WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States-Certain Measures Concerning Pangasius Seafood Products From Vietnam, 18388-18389 [2018-08814]

Download as PDF amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES 18388 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 81 / Thursday, April 26, 2018 / Notices products or services. These collections will allow for ongoing, collaborative, and actionable communications between the Board and its customers and stakeholders. They will also allow feedback to contribute directly to the improvement of program management. The solicitation of feedback will target areas such as: Timeliness, appropriateness, accuracy of information, courtesy, efficiency of service delivery, and resolution of issues with service delivery. Responses will be assessed to plan and inform efforts to improve or maintain the quality of service offered to the public. If this information is not collected, vital feedback from customers and stakeholders on the Board’s services will be unavailable. The Board will only process a collection under this generic clearance if it meets the following conditions: • The collections are voluntary; • the collections are low-burden for respondents (based on considerations of total burden hours, total number of respondents, or burden-hours per respondent) and are low-cost for both the respondents and the Federal Government; • the collections are noncontroversial and do not raise issues of concern to other Federal agencies; • any collection is targeted to the solicitation of opinions from respondents who have experience with the program or may have experience with the program in the near future; • personally identifiable information is collected only to the extent necessary and is not retained; • information gathered will be used only internally for general service improvement and program management purposes and not for release outside of the agency; • information gathered will not be used for the purpose of substantially informing influential policy decisions; and • information gathered will yield qualitative information, and the collections will not be designed or expected to yield statistically reliable results or used as though the results are generalizable to the population of study. Feedback collected under this generic clearance provides useful information, but will not yield data that can be generalized to the overall population. Such data uses would require more rigorous designs than the collections covered by this notice. As a general matter, information collections will not result in any new system of records containing privacy information and will not ask questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Apr 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. Under the PRA, a federal agency conducting or sponsoring a collection of information must display a currently valid OMB control number. Comments submitted in response to this notice may be made available to the public by the Board. For this reason, please do not include in your comments information of a confidential nature, such as sensitive personal information or proprietary information. If you send an electronic comment (e-file or email), your email address is automatically captured and may be accessed if your comments are made public. Please note that responses to this public comment request containing any routine notice about the confidentiality of the communication will be treated as public comments that may be made available to the public notwithstanding the inclusion of the routine notice. Dated: April 23, 2018. Jeffrey Herzig, Clearance Clerk. USTR strongly prefers electronic submissions made through the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments in section III below. The docket number is USTR–2018–0009. For alternatives to on-line submissions, please contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395–9483. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mayur Patel, Associate General Counsel, at (202) 395–3150. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: I. Background USTR is providing notice that consultations have been requested pursuant to the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU). If these consultations do not resolve the matter, Vietnam could request that the WTO establish a dispute settlement panel pursuant to the DSU, which would hold its meetings in Geneva Switzerland, and issue a report on its findings. II. Major Issues Raised by Vietnam On February 22, 2018, Vietnam [FR Doc. 2018–08756 Filed 4–25–18; 8:45 am] requested consultations concerning measures it asserts affect the import, BILLING CODE 4915–01–P distribution, and sale of Vietnamese Pangasius fish products. Vietnam’s request for consultation states that the OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES Pangasius fish that is the subject of its TRADE REPRESENTATIVE request is sold as ‘‘basa,’’ ‘‘tra,’’ or ‘‘swai.’’ Specifically, Vietnam’s [Docket Number USTR–2018–0009; Dispute Number WTO/DS540] consultations request describes the measures at issue in the following WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding terms: Regarding United States—Certain • Section 10016(b) of the Food, Measures Concerning Pangasius Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, Seafood Products From Vietnam Public Law 110–246 (the ‘‘2008 Farm Bill’’), amending the Federal Meat AGENCY: Office of the United States Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq. Trade Representative. • Section 12106 of the Agriculture ACTION: Notice with request for Act of 2014, Public Law 113–79 (the comments. ‘‘2014 Farm Bill’’), amending section 1(w) of the FMIA. SUMMARY: On February 22, 2018, • 9 CFR Subchapter F, parts 530–551, Vietnam requested consultations with ‘‘Mandatory Inspection of the Order the United States under the Marrakesh Siluriformes and Products Derived from Agreement Establishing the World Trade Such Fish’’ (80 FR 75589) (December 2, Organization (WTO Agreement) 2015) (the ‘‘Final Rule’’). concerning measures that purportedly • The administrative applications of affect the import of Pangasius seafood section 10016(b) of the 2008 Farm Bill products into the United States. That and section 12106 of the 2014 Farm Bill request is available at www.wto.org in a as implemented by the Final Rule. document designated as WT/DS540/1. • 9 CFR part 541, ‘‘Marks, Marketing The Office of the United States Trade and Labeling of Products and Representative (USTR) invites written Containers’’ (respecting fish and fish comments from the public concerning products), incorporating requirements the issues raised in this dispute. in 9 CFR part 317, ‘‘Labeling, Marking DATES: Although USTR will accept any Devices, and Containers.’’ • The administrative applications of 9 comments received during the course of the dispute settlement proceedings, you CFR part 541, including but not limited to those requirements incorporated from should submit your comment on or 9 CFR part 317 (see WT/DS540/1, pp. 2– before May 20, 2018, to be assured of 3). timely consideration by USTR. PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\26APN1.SGM 26APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 81 / Thursday, April 26, 2018 / Notices amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES Vietnam’s consultations request states that these measures appear to be inconsistent with the United States obligations under the GATT 1994 and the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement). Specifically, Vietnam invokes the obligations in Articles 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 5.1, 5.3, 5.6, 8, and Annex C(1)(a) of the SPS Agreement and Article I:1 of the GATT 1994. III. Public Comments: Requirements for Submissions USTR invites written comments concerning the issues raised in this dispute. All submissions must be in English and sent electronically via www.regulations.gov. For alternatives to electronic submissions, contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395–9483. To submit comments via www.regulations.gov, enter docket number USTR–2018–0009 on the home page and click ‘‘search.’’ The site will provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to this notice by selecting ‘‘Notice’’ under ‘‘Document Type’’ on the left side of the searchresults page, and click on the link entitled ‘‘Comment Now!’’ For further information on using the www.regulations.gov website, please consult the resources provided on the website by clicking on ‘‘How to Use Regulations.gov’’ on the bottom of the home page. The www.regulations.gov website allows users to provide comments by filling in a ‘‘Type Comment’’ field, or by attaching a document using an ‘‘Upload File’’ field. USTR prefers that comments be provided in an attached document. If a document is attached, it is sufficient to type ‘‘See attached’’ in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. USTR prefers submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If the submission is in an application other than those two, please indicate the name of the application in the ‘‘Type Comment’’ field. For any comments submitted electronically containing business confidential information, the file name of the business confidential version should begin with the characters ‘‘BC’’. Any page containing business confidential information must be clearly marked ‘‘BUSINESS CONFIDENTIAL’’ on the top of that page and the submission should clearly indicate, via brackets, highlighting, or other means, the specific information that is business confidential. If you request business confidential treatment, you must certify in writing that disclosure of the information would endanger trade VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Apr 25, 2018 Jkt 244001 secrets or profitability, and that the information would not customarily be released to the public. Filers of submissions containing business confidential information also must submit a public version of their comments. The file name of the public version should begin with the character ‘‘P’’. The ‘‘BC’’ and ‘‘P’’ should be followed by the name of the person or entity submitting the comments or rebuttal comments. If these procedures are not sufficient to protect business confidential information or otherwise protect business interests, please contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395–9483 to discuss whether alternative arrangements are possible. USTR may determine that information or advice contained in a comment, other than business confidential information, is confidential in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2155(g)(2)). If a submitter believes that information or advice is confidential, s/he must clearly designate the information or advice as confidential and mark it as ‘‘SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE’’ at the top and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page, and provide a non-confidential summary of the information or advice. Pursuant to section 127(e) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR will maintain a docket on this dispute settlement proceeding, docket number USTR– 2018–0009, accessible to the public at www.regulations.gov. The public file will include non-confidential public comments USTR receives regarding the dispute. If a dispute settlement panel is convened, or in the event of an appeal from a panel, USTR will make the following documents publicly available at www.ustr.gov: the U.S. submissions and any non-confidential summaries of submissions received from other participants in the dispute. If a dispute settlement panel is convened, or in the event of an appeal from a panel, the report of the panel, and, if applicable, the report of the Appellate Body, will also be available on the website of the World Trade Organization, at www.wto.org. Juan Millan, Assistant United States Trade Representative for Monitoring and Enforcement, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. [FR Doc. 2018–08814 Filed 4–25–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3290–F8–P PO 00000 Frm 00128 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 18389 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration [Docket No. FAA–2017–0975] Agency Information Collection Activities: Submissions for OMB Approval Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: 30-day notice and request for comments. AGENCY: The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a renewal of the existing Information Collection 2120–0768. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the purpose of this notice is to allow 30 days for public comment. The Information Collection was previously published in the Federal Register on February 12, 2018 and allowed 60 days for the public comment. The FAA proposes collecting information related to requests to operate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in controlled airspace. The FAA will use the collected information to make determinations whether to authorize or deny the requested operation of UAS in controlled airspace. The proposed information collection is necessary to issue such authorizations or denials consistent with the FAA’s mandate to ensure safe and efficient use of national airspace. In addition, the FAA proposes collecting information related to requests for waiver from the waivable provisions of the applicable regulations. The proposed information collection is necessary to determine whether the proposed operation is eligible for waiver consistent with the FAA’s mandate to ensure safe and efficient use of national airspace. Several comments received were either positive or pertained to matters not directly addressed in this Information Collection. DATES: Written comments should be submitted by May 29, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments [identified by Docket No. FAA–2017– 0975] through one of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26APN1.SGM 26APN1

