Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that the U.S. and Korea have agreed on an initial import protocol that will allow the U.S. to export boneless beef from cattle less than 30 months of age under a Beef Export Verification Program. Korea has prohibited imports of U.S. beef and beef products since December 2003. (USTR Press Release, dated 01/13/06, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/January/Secretary_Johanns_USTR_Portman_Welcome_Progress_to_Reopen_Korean_Market_to_US_Beef.html)
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1. USTR Announces Initial Agreement With Korea on Resuming Beef Exports
2. U.S. is Still Negotiating Free Trade Agreement With Thailand
The Washington File reports that the sixth round of U.S.-Thailand negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) concluded on January 13, 2006 with some success, but much work still remains to be done. According to the Washington File, no date has been set for the next round of talks, but the U.S. hopes to conclude an FTA by the spring of 2006. (Washington File Pub 01/13/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=January&x=20060113150501ajesrom0.3238336&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html)
3. CBP Says C-TPAT Has Addressed GAO Concerns, Had Strong Year for Validations
The Journal of Commerce reports on a conversation between its editorial director and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP's) director of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) with an article opining that C-TPAT is in good shape as 2006 begins. According to the article, CBP states that C-TPAT has addressed issues relating to the lack of minimum standards and weaknesses in the audit program, both of which were criticisms made by the Government Accountability Office in a May 2005 report. However, the article notes that the real story is in the validations, noting that as of December 20, 2005, 25% of C-TPAT members had been validated and that validations were underway for another 41%. (JoC dated 01/02/06, www.joc.com.)
4. TTB Seeks Comments on Use of the Word "Pure" or Its Variants on Labels or in Ads of Alcohol Beverage Products
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) has issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR), which invites comments by February 6, 2006, on whether the existing regulations concerning the use of the word "pure" on labels or in advertisements of alcohol beverage products should be revised. (TTB notice (No. 53), FR Pub 12/07/05, http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-23680.pdf.)
5. BIS Sensors and Instrumentation TAC to Hold Partially Open Meeting
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued a notice announcing that the Sensors and Instrumentation Technical Advisory Committee (SITAC) will meet on January 31, 2006 in Washington D.C. SITAC advises the Office of Assistant Secretary for Export Administration on technical questions that affect the level of export controls applicable to sensors and instrumentation equipment and technology. (BIS notice, FR Pub 01/17/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-394.pdf.)
6. CBP Extends Geographical Limits of Port of Rockford, IL
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a final rule, effective February 16, 2006, that amends 19 CFR Part 101 by extending the geographical limits of the port of Rockford, IL to include the city of Rochelle, IL. According to CBP, the extension of the port is necessary to accommodate the Union Pacific Railroad Company's new intermodal rail facility in Rochelle. (See ITT's Online Archives or 08/31/04 news, 04083199 2, for BP summary of CBP's proposed rule.) (CBP final rule, FR Pub 01/17/06, CBP Dec. 05-38, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/pdf/04-18515.pdf.)