Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. USDA Expects FY 2010 Agricultural Exports to Rise to $100 Billion

2. DOT Says December Freight Transportation Services Unchanged from November

The Department of Transportation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the Freight Transportation Services Index was unchanged in December from its November level. The Freight TSI measures the month-to-month changes in freight shipments in ton-miles, which are then combined into one index. (Press release, dated 02/18/10, available at http://www.bts.gov/press_releases/2010/bts008_10/html/bts008_10.html)

3. Commission Announces Feb 25th Hearing on Trade & Other Implications of U.S. Debt to China

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission will hold an open public hearing in Washington, DC on February 25, 2010 to examine China's lending activities, China's current holdings of U.S. debt and other securities and future trends, and the economic, political, diplomatic, and security implications of the U.S. debt to China on the bilateral trade and economic relationship with China. (FR Pub 02/19/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3224.pdf)

4. China, Japan and S. Korea to Study Feasibility of Trilateral FTA

China's People's Daily Online states that South Korea plans to launch a joint research project with China and Japan on the feasibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) among the three countries. In the meantime, South Korea will continue to push for settling separate bilateral trade agreements with China and Japan. (Notice, dated 02/18/10, available at http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90778/90861/6896083.html)

5. EC Discusses 7th Round of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement Negotiations

The European Commission has issued a press release on the seventh round of negotiations on the proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) that was held in Guadalajara, Mexico, from January 26 to 29, 2010. According to the EC, the discussions were productive and focused on civil enforcement, border enforcement and enforcement of rights in the digital environment. (Press release, dated 01/26-29/10, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2010/february/tradoc_145774.pdf)

6. Canada's DFAIT Issues Notice on TRQ for Certain Milk Protein Substances

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has issued a notice to inform importers of the policies and practices regarding the administration of the 10,000,000 kilogram per year tariff rate quota (TRQ) for milk protein substances with a milk protein content of 85% or more by weight, calculated on the dry matter, that do not originate in a NAFTA country, Chile, Costa Rica, or Israel. (Notice, dated 02/17/10, available at http://www.international.gc.ca/controls-controles/prod/agri/dairy-laitiers/notices-avis/763.aspx?lang=eng)

7. WTO Updates 2010 Program of Meetings

The World Trade Organization has updated its program of meetings for 2010. (Program, dated 02/19/10, available at http://www.wto.org/meets_public/meets_e.pdf)

8. BIS Adds 10 Persons Located in Hong Kong, Taiwan to Entity List

The Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule, effective February 19, 2010, which amends the Export Administration Regulations to add ten additional persons located in Hong Kong and Taiwan to the Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to Part 744), who have been determined by the U.S. Government to be acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the U.S. (D/N 100115025-0032-01, FR Pub 02/19/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-3278.pdf)

9. 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/prerelfeb10.html)

10. APHIS Update on Certification Statements on Export Certificates to Canada

On February 16, 2010, APHIS updated its International Animal Product Export Regulations: Animal Products to Canada. This Regulation is on Required Language Prefacing Attestations on Export Certificates for Canada. (Regulation, updated 02/16/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/products/downloads/ca_rl_pcs.pdf)

11. APHIS Treatment PPQ Manual Updated

On February 16, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Treatment Manual. This Manual serves as an operational guide for selecting and conducting quarantine treatments. The procedures and treatment schedules in this manual are administratively authorized for use by APHIS to prevent the movement of agricultural pests into or within the United States. Listed treatments include chemical treatments such as fumigation with methyl bromide, and nonchemical treatments with heat, cold, or irradiation. (Manual, updated 02/16/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/treatment.shtml)

12. FSIS Updates Lists of Canada Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued an updated (February 16, 2010) version of its list of Canada establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.

13. FSIS Issues Notice for its Inspection Personnel and Public

FSIS has issued the following notice:

Notice 10-10 (February 18, 2010): Exception for Certain Products from the FSIS Ready-To-Eat (RTE) Sampling Programs

14. 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 country:

Russia Plant List (Poultry) (Revised February 17, 2010)

15. CBP Accredits/Approves Firms as Commercial Gauger and/or Laboratory

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued notices stating that it has accredited and approved the following companies as a commercial gauger and/or laboratory for petroleum and petroleum products, organic chemicals and vegetable oils, and to test petroleum and petroleum products for customs purposes, in accordance with 19 CFR 151.12 and 151.13, on the effective dates listed (see individual notice for dates of next triennial inspections):

(CBP notices, FR Pub 02/19/10, hyperlinked to date)