Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

November 3, 2009 |Top News

1. AAFA to Monitor Implementation of Honduras Agreement

The American Apparel and Footwear Association has issued a press release on the breakthrough in negotiations to hold an election on whether to reinstate the ousted President of Honduras. AAFA states that it and other key textile and apparel stakeholders will monitor the implementation of this agreement and advise U.S. officials about its impact on U.S. businesses. (Press release, dated 10/30/09, available at https://www.apparelandfootwear.org/userfiles/file/pressreleases/103009AAFAApplaudsBreakthroughTowardsRestoringStabilityinHonduras.pdf.)

2. EU/U.S. Working to Eliminate Tariffs on "Green Goods" in China & OECD Countries

According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the European Union and the U.S. are currently negotiating a trade pact whereby China and OECD members would eliminate tariffs on "green goods" to boost global trade in technologies that inhibit climate change. (Notice, dated 10/30/09, available at http://www.hktdc.com/info/vp/a/ctde/en/1/1/1/1X06DUQS/China-Trade/EU-tries-to-forge-"green-goods"-duty-free-pact-between-OECD-countries-and-mainland-China-.htm

3. FMC to Now Meet on November 19th

The Federal Maritime Commission has announced that its meeting scheduled for November 18, 2009 has been changed. It will now be held on November 19, 2009. (Notice, posted 11/02/09, available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/CommissionMeetingScheduleforNovember.asp)

4. DOT Inspector General Comments on Task Force Report on Next Generation Air Traffic System

In comments on a Joint Government/Industry Task Force report, the Department of Transportation's Inspector General stated that the Next Generation Air Transportation System is a high risk effort and a top management challenge for DOT and FAA. The IG stated that FAA must set realistic expectations for NextGen, including developing plans to initiate action and establish a 5-year funding profile for the NextGen mid-term. (Report, posted 10/30/09, available at http://www.oig.dot.gov/)

5. FDA Sends P&G Letter on Unlawful Marketing of Medicines Containing Vitamin C

The Food and Drug Administration has sent a warning letter to Procter & Gamble notifying the company that its Vicks DayQuil Plus Vitamin C and Vicks Nyquil Plus Vitamin C are illegally marketed combinations of drug ingredients and a dietary ingredient. In its letter, FDA states that these single dosage form combinations of drug ingredients and dietary ingredients legally cannot be marketed because they have not been proven safe and effective, etc. (News release, dated 10/30/09, available at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm188543.htm)

6. DDTC Reminds that Outstanding 2010 Javits Reports Due Nov 4th

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has issued a reminder that all outstanding submissions for the 2010 Javits Report must be received by DDTC no later than November 4, 2009. The original Federal Register Notice is available here. (Notice, posted 11/02/09, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/)

7. Three Charged for Role in Theft of and Sale of Pemex Oil Products

The Department of Justice reports that three men have been charged for their roles in brokering the sale of petroleum products stolen from Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX). The charges were the result of an on-going investigation into the theft of Mexican petroleum products, particularly condensate, and the transport of the goods on semi-truck tankers into the U.S. and subsequent sale to U.S. companies. (New Release, dated 10/09/09, available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/txs/releases/October%202009/100909PEMEX_print.htm)

8. Exports Live! Chicago Seminar on November 10

Export.gov is announcing that their Successful Small Business Export Strategies: Eight-City "Exports Live!" Seminar Series will be in Chicago on November 10, 2009. The keynote speaker will be the CEO of The Boeing Company. (Notice, posted 11/02/09, available at http://www.export.gov/exports_live/chicago/)

9. USDA Secretary Announces U.S. Members of Working Groups Under U.S.-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack has announced the U.S. members of three working groups under the U.S.-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral consultations launched in May as part of President Obama's comprehensive, new strategy to enhance global food security. (News release, dated 10/26/09, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/PressRelease/pressrel_dout.asp?Entry=valid&PrNum=0270-09)

10. Census Bureau to Conduct Annual Wholesale Trade Survey

The Census Bureau published a notice to announce that it will conduct its Annual Wholesale Trade Survey (AWTS) to collect data on annual sales, e-commerce sales, purchases, total operating expenses, year-end inventories held both inside and outside the U.S., commissions, total operating revenue, and gross selling value, for three components of wholesale activity: wholesale distributors; manufacturers' sales branches and offices and agents, brokers, and electronic markets. (D/N 0910011333-91334-01, FR Pub 11/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-26285.pdf)

11. State Dept. Announces Shipping Coordinating Committee Meeting

The State Department has announced that the Shipping Coordinating Committee will conduct an open meeting on November 13, 2009 in Washington to prepare for the 26th Session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Assembly to be held at the IMO Headquarters, United Kingdom from November 23 to December 4, 2009 and the 25th Session of the IMO Council Extraordinary Session to be held at the IMO Headquarters, United Kingdom, from November 19 to November 20, 2009. (Public Notice 6783, FR Pub 11/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-26317.pdf)

12. APHIS Final Rule Allows Imports of Tomatoes from Souss-Massa-Draa, Morocco

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has issued a final rule, effective December 2, 2009, amending its regulations to allow the importation of commercial consignments of tomatoes from the Souss-Massa-Draa region of Morocco subject to a systems approach similar to that which is already in place for tomatoes imported into the U.S. from other areas within Morocco. (D/N APHIS-2008-0017, FR Pub 11/02/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-26308.pdf)

13. FAS Reports Acceptance of DEIP Bids for Cheddar and Anhydrous Milkfat

The Foreign Agricultural Service reports that the Commodity Credit Corporation has accepted bids under the Dairy Export Incentive Program from exporters Schreiber Foods, Inc. and Gerber California, Inc. for cheddar (10/28/09), and from exporter Interfood, Inc. for anhydrous milkfat(10/29/09), all to Asia and Eurasia.