NORTH AMERICA

U.S. Gets Favourable WTO Ruling in Dispute Over Mainland China’s Agricultural TRQs

25 April 2019

A WTO dispute settlement panel recently determined that mainland China has administrated its tariff-rate quotas for wheat, corn and rice inconsistently with its WTO obligations. USTR indicated that this is the second significant victory for U.S. agriculture this year and, “together with the victory against China’s excessive domestic support for grains, will help American farmers complete on a more level playing field.” More

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Mainland China Could Face U.S. Sanctions After 1 May Over Iran Oil Imports

25 April 2019

The United States could impose economic sanctions against five economies – including mainland China – as early as 2 May if they do not halt their imports of crude oil from Iran, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. State Department. More

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Possible Changes to Flammability Standard for Clothing Textiles under Consideration

25 April 2019

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is seeking input by 24 June on possible changes to the standard for the flammability of clothing textiles to expand the list of fabrics that are exempt from testing under the standard. More

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DEA Seeks to Clarify Import Restrictions on Fentanyl Products

25 April 2019

The Drug Enforcement Administration is seeking to clarify current U.S. restrictions on fentanyl products by publishing chemical descriptive information for five additional fentanyl-related substances. More

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Amendments to Energy Test Procedures for Electric Motors under Review

25 April 2019

The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking public comments by 24 June on a proposal to amend its energy test procedures for small electric motors and electric motors by further harmonising its procedures with industry practice and adopting industry provisions to ensure the comparability of test results. More

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Revisions to U.S. Grade Standards for Various Processed Vegetables Adopted

25 April 2019

The Agricultural Marketing Service is revising the U.S. standards for grades of canned lima beans, canned mushrooms, pickles and green olives by (i) replacing the term “midget” with “petite” in the canned lima bean, canned mushroom and pickle standards, and (ii) removing “midget” from the green olive standards. More

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FDA to Begin “Intentional Adulteration” Inspections in March 2020

23 April 2019

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on 17 April that routine inspections to verify compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act’s intentional adulteration rule will begin in March 2020. The FSMA was signed into law on 4 January 2011 and the FDA has been working to develop a final rule on intentional adulteration to address hazards that may be intentionally introduced to foods, including by acts of terrorism, with the intent to cause widespread harm to public health. More

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Canada Adopts Restrictions on Certain Neonicotinoid Pesticides

23 April 2019

Health Canada has determined to cancel certain uses and adopt restrictions on the timing of the application of the neonicotinoid pesticides clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam after re-evaluations of their potential impact on bees and other pollinators showed that these pesticides may be harmful to these animals. More

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Congressional Research Service Issues Report on Mainland China 2025 Programme

23 April 2019

The non-partisan U.S. Congressional Research Service issued on 12 April an updated report on the economic implications for the United States of the Made in China 2025 programme. The report summarises the provisions of this programme and lays out the concerns of U.S. policy analysts and policymakers. More

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Canada Amends Regulations on Phosphorous in Cleaning Products

23 April 2019

The Canadian government has amended the regulations governing the concentration of phosphorous in cleaning products in order to exempt from those requirements cleaning products in transit through Canada and make certain clarifications. More

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