Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
Mexico's National Service of Agro Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) has informed the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service that Mexico's Import Inspection Points (OISAS) will be closed from December 31, 2009 at 1:00 p.m until January 3, 2010 at 10:00 p.m. for import database updates. All import documents must be submitted prior to 1:00 p.m. December 31, 2009, but any outstanding import documents not completed before December 31 at 3:00 p.m. must be resubmitted on January 4, 2010. FAS states that this closure will affect all U.S. agricultural exports to Mexico which need a SENASICA import permit, except pets traveling with a tourist. (FAS GAIN report, No. MX9095, dated 12/18/09, available at http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Recent%20GAIN%20Publications/Mexican%20Inspection%20Points%20will%20Close%20from%20Dec.%2031%20to%20Jan.%203%20_Mexico_Mexico_12-18-2009.pdf)
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1. Mexican Inspection Points for Agricultural Imports (OISAS) Will Close from Dec. 31st to Jan. 3rd
2. China to Continue Export Stimulus Measures in 2010
On December 22, 2009, China's Ministry of Commerce announced that it will maintain its export stimulus measures in 2010 to tackle complicated trade conditions. To support exports in 2009, which contributed over 30% to the Chinese economy before the economic crisis, China raised the tax rebate for exporters seven times, and cut premium expenses to double the export credit insurance coverage. (News release, dated 12/23/09, available at http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/aarticle/newsrelease/commonnews/200912/20091206690974.html)
3. WTO Panel Established on China's Raw Material Export Restrictions
The World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Body has established a single panel to examine complaints by the U.S., European Union and Mexico concerning China's export restrictions on raw materials. (Notice, dated 12/21/09, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news09_e/dsb_21dec09_e.htm)
4. Coast Guard Proposes Changes to Definition of Dangerous Cargo Residue, Etc.
The Coast Guard has issued a proposed rule to amend the definition of "dangerous cargo residue" (CDC residue) to include certain bulk liquids and liquefied gases in residue quantities. Based on changes to the CDC residue definition, the Coast Guard also proposes to revise the definition of "certain dangerous cargo." Comments are due by February 22, 2010. (FR Pub 12/23/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-30347.pdf)
5. ITC Issues Determination on FY 2009 Fuel Ethyl Alcohol Consumption
The ITC has issued a determination that for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2009, the level of U.S. consumption of fuel ethyl alcohol to be 10.57 billion gallons; 7 percent of this amount is 739.8 million gallons (these figures have been rounded). Therefore, the base quantity for 2010 should be 739.8 million gallons. (FR Pub 12/23/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-30507.pdf)
6. OTEXA Announces Free Webinar on Retail Markets in Hong Kong, Seoul
The Office of Textiles and Apparel has announced that it will host a free webinar on export market opportunities in selected markets in Hong Kong and Korea for apparel firms on January 13, 2010. (Notice, posted 12/22/09, available at http://otexa.ita.doc.gov/webinars/OTEXA-TAS_Asia_retail_markets_webinar_announcement.pdf)
7. OFAC Announces Settlement with Bank for Violations of Sanctions Regulations
The Office of Foreign Assets Control has announced a $217 million settlement with Lloyds TSB Bank, plc, concerning Lloyds' intentional manipulation and deletion of information about U.S. sanctioned parties in wire transfer instructions routed through third-party banks located in the U.S. OFAC's analysis of Lloyds' transactions indicated that from June 2003 through August 2006, Lloyds routed at least 4,281 electronic funds transfers totaling nearly $37 million through third-party banks located in the U.S. in apparent violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and OFAC regulations related to Iran, Sudan, and Libya. (Notice, dated 12/22/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/actions/20091222.shtml)
8. EU to Negotiate FTAs with ASEAN Countries, Starting w. Singapore
European Union Member States have asked the European Commission to pursue negotiations with those individual Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries showing interest in negotiating comprehensive bilateral free trade agreements with the EU, starting with Singapore. (Press release, dated 12/22/09, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/press/index.cfm?id=504)
9. China's AQSIQ Says 8 of its 85 Labs Failed Internal Assessment
China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine assessed 85 of its testing labs and found that 77 of them satisfied the requirements of the assessment and reached the level of "world's first-rate testing labs" while 8 failed and were ordered to make rectification and apply for reexamination. (News release, dated 12/23/09, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/200912/t20091223_133399.htm)
10. China's AQSIQ Discusses Improved Accreditation Process & Lab Training on Melamine
China's AQSIQ also reports that China's National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) continues to improve its accreditation mechanisms and has conducted an assessment of 79 certification bodies. CNAS has also made non-routine examinations on high-risk testing labs, certification bodies and inspection bodies to improve the withdrawal mechanism, and supported the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China in organizing a large-scaled training program on melamine detection personnel for labs. (News release, dated 12/23/09, available at http://english.aqsiq.gov.cn/NewsRelease/NewsUpdates/200912/t20091223_133397.htm)
