Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. DHS Unveils its Open Government Plan

On April 7, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano unveiled DHS' Open Government plan - leveraging public input to enhance transparency, public participation and collaboration as part of the Obama administration's Open Government Initiative. (Press release, dated 04/07/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1270662888919.shtm)

2. DHS Announces Two New Efficiency Reviews

On April 7, 2010, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano announced two new employee-generated Efficiency Review initiatives to cut costs, streamline operations and enhance the Department's ability to fulfill its security mission. The two new initiatives involve transitioning to paperless earnings and leave statements across DHS and implementing efficiencies to reduce the time and costs associated with the personnel security and suitability processes. (Press release, dated 04/07/10, available at http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1270667336512.shtm)

3. FMC Creates Maritime Environmental Issues Webpage

The Federal Maritime Commission has created a new "Maritime Environmental Issues" webpage, which is to serve as a clearinghouse for information on sustainable shipping. (Notice, posted 04/08/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/MaritimeEnvironmentalIssues.asp)

4. USTR Posts New Letters Supporting ACTA

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has posted two new letters in support of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement to the ACTA page. The first letter, from more than 100 businesses and associations, encourages Ambassador Kirk to continue working on the agreement. The second letter comes from the Entertainment Industry Guild Union, and thanks President Obama on his remarks about the importance of protecting intellectual property rights at the Export-Import Bank Annual Conference. (Notice, dated 04/07/10, available at http://www.ustr.gov/about-us/press-office/blog/2010/april/new-letters-regarding-acta-now-online)

5. CPSC Announces April 15 Closed Compliance Meeting

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a closed Sunshine Act meeting on April 15, 2010, in which the staff will brief the Commissioners on various compliance matters. (FR Pub 04/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8141.pdf)

6. FMCSA Send OMB Final Rule on Cargo Insurance for Property Loss or Damage

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has sent a final rule to the Office of Management and Budget for approval that is entitled "Cargo Insurance for Property Loss or Damage". (Rule, RIN 2126-AB21, received 04/05/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/jsp/EO/eoDashboard.jsp?agency_cd=2100&agency_nm=DOT&stage_cd=4&from_page=index.jsp&sub_index=0)

7. BIS Sends Final Rule to OMB on Five Axis Simultaneous Controlled Milling Machines

The Bureau of Industry and Security has sent a final rule to the Office of Management and Budget for approval that is entitled "Five Axis Simultaneous Controlled Milling Machines: License Exception Eligibility and Fast Track Application Processing." (Rule, RIN 0694-AE74, received 04/07/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/jsp/EO/eoDashboard.jsp?agency_cd=0600&agency_nm=DOC&stage_cd=4&from_page=index.jsp&sub_index=0)

8. BIS Sends Final Rule to OMB on CCL Review

The Bureau of Industry and Security has sent a final rule to the Office of Management and Budget that would revise the Export Administration Regulations to make revisions as a result of a systematic review of the Commerce Control List (CCL). This rule is the third phase of the regulatory implementation of the results of a review of the CCL that was conducted by BIS starting in 2007. (Rule, received 03/29/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200910&RIN=0694-AE56)

9. FDA Permanently Debars Individual from Drug-Related Services

The Food and Drug Administration is issuing an order under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which permanently debars Kevin Xu from providing services in any capacity to a person that has an approved or pending drug product application, effective April 8, 2010, based on felony convictions related to the misbranding of prescription drugs and counterfeiting trademarks. (D/N FDA-2009-N-0286, FR Pub 04/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-8023.pdf)

10. State Dept FR Notice on Effective Date of Wild-Harvest Shrimp Ban from Mexico

The State Department has issued a Federal Register notice providing the April 20, 2010 effective date for the ban of wild-harvest shrimp from Mexico's commercial trawl fisheries. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/31/10 news, 10033125, for previous BP summary on the shrimp import ban, which contains the effective date.) (Public Notice 6942, FR Pub 04/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7974.pdf)

11. State Dept Requests Comments on UN Climate Change Draft

The State Department is requesting comments on the initial draft of the fifth National Communication on U.S. climate change actions for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Comments are due by May 6, 2010. (Public Notice 6947, FR Pub 04/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7972.pdf)

12. OFAC Names 2 Blocked Individuals Under Terrorism EO

The Office of Foreign Assets Control is publishing the names of two newly-designated individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13224, "Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten To Commit, or Support Terrorism," effective April 1, 2010. (FR Pub 04/08/10, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-7939.pdf)

13. OMB Approves BIS Final Rule on 2009 MTCR Plenary Agreements

The Office of Management and Budget has approved a Bureau of Industry and Security final rule that is entitled "Revisions to the Export Administration Regulations Based on the 2009 Missile Technology Control Regime Plenary Agreements." (Rule, RIN 0694-AE79, completed 04/01/10, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch)

14. WCO and UPC Meet on Customs and Postal Developments

World Customs Organization Secretary General Mikuriya visited the Universal Postal Union in Switzerland March 26, 2010 to discuss UPU's development of an electronic version of its paper-based Postal Export Guide (PEG), which lists prohibited and restricted import items by country of destination. (Report, dated 03/26/10, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/speeches/?v=1&lid=1&cid=2&id=217)

15. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:

16. CPSC Announces Open Meetings with Industry Stakeholders

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has updated its list of meetings between CPSC and industry stakeholders that are open to the public, unless otherwise stated (partial list):

Commissioner Adler and the American Apparel & Footwear Association and Fashion Accessories Shippers Association; 04/12/10; to discuss compliance issues relating to the CPSIA and heavy metal regulations for apparel and footwear;

Commissioner Northup and the American Apparel and Footwear Association; 04/15/10; to discuss heavy metal regulations for the apparel and footwear industry, what is already in place, data to date and what can be expected in the future;

First meeting of the Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel (CHAP) on Phthalates; 04/14/10 - 04/15/10; the panel is studying the effects on children's health of all phthalates and phthalate alternatives as used in children's toys and child care articles;

Commissioner Adler and ExxonMobil representatives; 04/20/10; to discuss summary of staff briefing on cumulative risk assessment and the CHAP process; and

CPSC's Robert Howell and representatives of the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the Toy Industry Association, the American Apparel and Footwear Association, the Fashion Jewelry Trade Association, and the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association; 04/26/10 to discuss heavy metals in consumer products.

17. Foreign Trade Zone Board Actions and Notices

The Foreign Trade Zone Board has issued the following:

FTZ 144 - Application for Expansion and Reorganization under Alternative Site Framework: Foreign Trade Zone 144; Brunswick, GA