Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. $10 Million CBP Settlement for Speakers Wrongly Claimed Under NAFTA

2. WSC Criticizes GE's Move Create Global Standard for Security Devices

American Shipper reports that the World Shipping Council (WSC) has criticized GE's Security Division for trying to unilaterally develop global standards for container security devices it has developed, rather than go through the industry-accepted International Standards Organization (ISO). In August 2006, GE announced the creation of the International Container Standards Organization (ICSO). (American Shipper Pub September 2006, www.americanshipper.com)

3. Canada Announces Background Checks for Port Workers

The Journal of Commerce Online reports that on November 16, 2006, Canada announced it will conduct criminal background checks on the nation's port workers, just days after deploying a biometric identity card for airport workers. (JoC Online, dated 11/17/06, www.joc.com.)

4. U.S. and Indonesia Sign Agreement to Combat Illegal Logging and Associated Trade

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a press release announcing that on November 16, 2006, the U.S. and Indonesia signed a bilateral agreement to enhance joint efforts to combat illegal logging and associated trade. (USTR press release, dated 11/16/06, available at http://www.ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2006/November/USTR_Schwab_Indonesian_Trade_Forest_Ministers_Sign_Agreement_on_Illegal_Logging_as_Part_of_Effort_to_Deepen_Trade_In.html.)

5. APHIS to Host Electronic Discussion of Potential Invasive Plant Species

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a notice announcing that it will be hosting an electronic public discussion on methods that can be used to evaluate the potential of imported plants to become invasive species if they are introduced into the U.S. APHIS states that the discussion will be held from November 27, 2006 to January 26, 2007. (D/N APHIS-2006-0078, FR Pub 11/13/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-18768.pdf)

6. CPSC Proposes to Amend Flammability Standards for Carpets and Rugs

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a proposed rule to amend the flammability standards for carpets and rugs in 16 CFR Parts 1630 and 1631 to remove the reference to Eli Lilly Company Product No. 1588 in Catalog No. 79, December 1, 1969, as the standard ignition source and provide a technical specification defining the ignition source. CPSC states that the proposed specification for the standard ignition source would be a timed burning tablet. Written comments must be received not later than January 29, 2007. (FR Pub 11/13/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-19095.pdf)

7. DHS' Data Privacy & Integrity Advisory Committee Open Meeting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a notice announcing that its Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee will hold an open meeting, with the exception of a one-hour administrative session, on December 6, 2006 in Miami Beach, Florida. The notice provides the agenda for the upcoming meeting and states that comments may be submitted at any time. (D/N DHS-2006-0070, FR Pub 11/14/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-19173.pdf)

8. FDA Posts Various Notices to its Web Site

The FDA has posted the following notices to its Web site:

Documents on voluntary national retail food regulatory standards. FDA has posted two documents to its Web site regarding voluntary national retail food regulatory standards. The first document is a January 2005 draft report entitled "Draft Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards" (its availability was also announced in the Federal Register). The second document is an updated listing of jurisdictions enrolled in the draft voluntary national retail food regulatory program standards. (Draft report, posted 11/13/06, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/dms/ret3toc.html; FR Pub 11/14/06, available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/pdf/E6-19195.pdf; FDA list, updated 10/06, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/dms/ret-jur.html

FDA to broadcast a program on reducing risk factors in retail food stores and food service facilities. FDA has posted to its Web site a document announcing that its November 30, 2006 program on reducing risk factors in retail food stores and food service facilities will be broadcast via satellite. (FDA document, dated 10/06, available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/dms/retrsk4.html)

New tools to help consumers use the nutrition facts label posted. FDA has posted to its Web site a press release announcing the availability of two new learning tools to help consumers use the nutrition facts label to choose nutritious foods and achieve healthy weight management. The tools are Make Your Calories Count, a Web-based learning program, and a new Nutrition Facts Label brochure. (FDA press release, P06-185, dated 11/14/06, available at http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01508.html; Web program and brochure available at http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/ear/hwm/labelman.html and http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/acrobat/nutfacts.pdf)

9. Recent CPSC Press Releases on Recalls

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued separate press releases (dated 10/03/06 - 10/31/06) announcing that the following companies, in cooperation with the CPSC, are voluntarily recalling the products listed below. Due to the large number of recalls, this is Part I of a three-part series of summaries. (Press releases available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prereloct06.html)