Customs Corner
Trade and Customs Updates
CITES Trade suspension with Mexico withdrawn
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) announced that they are dropping the trade sanctions on Mexican CITES products. The CITES decision came after Mexico reached an agreement on steps that Mexico will take to stop illegal
gillnet fishing for totoaba. The nets used to catch totoaba can ensnare and drown the vaquitas.
As a result, the CITES trade suspension with Mexico is withdrawn. The United States will resume normal trade operations with Mexico related to CITES species, effective immediately as of 13 Apr 2023.
The Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has informed all member parties that a revised and updated compliance action plan was received from Mexico on 7 April 2023. After carefully considering the requirements set by the Standing Committee in the Recommendations on Totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi), the Secretariat found that the plan submitted includes all the essential elements required and assessed the plan to be adequate.
The Endangered Species Act prohibits trade in specimens, contrary to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora (CITES). Article I of the Convention defines trade to mean “export, import, and introduction from the sea”. Article XIII designates the Secretariat to communicate to the parties when species in Appendix I and II are being adversely affected in trade or that the provisions of the Convention are not being implemented effectively.
TTB grants approval for Catarratto Grape Variety
TTB recently granted administrative approval for the use of the grape variety name Catarratto as a type designation on American wine labels.
Wine bottlers may use this name, as well as other names granted administrative approval,
to label American wines pending the results of a rulemaking to revise the list of grape variety names approved for use in designating American wines at 27 CFR 4.91.
For a list of all approved grape names for wine labels, click here.
APHIS is proposing update to Cut Flowers regulations
In a Federal Register notice published on Saturday, 15 Apr 2023, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) division of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is proposing to amend the regulations that remove requirements for the importation of certain cut flowers. These cut flowers will be
listed in a USDA database called Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements (AICR). APHIS is proposing to update these and future requirements through a notice-based process rather than through rulemaking.
Additionally, APHIS is removing any restrictions on the importation of cut flowers from the genus Chrysanthemum, Leucanthemella, and Nipponanthemum from countries in which chrysanthemum white rust (Puccinia horiana P. Henn., CWR) is known to exist.
Comments are being received by APHIS through 16 Jun 2023.
Upcoming Events & Deadlines
DA Virtual Public Meeting Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics Manufacturers
June 1, 2023
The FDA will holding a virtual public meeting titled Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics Manufacturers on 01 Jun 2023 from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. The purpose of the listening session is to consult cosmetics manufacturers, including smaller businesses and contract manufacturers, consumer organizations, and other experts to inform Agency efforts to develop regulations to establish good manufacturing practices for facilities that manufacture, or process, cosmetic products distributed in the United States.
5th Annual Geodis Trade Symposium
June 8, 2023
Join leading experts from GEODIS, attorneys, and government officials on June 8, 2023, at the Union League at Liberty Hill. Network with peers, gain valuable industry insights and discover the latest solutions in the field during interactive panels and breakout sessions. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and stay up to date on the current hot customs and trade topics.
