Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
American Shipper reports that the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has decided to hold a public meeting on October 27, 2004 to discuss the various petitions and comments made by non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) requesting tariff exemptions to allow them to have confidential service contracts with shippers. (ShippersNewsWire@americanshipper.com , dated 10/13/04)
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1. FMC to Discuss NVO Petitions on Confidential Service Contracts at Oct 27th Public Meeting
2. GAFTT Urges U.S. to Approve Threat-Based China Safeguard Petitions
The Global Alliance for Fair Textile Trade (GAFTT), a coalition of 96 textile and clothing manufacturing trade associations from 54 countries, has urged the U.S. government to approve the threat-based China safeguard petition filings announced by the U.S. textile and apparel industry on October 12, 2004. (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/13/04 news, 04101305, for BP summary of the threat-based petition filed on October 8th and the industry's plans to submit additional petitions.) (GAFFT statement, dated 10/12/04, available at http://www.fairtextiletrade.org/newsroom/pr200406.pdf)
3. Cambodia Became 148th WTO Member on October 13, 2004
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has announced that on October 13, 2004, Cambodia became the 148th WTO member. In addition, another 24 countries are negotiating WTO membership. (WTO Press Release 10/13/04, available at http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news04_e/cambodia_148members_13oct04_e.htm )
4. USTR Zoellick Outlines U.S.' Goals for Middle East Free Trade Area
On October 7, 2004, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Zoellick addressed members of the Middle East Free Trade Area Coalition and outlined the Bush Administration's goals for developing a Middle East Free Trade Area. In addition to the free trade agreements (FTAs) that have been negotiated with Morocco and Bahrain, the USTR stated that the U.S. is preparing to begin possible FTA negotiations with the United Arab Emirates and Oman. The USTR also highlighted the signing of trade and investment framework agreements (TIFAs) with Algeria and Yemen. (USTR's remarks, dated 10/07/04, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Transcripts/2004/October/Remarks_by_US_Trade_Representative_Robert_B._Zoellick_at_the_Middle_East_Free_Trade_Area_Coalition.html)
5. FDA Public Meeting to Prepare for Upcoming Harmonization Meetings
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a notice announcing that a public meeting on preparations for the November 15-18, 2004 International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) meetings that are scheduled to take place in Yokohama, Japan. The meeting will address topics for discussion at the forthcoming ICH Steering Committee Meeting. According to the FDA, this meeting will be held on October 19, 2004 in Rockville, MD. (FR Pub 10/01/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-22053.pdf)
6. CBP Correction to Comment Due Date for Proposed Rule on Copyrights
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a correction to its October 5, 2004 proposed rule on copyright recordation and enforcement in order to state that comments are due by November 4, 2004 (rather than November 4, 2005). (See ITT's Online Archives or 10/07/04 news, 04100710, for BP summary of the proposed rule, which noted the error.)(FR Pub 10/13/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/C4-22334.pdf)
7. APHIS Extends Comment Period for Proposed Rule on Methyl Bromide for Official Quarantine Uses
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has extended until November 12, 2004 (from October 12, 2004) the comment period for its August 12, 2004 proposed rule regarding methyl bromide for official quarantine uses. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/01/04 news, 04090199 4, for BP summary of the proposed rule.) (D/N 02-086-2, FR Pub 10/12/04, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-22790.pdf)
8. FSIS Announces Class I Recall & Detention of Certain Meat from Ukraine
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced a Class I Recall in which it is detaining an undetermined amount of canned meat and poultry products that entered the country from Ukraine. According to FSIS, Ukraine is not eligible to export meat, poultry or egg products into the U.S. (FSIS Recall Release FSIS-038-2004, dated 10/06/04, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_038_2004_Release/index.asp)
9. Export-Import Bank Renews Agreement Insuring Exports to Iraq
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has updated its framework agreement with the Trade Bank of Iraq to reflect the transfer of sovereignty in Iraqi financial affairs from the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to the Iraqi Ministry of Finance. This agreement facilitates Iraqi access to U.S. export goods. (Washington File Pub 10/06/04, http://usinfo.state.gov/mena/Archive/2004/Oct/07-689063.html)
10. EPA Cites Nufarm Americas for Pesticide Export Violations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a press release announcing that EPA Region 5 has filed an administrative complaint against Nufarm Americas Inc., Chicago Heights, IL, for improperly exporting unregistered pesticide products. A $33,000 penalty has been proposed. (EPA article, dated 10/01/04,http://www.epa.gov/reg5oopa/news/news04/04opa155.htm)
11. CPSC Provisionally-Accepted Settlement Agreement with $500,000 Penalty with Sears Regarding Riding Lawnmowers
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a notice regarding a provisionally-accepted settlement agreement with Sears, Roebuck and Co., containing a civil penalty of $500,000 to settle CPSC allegations regarding Sears' sale of defective riding lawnmovers. Requests that the CPSC not accept this agreement or other comments are due by October 25, 2004. (CPSC notice, FR Pub 10/08/04, D.N 05-C-0002, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-22718.pdf,)
12. CPSC Provisionally-Accepted Settlement Agreement with $500,000 Penalty with Johnson Health Tech Co. and Horizon Fitness Regarding Treadmills
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a notice regarding a provisionally-accepted settlement agreement with Johnson Health Tech Co., Ltd. and Horizon Fitness, Inc., containing a civil penalty of $500,000 to settle allegations regarding the companies' sale of defective treadmills. Requests that CPSC not accept this agreement or other comments are due by October 25, 2004. (CPSC notice, FR Pub 10/08/04, D/N 05-C0001, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-22719.pdf,