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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)       

  • CBP hosted the 2026 Trade and Cargo Security Summit in Dallas, Texas Sept. 8-10. This year’s theme, “Knowing Your Supply Chain to Remain Compliant and Mitigate Risk,” emphasized the shared responsibility of government and industry to strengthen supply chain security, support lawful trade, and protect the U.S. economy. Read the full summary here. 
  • Via a declaration filed with the CIT, CBP announced that the third phase of CBP’s Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) refund system will launch Oct. 6. Phase 3 will focus on finally liquidated entries who filed suit at CIT and received an order for reliquidation. 
  • CBP updated its guidance on Section 338 tariffs on Canadian goods, effective Sept. 15. Under the update, only goods subject to HTS 9903.03.13 may claim the duty-free exception under 9903.03.15 for certain products, including specified metals, vehicles and parts, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals. 
  • During a call on Sept. 15, CBP’s Christine Hogue said that customs brokers are expected to be the importer of record for the new Entry Type 13 CBP intends to deploy for mail entries.  
  • CBP published a Federal Register Notice asking for public comments on filing requirements regarding exports of self-propelled vehicles.  
  • CBP seized nearly $300,000 in imported dehumidifiers and automotive radiators from China that were imported using fraudulent identities. 

Court of International Trade (CIT)  

  • CIT denied customs broker Forrest Xu’s request for a preliminary injunction challenging CBP’s deactivation of his entry filer code. Xu argues that the deactivation effectively revoked his customs broker’s license without due process. 

United States Trade Representative (USTR) 

  • USTR convened representatives of over 50 trading partners from around the world to provide training related to imposing and effectively enforcing forced labor import prohibitions. 
  • USTR published a Federal Register notice inviting public comment on foreign barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services and U.S. foreign direct investment for inclusion in the 2027 National Trade Estimate Report. The deadline for submission of comments is October 29, 2026.  

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)  

  • BIS Undersecretary Jeffrey Kessler is reportedly removing Katelyn Christ from her role as executive director of the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services, Christ will be replaced by Joseph Attias, a current counselor to Kessler. Reporting courtesy Export Compliance Daily. 

Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC)    

  • OFAC’s Iran-related specific licensing policy has been modified. Effective immediately, OFAC is considering Iran-related specific license applications with a presumption of denial except as required by law or in certain circumstances, such as risk to life, limb, or environmental safety.  
  • OFAC designated Russian financial institution VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company (VTB Bank) for its involvement in Iranian sanctions evasion. 

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 

  • The CPSC has withdrawn a rule that would have eliminated two regulations governing infant bouncer seats and stationary activity centers after receiving a significant adverse comment. The withdrawal takes effect Sept. 17 while CPSC considers the comment and determines how to proceed. 

Congress  

  • Congress has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, sending the bill to President Trump’s desk. The legislation expands sanctions on Russia and authorizes significant tariffs up to 100% on goods from certain countries that are major purchasers of Russian oil. 
  • The House Select Committee on China held a hearing on Sept. 16 on import controls. The hearing explored using the Commerce Department’s connected vehicles rule, which bans the incorporation technologies made in China in cars and trucks, as a model for similar restrictions in other sectors. 

International 

  • Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has submitted a legislative proposal to reform the country’s Customs Law. The initiative would intensify the government’s crackdown on undervaluation, enhance tax and tariff collection, and protect domestic manufacturers from unfair competitive conditions. 

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