Miscellaneous International Trade Notices

1. Domestic Textile Industry Comments on DHS Interim Rule on New "Buy American" Requirements

2. USDA Rural Utilities Service Announces "Buy American" Exception

The Rural Utilities Service is giving notice of a nationwide exception to the Buy American requirements of Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 under the authority of Section 1605(b)(1) (public interest waiver) for de minimis incidental components of eligible water infrastructure projects using assistance provided under ARRA. This notice is effective September 25, 2009. (FR Pub 09/25/09, available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-23202.pdf)

3. Dutch Firm and Two Officers Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Export Aircraft Components and Other Goods to Iran

The Bureau of Industry and Security reports that a Dutch aviation services company, its director and sales manager have pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to federal charges related to a conspiracy to illegally export aircraft components and other items from the United States to entities in Iran via the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates and Cyprus. (Press release, dated 09/24/09, available at http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2009/doj09242009.html)

4. CBP Proposed Rule on Global Entry Program Approved by OMB

The Office of Management and Budget has approved a Customs and Border Protection proposed rule to establish an international registered traveler program called Global Entry. The Global Entry program would expedite the movement of low-risk, frequent international air travelers by providing an expedited inspection process for pre-approved, pre-screened travelers. These travelers would proceed directly to automated Global Entry kiosks upon their arrival in the U.S. A pilot of Global Entry has been operating since June 6, 2008. (Review completed 09/22/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1651-AA73)

5. APHIS Final Rule on User Fees for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection Services Approved by OMB

OMB has approved an Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service final rule on user fees for agricultural quarantine and inspection services. (Review completed 09/23/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch)

6. DHS Proposed Rule on Mariana Islands Transitional Workers Classification Approved by OMB

OMB has approved a DHS proposed rule that would create the new Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Only Transition Worker classification. A CNMI-only transitional worker is an alien worker who is ineligible for another classification under the Immigration and Nationality Act and who performs services or labor for an employer in the CNMI. The new CNMI-only CW classification will be in effect for the duration of the transition period. This proposed rule will also establish employment authorization incident to this status. (Review completed 09/24/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1615-AB76)

7. DHS Final Rule to Rescind Safe-Harbor Procedures for Employers Who Receive a No-Match Letter Received by OMB

The Office of Management and Budget has received for approval a Department of Homeland Security final rule that would rescind safe-harbor procedures for employers who receive a no-match letter. (Rule, received 09/24/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoReviewSearch)

8. DEA Proposed Rule on Phosphorus Chemicals Received by OMB

OMB has received for approval a Drug Enforcement Administration proposed rule to govern chemical mixtures containing the List I chemicals red phosphorus, white phosphorus, and hypophosphorous acid (and its salts). Currently, all chemical mixtures containing such chemicals mixtures are exempt from regulation. (Rule received 09/22/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1117-AA66)

9. DEA Final Rule on Three Steroids Received by OMB

OMB has received for approval a DEA final rule that would classify the following three steroids as "anabolic steroids" under the Controlled Substances Act: Boldione, desoxymethyltestosterone, and 19-nor-4,9(10)-androstadienedione. The DEA believes that this action is necessary in order to prevent the abuse and trafficking of these steroids. (Rule received 09/23/09, available at http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=200904&RIN=1117-AB17)

10. WCO Announces Opening of Registration for Customs Revenue Management Conference

The World Customs Organization is announcing that registration has opened for its Revenue Management Conference - Challenges and Opportunities, which will be held December 10-11, 2009 in Brussels. The conference will identify lessons learned and best practices in managing, or reforming when necessary, Revenue Organizations that result in fair, effective, and efficient revenue collection. (Notice, posted 09/24/09, available at http://www.wcoomd.org/event_introductionen_.htm)

11. WTO Updates Official Program of Meetings for 2009

The World Trade Organization has updated its official program of meetings for 2009. (Program, dated 09/25/09, available at http://www.wto.org/meets_public/meets_e.pdf)

12. Americas Competitiveness Forum to Take Place in Chile, Sept. 27-29

The next Americas Competitiveness Forum for government officials, business leaders and scholars from the 34 Western Hemisphere countries will take place in Santiago, Chile, September 27-29, 2009. Forum delegates will discuss ways to encourage innovation, create jobs and expand trade among countries in the hemisphere. (Notice, dated 09/23/09, available at http://www.america.gov/st/business-english/2009/September/20090923124249epsnezzoc0.1330639.html?CP.rss=true)

13. CBSA Initiates Reinvestigation of Certain Steel Fasteners from China, Chinese Taipei

Canada Border Services Agency has initiated a re-investigation of the normal values and export prices of certain carbon steel fasteners from China of certain carbon steel and stainless steel fasteners from Chinese Taipei. CBSA has initiated this re-investigation because of the numerous representations from concerned parties that market conditions have substantially changed since the conclusion of the last re-investigation. (Notice, dated 09/24/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/sima-lmsi/ri-re/ad1308/ad1308-ri09-ni-eng.html)

14. CBSA Posts Interim Memo on Importation of Non-Beverage Ethyl Alcohol

Canada Border Services Agency has posted Interim Memorandum D10-14-19 on administrative procedures for the importation of non-beverage ethyl alcohol. (Memorandum D10-14-19, dated 09/21/09, available at http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d10/d10-14-19int-eng.html)

15. CPSC Lists Voluntary Recall

(CPSC recall available at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelsep09.html)