Commerce Secretary Locke gave a speech in Hong Kong which laid out the Administration's views on China's trade relationship with the U.S. and the potential for an economic partnership in tackling the energy challenge of climate change. (Speech, dated 05/17/10, available at http://www.commerce.gov/news/secretary-speeches/2010/05/17/remarks-american-chamber-commerce-and-trade-development-council-h)
On May 17, 2010, APHIS updated its Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Import PPQ Manual. The manual lists by country fruits and vegetables that are admissible into the United States. It includes a description of methods for sampling and inspecting selected fruits and vegetables. It also contains pictorial identification guides, and a glossary for common and scientific names of fruits and vegetables. (Manual, updated 05/17/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)
On May 13, 2010, APHIS updated its Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) Nursery Stock Restrictions Manual. This Manual summarizes the entry status of regulated plant materials capable of and intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 05/13/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/nursery_stock.pdf)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message on the recently posted Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service notice requiring plant material quantities to be reported on the Lacey Act declaration using standardized metric units (such as kg, m, m2, and m3) effective May 1, 2010.
The International Trade Administration has made a preliminary affirmative determination of critical circumstances in the antidumping duty investigation of certain magnesia carbon bricks from China (A-570-954).
FSIS has issued the following notice:
The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau has issued a circular stating that beginning May 3, 2010, a declaration from the Government of France will be required for all bottled or bulk wine covered by a Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) naming pinot noir as the single grape varietal and the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France as the appellation of origin. An FAQ on this new requirement is available here. (Circular 2010-5, dated 05/03/10, available at http://www.ttb.treas.gov/industry_circulars/archives/2010/10-05.html)
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has published notice of the following voluntary recall:
FSIS has provided updated information for the export of U.S. meat and poultry to the following countries:
The International Trade Administration has issued the final results of its antidumping duty changed circumstances review of pressure sensitive plastic tape from Italy (A-475-059).