Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
American Shipper reports that in an abrupt change of policy, the U.S. State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) will no longer approve export licenses for freight forwarders that have traditionally managed international shipments for American shippers of military technology. The article reports that the DDTC's policy is now that an applicant must be the entity who is selling the defense article to the designated recipient foreign company. (American Shipper, dated 08/08/05, ShippersNewswire@americanshipper.com )
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1. Forwarders Cut Off from ITAR License Process
2. CBP Will Now Use New Seals for Inspected Containers
The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) reports in its Monday Morning eBriefing that beginning August 9, 2005, upon concluding a CBP physical container inspection, CBP officers will use a new bolt seal. (dated 08/08/05, comm.@ncbfaa.org )
3. Mad Cow Test Negative for Third Suspected Case
According to USINFO.STATE.GOV's Washington File, test results came out negative in a third cow suspected of having bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, mad cow disease). The article notes that to date, there have been two confirmed cases of BSE in the U.S. (one a Canadian-born cow in Washington state in 2003 and the other a cow in Texas in June 2005. (dated 08/04/05, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/ei/Archive/2005/Aug/04-43395.html )
4. Philippines is Lifting Ban on U.S. Cattle, Beef, & Related Products
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that the Philippines' Agriculture Secretary has signed a memorandum order lifting the precautionary measures imposed in June 2005 on the importation of live cattle, beef, and related products from the U.S. The USTR explains that the U.S. has been working with the Philippines to provide it the information and certification language needed to lift the ban on beef imports. (USTR Press Release, dated 08/04/05, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2005/August/The_United_States_the_Philippines_Meet_Under_Trade_Investment_Framework_Agreement,_Philippines_To_Lift_Ban_on_US.html)
5. Federal Register Publication of FMC's NSA Proposed Rule
The Federal Register has published the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) proposed rule to revise the exemption for non-vessel-operating common carriers (NVOCCs) to allow NVOCCs and shippers' associations with NVOCC members to act as shipper parties in NVOCC Service Arrangements (NSAs). (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/05/05 news, 05080505 for BP summary of proposed rule. (D/N 05-05, FR Pub 08/08/05, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-15641.pdf )
6. Federal Register Publication of CITA Postponement of Safeguard Decision for China Categories 222, 345/645/646, 349/649, 350/650, 447, and 620
The Federal Register has published separate Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreement's (CITA) notices stating that it is postponing until August 31, 2005 its determinations on whether to impose Safeguard quotas on China categories 222, 345/645/646, 349/649, 350/650, 447, and 620. (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/03/05 news, 05080310 for earlier BP summary.) (FR Pub 08/08/05, available under 'Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements' at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a050808c.html )
7. U.S. Treasury Announces Additional Sanctions Against Zimbabwe Regime
The Washington File reports that the Treasury Department, in cooperation with the State Department, has announced additional economic restrictions against the Zimbabwean regime. The sanctions prohibit trade and financial relations between the U.S. and 24 commercial farms and two businesses controlled by key members of that country's regime. (Washington File Pub 08/03/05, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2005&m=August&x=20050803164304mbgrebneerg0.6182367&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
8. Recent CPSC Press Releases on Recalls
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued separate press releases (dated 07/01/05-07/31/05) announcing that the following companies, in cooperation with the CPSC, are voluntarily recalling the products listed below. Due to the large number of recalls in July 2005, this is Part I of a two-part series of summaries. (Press releases available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereljul05.html )