The California Department of Toxic Substances Control is proposing to list nail products containing toluene as a priority product under its Safer Consumer Products programme. If this proposal is adopted, manufacturers would be required to look for alternatives to this chemical if they want to continue serving the California market. More
On 15 February, the Secretariat of the World Trade Organisation circulated a U.S. proposal aimed at limiting the rights of WTO members to self-designate as a developing country eligible for special and differential treatment. More
The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking input by 15 April on a proposal to update and modernise its current rulemaking methodology for the consideration of new or revised energy conservation standards for consumer products. More
Following are summaries of current AD/CV actions targeting mainland Chinese manufacturers taken by the DOC. Products: 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-diphosphonic acid, lorry and bus tyres, rubber bands and various products. More
Topics: Updated Schedule for Investigation on Economic Impact of MTB Tariff Suspensions and Reductions; New Section 337 Investigation on Pickup Truck Bed Cover Systems; Deadline to Complete Section 337 Probe on Industrial Automation Systems Extended. More
The CPSC has announced a recall of the following products made in mainland China. Products: Toddlers' Boots; LED Lights; Power Supply Units; Mattress-Sofas. More
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.J.Res. 31) was signed into law on 15 February to keep the U.S. federal government fully funded and open through 30 September. The legislation contains a number of trade-related provisions, including some of particular interest to Hong Kong and mainland Chinese exporters. More
The results of the DOC’s Section 232 investigation into the effect of automobile and auto parts imports on U.S. national security were submitted to President Trump on 17 February. However, neither those result nor the DOC’s recommendations have yet been made public. The president now has up to 90 days to decide whether to take action in this case. More
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is seeking public input by 18 March on a proposal to amend the rules of practice in trademark cases to require that any trademark applicant, registrant or party to a proceeding be represented by a qualified U.S. attorney. More
The United States and mainland China saw “progress” in recent trade talks in Beijing but “much work remains,” according to a 15 February White House statement. Talks will continue in Washington during the week of 18 February as the two sides seek to avoid a scheduled 2 March increase in U.S. tariffs on US$200 billion worth of imports from the mainland from 10 percent to 25 percent. More
