Here is a recap of the latest customs and international trade news:
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- CBP announced the publication of its re-vamped Forced Labor website. The re-design includes navigation improvements as well as a new enforcement page with statistics and dashboards.
- CBP modified the withhold release order (WRO) against disposable gloves produced by Brightway Holdings in Malaysia. Effective immediately, the U.S. will allow disposable gloves produced by the Brightway Group to enter the U.S. provided they are otherwise compliant with U.S. laws.
- A team of two CBP agriculture specialists at the Port of Brownsville intercepted a “First in Port” pest that had the potential to defoliate hundreds of species of trees and shrubs.
- CBP is now accepting applications to operate a Centralized Examination Station (CES) in the Area Port of Port Chicago. Applications to operate a CES must be received by 4 p.m. on Nov. 26.
- CBP published an updated ACE Development and Deployment Schedule.
Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
- BIS added eight companies to its Unverified List after it was unable to verify the “legitimacy and reliability” of the entities.
Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)
- OFAC is seeking feedback on how to improve its website. The survey will be accessible until December 30, 2024. Take the survey here.
- As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, OFAC is soliciting comments concerning its information collection requirements within OFAC’s Rough Diamonds Control Regulations.
Department of Commerce
- The Commerce Department has issued its final determination in the antidumping duty investigation on truck and bus tires from Thailand. The Department made an affirmative determination of sales at less than fair value.
United States International Trade Commission (USITC)
- USITC institutes Section 337 investigation of certain rechargeable batteries.
- USITC makes determination in five-year (sunset) review concerning cast iron soil pipe from China.
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)
- The FMC announced that it is monitoring the supply chain closely at all major terminals along the U.S. East and Gulf Coasts. The Commission continues to review surcharges and fees announced, implemented, or suspended in connection with the recent work stoppage.
United States Trade Representative (USTR)
- USTR announced that it is opening a process for interested persons to request that certain machinery be temporarily excluded from Section 301 duties in the Investigation of China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation.
World Trade Organization (WTO)
- WTO released the October update of the Global Trade Outlook and Statistics. The report largely reaffirms the April forecast, pointing to a gradual recovery in merchandise trade despite widening regional conflicts and increasing policy uncertainty. However, at the regional level, the WTO reports weaker-than-expected European trade and stronger-than-expected Asian exports.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The EPA took final actions establishing administrative consequences for specific entities under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act). Under this Act, EPA can retire, revoke, or withhold the allocation of allowances for HFC imports, or ban an entity from receiving, transferring, or conferring allowances.
Department of Justice (DoJ)
- Raytheon Company will pay over $950M in connection with defective pricing, foreign bribery, and export control schemes.
Congress
- Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Maria Salazar introduced a bill Oct. that would eliminate certain OFAC licenses and prohibit U.S. firms from doing certain business with Venezuela’s energy sector.
Industry News
- American Compass published a research paper outlining what would happen if the U.S. rescinded permanent normal trade relations with China.
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