Miscellaneous International Trade Notices
The State Department's Washington File states that while at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 38th Economic Ministers' Meeting, the U.S. and the member countries of ASEAN signed a trade and investment framework agreement (TIFA), which is expected to facilitate market access and promote trade in key areas such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. (Washington File Report, dated 08/25/06, available at http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=August&x=20060825175510ASesuarK0.8261988)
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1. U.S. & ASEAN Sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement
2. 14 EU Members Reject Proposal on AD Measures Against Certain Footwear
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) reports that on August 3, 2006, 14 out of 25 Member States belonging to the European Union (EU) rejected the European Commission's (EC's) second proposal for antidumping (AD) measures against footwear with uppers of leather, including children's shoes, originating in the Chinese mainland and Vietnam. The HKTDC states that unless definitive AD measures can be agreed upon, the interim tariffs will expire on October 7, 2006 and the EU will lose the right to raise duties. (HKTDC news release, undated, available at http://www.tdctrade.com/alert/eu0617.htm; MEMO/06/315, EUROPA question & answer document on AD duties on subject shoes, dated 08/30/06, available at http://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/2006/august/tradoc_129934.pdf)
3. AMS Finalizes Interim Rule That Increased Assessment Rates for Imported Potatoes, Potato Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued a final rule, effective September 25, 2006, that adopts the interim final rule that increased the assessment (tax) rate on imported potatoes, and potato products under the Potato Research and Promotion Plan. The final rule also makes corrections to the assessment rates listed in the interim final rule for two HTS numbers. AMS sources indicate that the rates at issue in the final rule became effective on March 8, 2006. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/24/06 news, 06032420, for earlier BP of interim final rule, which reflects CBP's correction to the two HTS numbers.) (D/N FV-05-702 FR, FR Pub 08/25/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-14108.pdf)
4. DDTC Issues Questions and Answers Document on C-130/L-100 Licensing Jurisdiction
The State Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has issued a document containing questions and answers on the licensing jurisdiction for C-130 and L-100 aircrafts, as well as their engines, parts, components, technical data, etc. (See ITT's Online Archives or 06/06/06 news, 06060615, for BP summary of the State Department's determination that airframe parts and components for certain L-100 and C-130 aircraft are subject to jurisdiction of the DDTC.) (State Department document, updated 08/11/06, available at http://www.pmdtc.org/aircraft_parts_and_components.htm)
5. ACI to Hold September Forum on Global Customs Compliance
The American Conference Institute has announced that it will hold a forum on global customs compliance from September 26 - 27, 2006 at the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center in Washington, DC. Among other things, the agenda includes: getting goods in and out of India, how to adapt to port of entry differences and expedite clearance in key Chinese ports, addressing customs issues directly with foreign governments, etc. More information, including registration information, is available at http://www.americanconference.com/globalcustoms.htm.
6. BIS Regulations and Procedures TAC to Hold Open Meeting
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has announced an open meeting of the Regulations and Procedures Technical Advisory Committee on September 12, 2006 in Washington, DC. The committee advises the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Export Administration on implementation of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and provides for continuing review to update the EAR as needed. (BIS notice, FR Pub 08/30/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/06-7259.pdf)