refusal Report for September 2009. This report covers import refusals involving FDA-regulated products, including cosmetics. The IRR is generated from data collected by FDA's Operational and Administrative System for Import Support (OASIS) and is updated monthly. (Report, posted 10/08/09, available at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/ImportRefusals/ir_byCountry.cfm?DYear=2009&DMonth=9)

15. FDA Posts Enforcement Report for October 7th

The Food and Drug Administration has posted its Enforcement Report for the week of October 7, 2009. The report contains information on actions taken in connection with agency regulatory activities. (Report, dated 10/07/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/EnforcementReports/ucm185718.htm)

16. APHIS Animal Product PPQ Manual Updated

On October 4, 2009, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (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, updated 10/04/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/apm.shtml)

17. Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Monitoring Handbook Updated

APHIS has updated the AQIM as of September 30, 2009. The handbook provides an information source for implementing AQIM at designated work locations, training employees about the basics of risk analysis and risk management, and analyzing information so managers can make better risk-based decisions. (Handbook, updated 09/30/09, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/aqim_handbook.pdf)

18. FSIS Updates Lists of Australia, Canada and Mexico Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated versions (September 24, 2009 -October 6, 2009) of its lists of Australia, Canada and Mexico establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S. (List, posted 10/06/09, available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations_&_policies/Eligible_Foreign_Establishments/index.asp)

19. Updated List of Instructions and U.S. Plants for Exporting Meat and Poultry to Foreign Countries

FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following countries:

Japan (October 7, 2009)

United Arab Emirates (October 7, 2009)

Kazakhstan (September 24, 2009)

Singapore (September 29, 2009)

20. FSIS Issues Notices for its Inspection Personnel and Public

FSIS Directive 7120.1 Amendment 20 (October 5, 2009). Safe and Suitable Ingredients Used in the Production of Meat and Poultry Products

FSIS Notice 70-09 (October 5, 2009). Intensified Verification Testing and "For Cause" Food Safety Assessments in Response to Ready-to-Eat Testing Results

21. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Mexico Livestock and Products Annual

22. ITA Reschedules Trade Mission to Algeria and Libya

The ITA has announced that the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service has rescheduled the Trade Mission to Algiers, Algeria, and Tripoli, Libya, from November 4-8, 2009, to February 17-22, 2010. The Commerce Department will accept additional applications for this mission through November 12, 2009. (FR Pub 10/06/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24035.pdf)

23. ITA Announces Trade Mission to South Africa & Senegal

The ITA has announced that the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is organizing a Trade Mission to Dakar, Senegal and Johannesburg, South Africa, March 7-12, 2010, which will be comprised of U.S. firms from a cross section of industries with market potential, including, but not limited to, products, services, and technologies in the following sectors: Electric power systems, automotive spare parts, construction and mining equipment, and agribusiness. (FR Pub 10/06/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-24036.pdf)

24. Canada Posts 2009/10 Sugar-Containing Products Quota Holders List

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has posted its 2009/2010 Sugar-Containing Products Quota Holders List. (List, posted 10/07/09, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/sugar-sucre/list-10-liste.aspx?lang=eng)