Here is a recap of the latest customs and international trade law news:        

 Administration

  • During a news conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that any companies that abide by China’s blocking measures and ignore American sanctions will face U.S. secondary sanctions.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)   

  • CBP published an updated list of error messages and definitions for Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE). 
  • CBP is seeking comment on a new Client Representative Technical Assistance Portal that will provide the public with a method to inform CBP of issues impacting the Automated Broker Interface and ACE electronic cargo systems transactions.
  • CBP issued a CSMS message guiding applying 25% Section 232 duties to the value of non-U.S. content for approved imports of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) qualifying for preferential tariff treatment under USMCA.
  • CBP issued a CSMS message announcing that ACE functionality for the acceptance of Section 232 steel goods from the Netherlands as a melt and pour country will be available on May 7, 2026.
  • CBP published a Federal Register notice seeking comments on extending the use of the Centralized Examination Station application. Comments are due June 8, 2026.
  • CBP announced the agency is renewing its electronic export manifest pilot for air cargo for two years. CBP will continue evaluating the pilot to determine if it will improve capabilities.

United States Trade Representative (USTR)   

  • USTR held public hearings May 5 – May 8, 2026, regarding the Section 301 investigations into 16 economies’ acts, policies, and practices relating to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors.
  • USTR released its 2026 Special 301 Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of U.S. trading partners’ protection and enforcement of intellectual property (IP) rights. USTR identified Vietnam as a Priority Foreign Country and moved Argentina and Mexico from the Priority Watch List to the Watch List.
  • USTR is seeking submissions from domestic industries that benefit from the Section 301 tariffs imposed on China in July and August 2018. 

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • The FDA published a Voices blog, highlighting the progress the agency has made in implementing the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA).

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)   

  • On May 1, OFAC published a new alert – “Sanctions Risks of Iranian Demands for Strait of Hormuz Passage.”
  • OFAC sanctioned six targets involved in a money laundering and cash smuggling enterprise operated by Cartel del Noreste (CDN), one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations. 
  • OFAC issued Venezuela-related General License 58, “Authorizing Certain Services to the Government of Venezuela in Connection with Potential Debt Restructuring.”
  • OFAC issued Russia-related General License 128C, “Authorizing Certain Transactions Involving Lukoil Retail Service Stations Located Outside of Russia,” 
  • OFAC issued Russia-related General License 130A, “Authorizing Transactions Involving Certain Lukoil Entities in Bulgaria.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) 

  • ATF published a Federal Register Notice seeking comment on removing proscribed countries from which ATF denies applications to permanently import defense articles and updating it to reference a State Department list. The rule also proposes to remove the list of former Soviet countries for which ATF denies applications. Comments are due July 6, 2026.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  • The FCC is proposing to prohibit the recognition of electronic device test labs and certification bodies in foreign countries that haven’t signed reciprocity agreements to recognize their American counterparts. 

Industry News 

  • According to a survey of 100 U.S. importers by the American Association of Exporters and Importers, 63% of importers reported successfully filing refund declarations using the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) tool. 14% of importers encountered errors, 22% haven’t filed entries yet using CAPE.

International 

  • Vietnam has ordered a nationwide crackdown on intellectual property infringement following USTR’s April 30 decision to designate Vietnam a “Priority Foreign Country” ​on intellectual property rights in an annual report. 
  • Canada announced a $1.5 billion program to protect domestic industries from U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper.

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