Vol. 0624-2005

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE NEWSLETTER

NEWS:

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) modified the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) as set forth in the Annex to the notice. The modifications correct errors in the tariff rates that are applied to a small number of products that are originating goods of Chile under the United States--Chile Free Trade Agreement. The modifications will ensure that the intended tariff treatment is accorded to the products at issue. Effective Date: June 20, 2005.

The Department of Justice on Friday approved BAE Systems $4.2bn takeover of American armored vehicle maker United Defense, clearing the final hurdle in the largest foreign takeover of a US weapons company to date.  The approval was widely expected, particularly after the deal received clearance from US national security regulators in April, but finalization of the acquisition marks a watershed in the US Defense industry. With the acquisition of United Defense, Britain’s BAE also becomes the second-largest maker of land-based weapons system in the world, behind only Virginia-based General Dynamics, maker of the US army’s Abrams tank and Stryker fighting vehicle.

U.S. – India Businesses Discuss Opportunities To Facilitate Trade In Biotechnology

As a coordinated activity of the U.S.-India High Technology Cooperation Group (HTCG), over 150 senior representatives from U.S. and Indian businesses, along with officials from the United States and Indian governments, met on June 15 to discuss strengthening biotechnology business and trade opportunities. The workshop, “Facilitating Biotechnology Cooperation in Trade and Investment,” was hosted at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce by the U.S.-India Business Council and sponsored by other industry groups.

Participants in the biotechnology workshop discussed opportunities for U.S.-India trade and investment in the biotechnology sector, especially in agricultural, pharmaceutical, and life science areas. Of special interest to U.S. businesses was the discussion of India’s recently passed patent legislation and a summary of its impact and future implementation. Perspectives to promote biotechnology on the state level were also heard from representatives of U.S. and Indian states, including Maryland, Virginia, Uttaranchal, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Technology Policy Benjamin Wu noted that this private sector U.S.-India HTCG event, and other similar events, leading up to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Washington visit with President Bush next month, will help develop the next stage in the expanding and deepening U.S.-India relationship and will build upon the recent high-level exchanges and initiatives between our two governments.

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) extended the comment period for Notice No. 41, Labeling and Advertising of Wines, Distilled Spirits, and Malt Beverages, that was published in the Federal Register as a proposed rulemaking on April 29, 2005, for an additional 90 days. Written comments must be received on or before September 26, 2005.

Special Customer Update:

A new and improved content website of OCR Services will be rolled out in the next few weeks. A new web layout will provide customer access to more information on OCR’s product and services, improve client access to customer support services and provide abilities for customers to request training and other services online. Clients will get access to an expanded compliance library which provides information on regulatory updates with legal articles on their impact on the industry. Look for more details in the coming weeks…

DENIED PERSON UPDATE:

The following entities were added to the Denied Persons List .The full list of changes can be accessed at the OCR web site

• AHMAD, MUHAMMAD YUNIS, Al-Hasaka, SYRIA, AKA/DBA: a.k.a. AHMED, MUHAMMAD YUNIS; a.k.a. AL-AHMED, MUHAMMAD YUNIS; a.k.a. AL-BADRANI, MUHAMMAD YUNIS AHMAD; a.k.a. AL-MOALI, MOHAMMED YUNIS AHMED
  Privileges affected: DOB 1949; POB Al-Mowall, Mosul, Iraq; nationality Iraq

•  AHMAD, MUHAMMAD YUNIS, Dubai, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, AKA/DBA: a.k.a. AHMED, MUHAMMAD YUNIS; a.k.a. AL-AHMED, MUHAMMAD YUNIS; a.k.a. AL-BADRANI, MUHAMMAD YUNIS AHMAD; a.k.a. AL-MOALI, MOHAMMED YUNIS AHMED
  Privileges affected: DOB 1949; POB Al-Mowall, Mosul, Iraq; nationality Iraq

• AHMAD, MUHAMMAD YUNIS, Mosul, IRAQ, AKA/DBA: a.k.a. AHMED, MUHAMMAD YUNIS; a.k.a. AL-AHMED, MUHAMMAD YUNIS; a.k.a. AL-BADRANI, MUHAMMAD YUNIS AHMAD; a.k.a. AL-MOALI, MOHAMMED YUNIS AHMED
  Privileges affected: DOB 1949; POB Al-Mowall, Mosul, Iraq; nationality Iraq

CONFERENCES:

BIS Seminars

Title: Essentials of Export Controls
Date: July 7, 2005
Location: Washington, DC

Title: Exploring the EAR (½ day)
Date: July 8, 2005
Location: Washington, DC

Title: How to Classify Your Item (½ day)
Date: July 8, 2005
Location: Washington, DC

Title: Intro to Export Management Systems
Date: August 5, 2005
Location: Washington, DC

AAEI Seminar

Title: Ensuring Compliance with Export Controls on International Technology Transfers
Date: June 27 - 28, 2005
Location: Washington, DC, United States

SIA Seminar

Title: Summer Back-To-Basics Conference
Date: July 18-19, 2005
Location: Arlington, VA

Title: Fall Advanced Conference
Date: November 7-8, 2005
Location: Washington, DC

SUPPORT:

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Disclaimer:

This newsletter is not intended to provide legal guidance. Adherence to this decision does not relieve the exporter of the statutory responsibilities of complying with the applicable statutes, regulations, policies and procedures of the U.S. Government

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