This week’s recap of the latest customs and international trade news:  

Administration 

  • President Trump issued an executive order implementing provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The order provides for a 500% additional duty on Russian-origin goods and 100% additional duties on goods from certain countries that purchase Russian oil or natural gas or facilitate sanctions evasion. 
  • In an October 22 proclamation, the Trump administration declined to impose additional Section 232 tariffs on wind turbines and their components despite findings that the imports pose a cybersecurity threat, leaving existing 50% Section 232 tariffs on applicable steel, aluminum, and copper products unchanged. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 

  • CBP published a final rule in the October 22, 2026 Federal Register that moves the compliance date for the postal rule’s formal entry requirements from October 22, 2026, to January 20, 2027. 
  • CBP modified its Entry Type 13 test so filers can submit an electronic mail entry before their Partner Government Agency (PGA) data is complete.
  • CBP officers in Norfolk, Virginia seized 2,772 ceramic sinks that bore a counterfeit certification mark. The shipment was appraised at $462,501 manufacturer’s suggested retail price, if the products were authentic. 

Court of International Trade (CIT) 

  • On October 20, New Jersey-based food importer filed a lawsuit in the CIT challenging tariffs imposed on Canadian merchandise under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. 
  • Plaintiffs and the federal government submitted responses to questions from a CIT panel concerning Section 301 tariffs imposed on 60 economies over alleged failures to prohibit or enforce laws against forced labor. The government argued that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative was not required to consider each economy’s level of economic development before imposing the tariffs. 
  • Judge Timothy Stanceu ruled that the CIT doesn’t have jurisdiction over 30 protests that were still pending when importer Voith US Inc. commenced its case challenging the classification of its entries. 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

  • The Department of Commerce announced the initiation of antidumping and countervailing duty investigations concerning corrugated die-cut cardboard boxes from China, Malaysia, and Türkiye. 
  • The Department of Commerce initiated an antidumping duty investigation involving certain amine compounds from China. 

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)  

  • OFAC announced additional sanctions targeting networks associated with Iran’s shadow fleet under Operation Economic Outcast. 
  • OFAC issued Russia-related General License 131K on Oct 21, covering negotiations and contingent contracts for the sale of Lukoil International GmbH. 

State Department 

  • The State Department announced sanctions against five Chinese entities under the Protecting American Intellectual Property Act of 2022 (PAIPA). The sanctions follow an investigation involving the theft of trade secrets.  

Treasury Department 

  • U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an Alert asking financial institutions to report potential Iranian regime abuse of religious charity networks, including diversion of religious tithes, or khums.   

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)  

  • The FDA published a Federal Register notice with industry guidance on mandatory cosmetics recalls. 
  • The FDA identified adulteration in 4.5% of imported lemon juice examined during the 2022–2025 period, highlighting ongoing concerns about the authenticity and compliance of imported food products.  
  • New and revised FDA import alerts: 
  • 99-39: Imported Food Products that appear to be Misbranded. 
  • 99-32: Products from firms refusing FDA Foreign Establishment Inspection. 
  • 45-02: Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors. 

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 

  • The FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology identified two devices to keep them from being marketed or sold in the U.S. because they contained a chip produced by a Covered List entity. 

Congress 

  • Kansas Representative Sharice Davids has called on the Small Business Administration (SBA) and CBP to help small businesses apply for refunds of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). 
  • Rep. Gregory Meeks introduced the Ban Corrupt Oil Deals with Russia Act, which would revoke certain OFAC licenses and require additional sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.  

Industry News 

  • The American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) released a white paper encouraging importers and exporters to adopt artificial intelligence strategically, with appropriate human oversight, testing, and ongoing monitoring. 

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