Expert Archives - Page 2 of 12 - Customs & International Trade Law Firm

Biden Executive Order Strengthens Buy American Government Procurement Laws

Biden Signs Executive Order Strengthening Buy American Laws

Buy American laws are a set of statutes, regulations, rules, and Executive Orders that require that the U.S. federal government require or provide preferences for purchasing goods produced in the United States. Buy American laws were created and continue to be amended with the intention of promoting economic and national security, stimulating economic growth, creating good jobs at decent wages, and supporting the U.S. manufacturing and defense industrial bases.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-07T15:10:15-04:00March 9, 2021|Best Practices, Customs Expert, Enforcement, Events, Expert, Export, Import, Import Alert, International Business, International Law, International Trade, Pre-compliance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|1 Comment

Building a Strong Export Compliance Plan

Co-Authored by Sharath Patil

Exporting is a Privilege, Not a Right

Over 95% of the world’s consumers are outside of the United States. Opportunities abound for U.S. companies that export. However, exporting is a privilege and not a right. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) the Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) sanctions laws, and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”). Violations of export control laws carry hefty civil and criminal penalties. Exporters can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties, lose export privileges, and even be imprisoned for violations of U.S. export control laws.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2021-07-29T12:41:20-04:00February 23, 2021|Best Practices, China, China Trade War, Cuba, Customs Expert, Expert, Export, FCPA, Import, Import Alert, Iran, U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)|7 Comments

CBP Issues WRO on Cotton, Tomato, & Downstream Products Made in Xinjiang

The United States has been increasing its efforts to combat forced labor around the world. During the Trump Administration’s final weeks, the United States not only banned the importation of Chinese Cotton, Tomatoes, among other products, but also explicitly recognized the situation in Xinjiang as a Genocide.

Importers not adequately auditing their supply chains for use of forced labor are at risk of administrative and criminal enforcement. Imported merchandise produced with forced labor is subject to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) enforcement. Such enforcement includes U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) right to detain, exclude, and/or seize imported goods and Homeland Security Investigation’s potential criminal investigation. China is not only the United States’ number one trading partner but also happens to be the world’s biggest forced labor violator.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-07T15:08:01-04:00February 18, 2021|Best Practices, Customs Broker, Customs Expert, Enforcement, Expert, Export, Forced Labor, Import, Import Alert, International Law, International Trade, International Travel, Pre-compliance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|0 Comments

FTC issues a Record Breaking $1.2 Million Penalty

Co-Authored by Denise Calle

Chemence Inc., a glue maker, is once again in a sticky situation with The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for allegedly making deceptive claims that its products are made in the United States. In a proposed Consent Order, Chemence agreed to pay $1.2 million for its violation of the FTC Act for violating a 2016 federal court order to cease deceptive marketing tactics, as well as mandated an annual compliance report. The FTC now seeks Public Comment on the proposed consent agreement. The comment period closes on February 8, 2021. Thereafter, FTC will decide whether it should withdraw from the agreement or make it final and force Chemence to pay the $1.2 million penalty.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-07T15:02:04-04:00January 26, 2021|Best Practices, Enforcement, Expert, Export, Import, International Business, International Law, International Trade, Pre-compliance|0 Comments

Comment on FDA’s Proposed Rule – French Dressing

On December 21, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to revoke the Standard Of Identity (SOI) for French dressing. FDA found that French dressings’ current standard of identity “no longer promotes honesty and fair dealing in the interest of consumers”. Effectively the amending of the SOI may allow producers more flexibility, keeping the market competitive with nonstandardized foods.

According to the Federal Register Notice, the proposed rule would not require anything new from salad dressing manufacturers. Rather, by providing the flexibility for innovation, the amendment to French Dressing’s SOI presents an opportunity for social benefits at no cost to the industry or consumer.

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