U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is adjusting certain customs user fees and limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2018 in accordance with the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act). EFFECTIVE: January 1, 2018 For more information, visit the Federal Registrar Notice. [...]
Antidumping Alert: Oil Country Tubular Goods, Vietnam In July, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched an investigation into the evasion of an antidumping duty order regarding oil country tubular goods (OCTG) from Vietnam. After allegations brought by a domestic producer, an American company importing steel pup joints, from Vietnam, [...]
Periodic Monthly Statements (PMS) is a feature of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) that streamlines the payment and collection of Customs duties and fees. PMS consolidates eligible shipments and allows them to be paid on a monthly basis. There are 6 key advantages for importers taking advantage of the PMS [...]
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has recently issued guidance to address confusion regarding entry reporting requirements for LED lights and products containing LEDs. LED products are radiation emitting devices that emit visible radiation and fall under the jurisdiction of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) per the 21 CFR 1000.3 [...]
Effective November 1st, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin penalizing any documented violations of wood packing materials regulations, eliminating its previous mandate allowing up to five violations prior to taking action. Each violation will result in a penalty and the annual reset of violations has been eliminated. [...]
As a seasoned freight salesman of almost 20 years, clients are often surprised when I discuss preventative supply chain solutions for regulatory compliance (and not just for international transportation). With the launch of their new single portal, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun [...]
Regulatory import compliance can be stressful, especially when dealing with a partner government agency such as the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Reviews and audits can be complex and difficult to prepare for as new regulations and programs are implemented. The following are three of the most common issues identified [...]
While significant work has been completed in updating the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program, there is still much more to be done. Updates include new Minimum Security Criteria and a new best practices framework, but the program continues to be updated and refined under the leadership of Elizabeth Schmelzinger, C-TPAT [...]
China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) concluded their latest round of month-long, on-site environmental inspections across eight local provinces. The Chinese government launched its first series of investigations in 2016, imposing over 440 million Yuan (65.4 million USD) in fines and holding 6,500 people accountable. […]
A Florida-based importer caught the attention of the U.S. government for evading payment of anti-dumping and countervailing duties of bedroom furniture from China when a competitor brought the case to court under the False Claims Act. The importer is accused of classifying bedroom sets, dressers, beds, and nightstands as metal [...]