11. Mexico Makes Scheduled Reduction in AD Duties on Certain Chinese Products
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council reports that as part of the agreement signed by Mexico and China in 2008 for Mexico to eliminate the AD duties it maintains on a broad range of products from China (including 112 apparel items, 26 footwear items, 14 textile items and 13 tariff lines covering toys and games), Mexico reduced certain duties between 4 and 25% on December 12, 2009. These duties will be further lowered on December 12, 2010 and will be eliminated altogether in 2011. (Notice, dated 12/18/09, available at http://www.hktdc.com/info/vp/a/ctde/en/1/1/1/1X06JWMQ/China-Trade/Mexico-Implements-Scheduled-Reduction-in-Transition-Duties-on-Certain-Mainland-Chinese-Products.htm)
12. BIS Removes One Person from Entity List
BIS has issued a final rule, effective December 23, 2009, amending the EAR by removing one person (Neda Kargar, located in the United Arab Emirates) from the Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to 15 CFR Part 744). (D/N 0910231375-91388-01, FR Pub 12/23/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-30480.pdf)
13. DDTC Announces Company Name Change for DSP Licenses
The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has announced that Northrop Grumman Space & Mission Systems Corporation (NGS&MSC) and Northrop Grumman Information Technology, Inc. (NGIT) have changed their name to Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation. New DSP license applications received after February 1, 2010 identifying NGS&MSC and/or NGIT as a party to the license will be considered for return without action for correction to the new name. (Notice, posted 12/22/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/licensing/documents/WebNotice_NGSMSC-NGIT.pdf)
14. DDTC Announces Company Acquisition, No Name Change
DDTC has announced that effective December 21, 2009, Goodrich Corporation acquired AIS Global Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries Atlantic Inertial Systems Inc. of the U.S. and Atlantic Inertial Systems Limited of the UK. There are no name changes resulting from the acquisition. As such, DDTC has determined that all currently approved DDTC authorizations do not require an amendment to reflect this acquisition. However any US applicant with a DDTC authorization identifying either Atlantic Inertial System Inc. of the U.S. and/or Atlantic Inertial Systems Limited of the UK must maintain a copy of this web notice with authorization file. (Notice, posted 12/22/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/licensing/documents/WebNotice_Goodrich-AIS.pdf)
15. Treasury Designates Insurgent Group for Posing Threat to Stability in Iraq
On December 22, 2009, the Department of the Treasury designated the Iraq-based insurgent group Jaysh Rijal al-Tariq al-Naqshabandi (JRTN) for threatening the peace and stabilization efforts in Iraq. JRTN has committed, directed, supported, or posed a significant risk of committing acts of violence against Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces and is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13438, which targets insurgent and militia groups and their supporters. This designation freezes any assets that JRTN may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with the entity. (Press release, dated 12/22/09, available at http://www.treas.gov/press/releases/tg500.htm)
16. Revised FDA Import Alerts
The Food and Drug Administration has posted revised versions of the following Import Alerts on the detention without physical examination of:
Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors
Refrigerated (Not Frozen) Vacuum Pak or Modified Atmosphere Packaged Raw Fish and Fishery Product
17. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports
The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:
Egypt New Wheat Tendering Requirements: Grain and Feed
Italy Agricultural News for Italy and the EU - November 2009: Agriculture in the News
Germany Moves to Get More Money in Farmers' Pockets: Agricultural Situation
China Crop Seeds of Legumina: FAIRS Subject Report
China National Dairy Standard - GMP for Dairy: FAIRS Subject Report
China Crop Seed of Chinese Cabbage: FAIRS Subject Report
China Crop Seed of Melon: FAIRS Subject Report
China Crop Seed of Cole Vegetables: FAIRS Subject Report
China Crop Seed of Solanaceous Fruits: FAIRS Subject Report
China Crop Seed of Leafy Vegetables: FAIRS Subject Report
Mexico Simplified Labeling Procedures in Mexico's Border Areas: Exporter Guide
Taiwan Exporter Guide Annual: 2009
China Functional Food Regulation: FAIRS Subject Report
Venezuela News on domestic corn and rice harvests: Grain and Feed
China Rules for Food Inspection: FAIRS Subject Report
Taiwan Candy and Gum and Chocolate: Product Brief
China Food Inspection Accreditation: FAIRS Subject Report
Taiwan US Food "On the Air" - CTV Media Program: ATO ACTIVITIES
Taiwan Fresh Deciduous Fruit Annual
Canada This Week in Canadian Agriculture Issue 32: Agriculture in the News
India Weekly Highlights and Hot Bites No. 51: Agriculture in the News
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):
Agency Information Collection Comments Due
| ATF | Application and Permit for Importation of Firearms, Ammunition and Implements of War | 01/20/10 |
(Information collection notices are hyperlinked to agency name.)