It's the Law.

ANTIDUMPING

Argentina's Secretary of Industry, Commerce and Mining has cleared the way for a probe into allegations that Japan is dumping steel and iron tubes on the local market.

www.mecon.gov.ar/SICyM/default1.htm

Mexico is investigating whether antidumping duties are due on frozen boneless beef from the United States.

Officials say some imports may have been misclassified to win duty-free status. Mexico recently renewed similar duties on European Community beef. www.secofi.gov.mx

BANKING & CREDIT

The Central Bank of Brazil has issued new rules regarding bank check transactions by financial institutions. Effective Feb. 28, records of deposits, transfers of funds and other transactions must be held for five years. www.bcb.gov.br

CUSTOMS

Mexico has slapped a quota on brandy imports through June 30, 2001. The quota affects 2.25 million liters of liquor from Europe; 5% of the imports are earmarked for national retailers not previously involved in brandy importation. www.cofemer.gob.mx

ENERGY

Thanks to a loophole in the law, tax exemptions on Brazil's oil exports have been extended to oil and gas exploration. In a bid to boost oil and gas activities in the country, assets related to drilling and extraction can be sold to foreign-based individuals as an export. www.mme.gov.br

ENVIRONMENT

Mexico released criteria for a debt exchange program. Applicants from the private sector may submit project proposals as part of the debt conversion, which aims to promote sustainable development in industries like logging and fishing.

www.semarnat.gob.mx

MEDICINE & HEALTH

Mexico's Department of Health has set new standards for equipment and germicidal agents used in the burgeoning water treatment industry. www.ssa.gob.mx

SECURITIES

To protect investors, Brazil will audit securities traded through the Internet. The auditing will focus on brokerage firm clients using the Sao Paulo Stock Exchange's "Home Broker" system.

www.bovespa.com.br; www.cvm.gov.br

Consumers in Mexico can obtain free legal assistance in disputes brought by financial service providers. The National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Financial Service Consumers will offer the aid in response to an increase in foreign-based financial services. www.shcp.gob.mx