Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
1. China Has Closed More than 2,800 Rural Food Making Facilities, Etc.
The New York Times reports that China is moving aggressively to complete a six-month campaign to root out fake and substandard food, drugs, toys and other consumer goods. China reports having demolished more than 2,800 rural food making facilities, shut down 300 drug and medical equipment manufacturers, and closed down 900 companies involved in making fake drugs. (NY times, dated 12/07/07, available at http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/07/business/worldbusiness/07food.html)
2. Senate Chairman Seeks More Info on Border Fence Environmental Waiver
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has issued a press release announcing that Chairman Joseph Lieberman sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff asking for additional information on DHS' decision to waive environmental requirements before building a section of the Southwest border fence. (Press release, dated 12/10/07, available at http://hsgac.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&Affiliation=C&PressRelease_id=1597&Month=12&Year=2007)
3. WCO, GS1 Agree to Work Together on Customs Standards, Etc.
The World Customs Organization and GS1 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the development of supply chain standards, joint training activities, exchange of experts, support for initiatives, etc. (WCO, dated 11/20/07, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/press/?v=1&lid=1&cid=4&id=147)
4. South Korea, Canada Scheduled to Resume Free Trade Talks
Yahoo! news reports that South Korea and Canada were scheduled to resume their free-trade talks at the end of November. (Yahoo! news, dated 11/25/07, available at http://sg.news.yahoo.com/afp/20071125/tbs-skorea-canada-trade-fta-0a37ea7_1.html)
5. DHS' Plan to Buy New Radiation Detection Machines on Hold Again
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Department of Homeland Security's plan to buy advanced spectroscopic portal radiation monitors or ASPs to scan trucks, cars, and cargo for radiological material has been put on hold again. (SFC, dated 11/20/07, available at http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/20/MN1RTFLUU.DTL)
6. GAO Testimony on Facilitating DTV Transition
The Government Accountability Office has issued testimony entitled: "Digital Television Transition." Among other things, the GAO recommends that the FCC, in conjunction with public and private stakeholders, develop a comprehensive plan for the various aspects of the DTV transition. (GAO-08-43, dated 11/19/07, available athttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d0843.pdf)
7. GAO Testimony on Securing the Commercial Aviation System
The Government Accountability Office has issued testimony entitled: "Aviation Security: DHS Has Made Progress in Securing the Commercial Aviation System, but Key Challenges Remain." Among other things, the GAO states that DHS and TSA has made moderate progress in securing the commercial aviation system, but more work remains. (GAO-08-139T, dated 10/16/07, available athttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08139t.pdf)
8. Recent CPSC Press Releases on Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued separate press releases (dated 11/01/07 - 11/30/07) announcing that the following companies, in cooperation with the CPSC, are voluntarily recalling the products listed below. Due to the large number of recalls, this is Part IV, the final partof a multi-part series of summaries. (Press releases available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelnov07.html)
| Asterisk (*) indicates recall due to violation of lead paint standard |
9. Various Agencies Seek 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/Status |
|---|---|---|
| FDA 1 | Registration of Producers of Drugs and Listing of Drugs in Commercial Distribution | 12/31/07 |
| FDA 2 | Reports of Corrections and Removals | 02/11/08 |
| ITA | Application for the President's "E" and "E STAR" Awards for Export Expansion | 02/08/08 |
| PHMSA 1 | Testing, Inspection and Marking Requirements for Cylinders | 01/29/08 |
| PHMSA 2 | Approvals for Hazardous Materials | 01/29/08 |
| PHMSA 3 | Rail Carrier and Tank Car Tank Requirements | 01/29/08 |
| PHMSA 4 | Inspection and Testing of Meter Provers | 01/29/08 |
| PHMSA 5 | Requirements for United Nations (UN) Cylinders | 01/29/08 |
| USDA | Phytophthora Ramorum Surveys and Data Collection Form | 02/08/08 |
FDA 1 Information Collection (FR Pub 11/30/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23275.pdf
FDA 2 Information Collection (FR Pub 12/11/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23962.pdf
ITA Information Collection (FR Pub 12/10/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23848.pdf
PHMSA 1,2,3,4 & 5 Information Collections (FR Pub 11/30/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23244.pdf
USDA Information Collection (FR Pub 12/10/07) available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/11dec20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/pdf/E7-23881.pdf