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January, 2, 2013


ILA and USMX Agree to 30 Day Contract Extension

Federal mediators today have announced the ILA and USMX have agreed to a 30 day contract extension. This averts any potential east coast or gulf coast port strike starting this weekend.

Federal mediator notice: http://www.usmxlaborupdates.com/static/uploads/general-images/FMCS_ILA-USMX_Statement_12-28-12x.pdf


USTR Posts Results From The U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade Session

On December 19, 2012, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a press release announcing that as a result of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) session, both countries reached agreements relating the enhancement of bilateral trade and trade missions.

The USTR published a fact sheet from the JCCT, listing results on key issues from the meeting including the following:
- Trade, Agricultural, and Investment: Agreements in regards to Strategic Emerging Industries (SEIs), China's Value-Added Tax (VAT), Agriculture, and Regulatory Data Protection, among others
- Cooperative Activities: Including an Environmental Industries Forum, the U.S.-China Legal Exchange, and discussions on Trademarks, Trade Statistics, and Standards and Information Technology
- Intellectual Property Rights: Confirmation of State-Owned Enterprise Software Legalization and Localization of Intellectual Property Technology

The JCCT was established in 1983, and it is the main forum to promote commercial opportunities and address bilateral trade and investment between the U.S. and China.

The USTR press release is available online at:
http://www.ustr.gov/node/7976

The USTR Fact Sheet Can be accessed at:
http://www.ustr.gov/node/7979

 

New EPA Significant New Use Rules on Certain Chemicals

On a Federal Register notice published on December 20, 2012, the Environmental Protection Office (EPA) issued a direct final rule in regards to Significant New Use Rules (SNUR) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for nine chemical substances.

According to the notice, "this action requires persons who intend to manufacture, import, or process any of these 9 chemical substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use by this rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification will provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs."

The chemical substances subject to this new rule are:
- PMN Number P–09–107: Fatty acids, tall-oil, reaction products with modified fatty acids and polyalkanolamines (generic)
- PMN Numbers P–11–619 and P–11–620: Amino acid, carboxyalkyl, alkylsulfonate, alkali salts (generic)
- PMN Number P–12–64: Mixed metal borate (generic)
- PMN Number P–12–181: Benzamide, N-[(cyclohexylamino)thioxomethyl]-
- PMN Number P–12–276: Aromatic sulfonic acid amino azo dye salts (generic)
- PMN Number P–12–464: Iodonium, diphenyl-, 4,4′-di-C10-13-alkyl derivs., (OC-6-11)-hexafluoroantimonates(1-)
- PMN Number P–12–480: Alkyl maleimide substituted bicyclic olefin (generic)
- PMN Number P–12–501: Slimes and sludges, automotive coating, wastewater treatment, solid waste

The final rule will become effective on February 19, 2013. Comments must be received by January 19, 2013.

The full text of the Federal Register notice is available online at:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-12-20/pdf/2012-30695.pdf

 

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Tons News is compiled from a number of public sources that, to the best of Tons knowledge, are true and correct. It is our intent to present only accurate information. However, in the event any information contained herein is erroneous, Tons accepts no liability or responsibility.