U.S. Department of Commerce
International Trade Administration
Bureau of Market Access & Compliance

The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Market Access & Compliance, International Trade Administration, publishes a monthly newsletter featuring recent developments in the standards field all over the world.  Stay on top of these important issues for manufacturers and exporters! 

May 2008 Standards Newsletter

Import Safety Progress Report Set for Release

HHS Secretary Leavitt is set to release an update to the Action Plan for Import Safety, acknowledging government and private sector achievements in building up food and product safety since the Action Plan was completed last November.  The report is expected to spotlight enhanced communication and collaboration with U.S. trading and regulatory partners as well as the many voluntary efforts launched by the private sector.  Check www.importsafety.gov for details.

U.S. Supports Food Safety Work in APEC

The United States is cosponsoring two food safety projects in APEC this summer.  The first is a June workshop on food safety risk communication practices in national and global food systems, to be held in Manila, Phillipines.  China, Australia, Peru and the United States are supporting a seminar on national food safety systems in Cusco, Peru August 6-7.  The Grocery Manufacturers Association is presenting guidance on securing the food supply chain during the Peru seminar. 

Transatlantic Economic Council Addresses Standards Matters at May Meeting

The United States and European Commission acknowledged progress on several standard-related matters during the second meeting of the Transatlantic Economic Council in Brussels May 13.  The Commission noted that it will work to ensure that trade in cosmetics and personal care products is not disrupted by REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances) implementation.  The EU-US High Level Regulatory Cooperation Forum presented a report on strengthening cooperation on the safety of imported products, including more effective information sharing, and a report on the analysis of international trade and investment impacts in U.S. and EU regulatory impact assessment guidelines.  Also, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration will publish a new request for information (RFI) concerning suppliers’ declaration of conformity as a basis for certifying that certain electrical, and electronic equipment is safe for use in US workplaces. 

Vietnam Standards Delegation Visits Commerce

Various ITA offices briefed a delegation of officials from the Vietnamese standards body (STAMEQ), who visited Commerce on May 22, 2008.  In addition to a general overview of standards and the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement, the delegation was interested in auto, electrical products, food, and oil and petroleum.  ITA staff also participated in a delegation meeting with USDA on food labeling May 12.

Consumer Group Considers Carbon Footprint, Privacy and Energy Services Standards

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) consumer policy group, COPOLCO, meets in Seoul, Korea May 28-29.  ITA monitors COPOLCO since issues such as the draft ISO social responsibility standard have their origin in COPOLCO.  At this meeting, the committee will be considering work on privacy standards, and standards for energy services for users.  There will also be a workshop on sustainable energy standards with a session on measuring the carbon footprint of goods.

ANSI Signs MOUs with China and Egypt

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding April 18 with the intent of strengthening U.S.-Sino cooperation on conformity assessment.  ANSI will also sign an MOU with the Egyptian Standards Organization in June.

Upcoming Standards Events

U.S.-India Standards DVC, June 3…Codex Alimentarius Commission meeting, June 30-July 4… Import Safety Summit, July 9 (see gmaonline.org for details.)

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For Further Information

If you need additional information on standards-related issues and news, please contact MAC’s Renee Hancher by e-mail or by phone at (202) 482-3493.