Agencies

Office of the United States Trade Representative

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 81 (Thursday, April 26, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 18388-18389]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-08814]


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OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE

[Docket Number USTR-2018-0009; Dispute Number WTO/DS540]


WTO Dispute Settlement Proceeding Regarding United States--
Certain Measures Concerning Pangasius Seafood Products From Vietnam

AGENCY: Office of the United States Trade Representative.

ACTION: Notice with request for comments.

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SUMMARY: On February 22, 2018, Vietnam requested consultations with the 
United States under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World 
Trade Organization (WTO Agreement) concerning measures that purportedly 
affect the import of Pangasius seafood products into the United States. 
That request is available at www.wto.org in a document designated as 
WT/DS540/1. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) 
invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised 
in this dispute.

DATES: Although USTR will accept any comments received during the 
course of the dispute settlement proceedings, you should submit your 
comment on or before May 20, 2018, to be assured of timely 
consideration by USTR.

ADDRESSES: USTR strongly prefers electronic submissions made through 
the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments in section III below. The docket 
number is USTR-2018-0009. For alternatives to on-line submissions, 
please contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-9483.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mayur Patel, Associate General 
Counsel, at (202) 395-3150.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    USTR is providing notice that consultations have been requested 
pursuant to the WTO Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the 
Settlement of Disputes (DSU). If these consultations do not resolve the 
matter, Vietnam could request that the WTO establish a dispute 
settlement panel pursuant to the DSU, which would hold its meetings in 
Geneva Switzerland, and issue a report on its findings.

II. Major Issues Raised by Vietnam

    On February 22, 2018, Vietnam requested consultations concerning 
measures it asserts affect the import, distribution, and sale of 
Vietnamese Pangasius fish products. Vietnam's request for consultation 
states that the Pangasius fish that is the subject of its request is 
sold as ``basa,'' ``tra,'' or ``swai.'' Specifically, Vietnam's 
consultations request describes the measures at issue in the following 
terms:
     Section 10016(b) of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act 
of 2008, Public Law 110-246 (the ``2008 Farm Bill''), amending the 
Federal Meat Inspection Act, 21 U.S.C. 601 et seq.
     Section 12106 of the Agriculture Act of 2014, Public Law 
113-79 (the ``2014 Farm Bill''), amending section 1(w) of the FMIA.
     9 CFR Subchapter F, parts 530-551, ``Mandatory Inspection 
of the Order Siluriformes and Products Derived from Such Fish'' (80 FR 
75589) (December 2, 2015) (the ``Final Rule'').
     The administrative applications of section 10016(b) of the 
2008 Farm Bill and section 12106 of the 2014 Farm Bill as implemented 
by the Final Rule.
     9 CFR part 541, ``Marks, Marketing and Labeling of 
Products and Containers'' (respecting fish and fish products), 
incorporating requirements in 9 CFR part 317, ``Labeling, Marking 
Devices, and Containers.''
     The administrative applications of 9 CFR part 541, 
including but not limited to those requirements incorporated from 9 CFR 
part 317 (see WT/DS540/1, pp. 2-3).


