Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. WCO Identifies its Priorities for 2010

The World Customs Organization Secretary General, in a speech before the Customs Union Group of the EU Council on January 7, 2010, stated that the WCO's priorities for 2010 would include: (1) effective implementation of risk management techniques, (2) the establishment of a strong Customs-business partnership, (3) support for the "Globally Networked Customs" initiative, (4) the strengthening of border management and (5) the implementation of a Single Window system (by adopting, among other things, the WCO Data Model). (Report, dated 01/07/10, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/?v=1&lid=1&cid=2&id=194)

2. ATA Files Arguments for Port of Los Angeles Clean Trucks Trial

For a January 11, 2010 trial in American Trucking Association v. Port of Los Angeles et al, the American Trucking Association requested partial summary judgment, and reiterated its argument that federal law preempts several features of LA's plan, notably the power to effectively revoke a carrier's interstate commerce privileges by removing drayage rights as an enforcement mechanism. ATA summary judgment request available at http://www.truckline.com/Newsroom/Testimony1/ATA%20Request%20for%20Summary%20Judgment.pdf

3. Michael Khouri Joins FMC

The Federal Maritime Commission announced that Michael Khouri has been sworn in as a FMC Commissioner for a term to expire on June 30, 2011. Commissioner Khouri was nominated by President Barack Obama on December 3, 2009, and confirmed by the Senate on December 24, 2009. (News release, dated 01/07/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/speeches/newsrelease.asp?SPEECH_ID=300)

4. DOE Issues Final Rule on Energy Conservation Standards for Commercial Clothes Washers

The Department of Energy has issued a final rule, adopting amended energy conservation standards for commercial clothes washers. While the effective date of this rule is March 9, 2010, its standards will be applicable starting January 8, 2013. (FR Pub 01/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/E9-30891.pdf)

5. USDA Public Meeting of Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products

The Department of Agriculture is announcing a public meeting on January 13, 2010, in Washington, D.C. on the agenda items and draft U.S. positions that will be discussed at the 9th Session of the Codex Committee on Milk and Milk Products (CCMMP) of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to be held in New Zealand, February 1 - 5, 2010. (D/N FSIS-2009-0037, FR Pub 01/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-218.pdf)

6. ITA Announces Medical Trade Mission to India March 8-13

The ITA has announced that the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is organizing a Medical Trade Mission to New Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, India, March 8-13, 2010. The Medical Trade Mission to India will include representatives of U.S. medical/healthcare industry manufacturers (equipment and devices including laboratory, emergency, diagnostic, physiotherapy, and orthopedic equipment, and healthcare information technology) and service providers. (Notice, dated 01/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-108.pdf)

7. U.S. and New Zealand Sign Science and Technology Agreement

New Zealand and the U.S. have agreed to enhance cooperation in science and technology research to improve the shared capabilities of both nations to protect against acts of terrorism and other threats to domestic and external security. The Agreement calls for close cooperation between the US and New Zealand on the development of threat and vulnerability analyses and new technologies, and strengthened collaboration on border and transport security and civil defense emergency management. (Press release, dated 01/08/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1262987857215.shtm.)

8. BIS Submits Final Rule to OMB on Select Agent Controls

The Bureau of Industry and Security has submitted for approval to OMB a final rule on amendments to select agent controls in Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) 1C360 on the Commerce Control List (CCL). (Rule, received 01/06/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=0694-AE67)

9. BIS Corrects Albania and Croatia Final Rule

The Bureau of Industry and Security is correcting a table in its December 23, 2009 final rule that amended the Export Administration Regulations for the Accession of Albania and Croatia to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). (D/N 0907241162-91276-01, FR Pub 01/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/C1-2009-30484.pdf)

10. DoD Submits Final Rule to OMB on Taiwan and Procurement

The Defense Department has submitted to OMB for approval a rule that would make final a 2009 interim final rule that amended the Foreign Acquisition Regulations to add Taiwan as a designated country, due to its accession to membership in the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement. (Rule, received 01/07/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=9000-AL34)

11. DDTC Announces Company Name Change for DSP Applications

DDTC has announced that BVR Systems (1998) Ltd will change to R.V.B Holdings Ltd, as a result of an acquisition by Elbit Systems Ltd. New license applications received after February 15, 2010, identifying BVR Systems (1998) Ltd as a party to the license will be considered for return without action for correction to the new name. (Notice, posted 01/07/10, available at http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/licensing/documents/WebNotice_ElbtBVR.pdf)

12. Export.Gov Announces "Export University" Course Schedule for Philadelphia Area

Export.gov is publicizing the export education courses offered during January - July 2010 through the Philadelphia Export Assistance Center for the nearby region. (Schedule, posted 01/07/10, available at http://www.buyusa.gov/philadelphia/exportu.html)

13. CITES I-II-III Timber Species PPQ Manual Updated

On January 4, 2010, APHIS updated its CITES I-II-III Timber Species Manual. This Manual provides CBP and PPQ personnel with guidelines for the import, re-export, violation, seizure, and forfeiture of CITES Appendix I, Appendix II, and Appendix III protected timber species. (Manual, updated 01/04/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/cites.pdf)

14. Cut Flowers and Greenery Import PPQ Manual Updated

On January 6, 2010, APHIS updated its Cut Flowers and Greenery Import Manual. The manual provides the background, procedures, and reference tables for regulating the fresh, cut portion of the plant when it is imported for decoration or ornamentation, and for protecting plants that are threatened with extinction due to trade in those plants or their derivatives. (Manual, updated 01/06/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/cut_flower_imports.pdf)

15. 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/prereljan10.html)

16. FAS Global Agriculture Information Network Reports

The Foreign Agriculture Service issued the following GAIN reports:

Japan Food Trends November: Market Development Reports

Japan Peanut Market Report: Market Development Reports

Japan Food Trends August: Market Development Reports

Japan Food Trends October: Market Development Reports

Japan Food Trends September: Market Development Reports

17. 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:

Spain (January 7, 2010)

Cuba (January 7, 2010)

Japan (January 6, 2010)

Japan (Egg Products) (January 6, 2010)

Morocco (January 5, 2010)

18. FSIS Updates List of Brazil Establishments Eligible to Export Meat & Poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued an updated version of its list of Brazil (January 5, 2010) establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.

19. FSIS Issues Notices for its Inspection Personnel and Public

FSIS Directive 5010.1 (January 7, 2010). Food Safety Related Topics for Discussion During Weekly Meetings

FSIS Notice 02-10 (January 7, 2010). Export Library Revisions for December 2009

FSIS Notice 01-10 (January 7, 2010). Pasteurized Egg Products Imported in Bulk Containers from Canada