The State Department has issued a press release announcing that on April 30, 2010, it certified 38 nations and Hong Kong as meeting the requirements set by Section 609 of Public Law 101-162 for continued importation of shrimp and products of shrimp (shrimp) into the U.S.
Effective May 1, 2010, the Transportation Security Administration increased the percentages of cargo that must be screened prior to being loaded on U.S. and foreign flag passenger aircraft inbound into the U.S.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a CSMS message stating that the Food and Drug Administration has added nine new product codes for Industry 98 - Tobacco Products.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has posted a clarification to its Website stating that beginning May 1, 2010, APHIS is requiring that plant material quantities be reported on the Lacey Act declaration using standardized metric units (such as kg, m, m2, m3).
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a notice announcing that it will hold a public meeting to receive oral comments concerning its proposed rule on non-vessel-operating common carrier (NVOCC) Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) on May 24, 2010 in Washington, DC.
The Federal Maritime Commission states that it is monitoring the spill's potential effects on shipping lines, rates, schedules, ports, and terminals. Expedited review for agreements is available to facilitate adjustments that may be required as a result of the spill or response activities. (Notice, posted 05/07/10, available at http://www.fmc.gov/home/DeepwaterHorizonOilSpillResources.asp)
The Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued updated versions of its lists of Brazil (May 6, 2010) and Mexico (May 5, 2010) establishments eligible to export meat and poultry to the U.S.
On May 6, 2010, APHIS updated its Seeds Not for Planting Manual. The manual is used for regulating importations of unprocessed seeds that are imported for consumption and are not intended for planting. (Manual, updated 05/06/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/seeds_not_for_planting.pdf)
On May 5, 2010, APHIS updated its Miscellaneous and Processed Products PPQ Manual. The manual is used for regulating imported items that are processed and are not intended for propagation. (Manual, updated 05/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/miscellaneous.pdf)
On May 5, 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 05/05/10, available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/fv.pdf)