[[Page 18389]]


Vietnam's consultations request states that these measures appear to be 
inconsistent with the United States obligations under the GATT 1994 and 
the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary 
Measures (SPS Agreement). Specifically, Vietnam invokes the obligations 
in Articles 2.2, 2.3, 4.1, 5.1, 5.3, 5.6, 8, and Annex C(1)(a) of the 
SPS Agreement and Article I:1 of the GATT 1994.

III. Public Comments: Requirements for Submissions

    USTR invites written comments concerning the issues raised in this 
dispute. All submissions must be in English and sent electronically via 
www.regulations.gov. For alternatives to electronic submissions, 
contact Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-9483.
    To submit comments via www.regulations.gov, enter docket number 
USTR-2018-0009 on the home page and click ``search.'' The site will 
provide a search-results page listing all documents associated with 
this docket. Find a reference to this notice by selecting ``Notice'' 
under ``Document Type'' on the left side of the search-results page, 
and click on the link entitled ``Comment Now!'' For further information 
on using the www.regulations.gov website, please consult the resources 
provided on the website by clicking on ``How to Use Regulations.gov'' 
on the bottom of the home page.
    The www.regulations.gov website allows users to provide comments by 
filling in a ``Type Comment'' field, or by attaching a document using 
an ``Upload File'' field. USTR prefers that comments be provided in an 
attached document. If a document is attached, it is sufficient to type 
``See attached'' in the ``Type Comment'' field. USTR prefers 
submissions in Microsoft Word (.doc) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf). If the 
submission is in an application other than those two, please indicate 
the name of the application in the ``Type Comment'' field.
    For any comments submitted electronically containing business 
confidential information, the file name of the business confidential 
version should begin with the characters ``BC''. Any page containing 
business confidential information must be clearly marked ``BUSINESS 
CONFIDENTIAL'' on the top of that page and the submission should 
clearly indicate, via brackets, highlighting, or other means, the 
specific information that is business confidential. If you request 
business confidential treatment, you must certify in writing that 
disclosure of the information would endanger trade secrets or 
profitability, and that the information would not customarily be 
released to the public. Filers of submissions containing business 
confidential information also must submit a public version of their 
comments. The file name of the public version should begin with the 
character ``P''. The ``BC'' and ``P'' should be followed by the name of 
the person or entity submitting the comments or rebuttal comments. If 
these procedures are not sufficient to protect business confidential 
information or otherwise protect business interests, please contact 
Sandy McKinzy at (202) 395-9483 to discuss whether alternative 
arrangements are possible.
    USTR may determine that information or advice contained in a 
comment, other than business confidential information, is confidential 
in accordance with section 135(g)(2) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 
U.S.C. 2155(g)(2)). If a submitter believes that information or advice 
is confidential, s/he must clearly designate the information or advice 
as confidential and mark it as ``SUBMITTED IN CONFIDENCE'' at the top 
and bottom of the cover page and each succeeding page, and provide a 
non-confidential summary of the information or advice.
    Pursuant to section 127(e) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (19 
U.S.C. 3537(e)), USTR will maintain a docket on this dispute settlement 
proceeding, docket number USTR-2018-0009, accessible to the public at 
www.regulations.gov. The public file will include non-confidential 
public comments USTR receives regarding the dispute. If a dispute 
settlement panel is convened, or in the event of an appeal from a 
panel, USTR will make the following documents publicly available at 
www.ustr.gov: the U.S. submissions and any non-confidential summaries 
of submissions received from other participants in the dispute. If a 
dispute settlement panel is convened, or in the event of an appeal from 
a panel, the report of the panel, and, if applicable, the report of the 
Appellate Body, will also be available on the website of the World 
Trade Organization, at www.wto.org.

Juan Millan,
Assistant United States Trade Representative for Monitoring and 
Enforcement, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
[FR Doc. 2018-08814 Filed 4-25-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3290-F8-P

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