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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

  • CBP updated its FAQ on e-Commerce, clarifying that International mail can’t benefit from exemptions from reciprocal tariffs for subheadings listed as exempt.
  • CBP announced at the September COAC meeting that the agency is planning to release a dedicated forced labor portal in FY 2026 that importers will be required to use.
  • CBP’s COAC de minimis working group offered recommendations to CBP to bolster entry processing in ACE amid the end of the de minimis exemption on Aug. 29. These recommendations include treating postal shipments similarly to how CBP handles low-value shipments via other transportation modes.
  • CBP added more parties to the list of those qualified to handle the payment of duties on international mail shipments.
  • CBP recently discovered and detained several international food shipping containers that contained radioactive isotopes. As a result of these discoveries, the FDA issued a food safety alert on certain frozen shrimp products.
  • The customs broker permit user fee will change from $180.57 to $185.38. All broker permits issued on or after October 1, 2025, are subject to the new user fee.
  • CBP, along with FDA and HHS, announced the seizure of 4.7 million units of unauthorized e-cigarette products with an estimated retail value of $86.5 million – the largest-ever seizure of this kind. 

Administration

International Trade Commission (ITC)

  • Three U.S. quartz manufacturers filed a petition asking the ITC to conduct a Section 201 safeguard investigation on imports of quartz surface products. The petition seeks to safeguard quotas and tariffs on these products. 

Department of Commerce

  • Tariff cuts for Japanese automobiles and auto parts and civil aircraft will take effect Sept. 16, according to a notice released by the Commerce Department.

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

  • BIS announced that the first window for requests for new auto parts to be covered by Section 232 tariffs will open Oct. 1. The submission window will remain open for 14 days, followed by a 60-day review period. 
  • BIS announced the agency is again accepting requests for new products to be included under Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminum derivatives. Requests will be accepted through Sept. 29. 

United States Trade Representative (USTR)

  • The USTR is seeking comments for its annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers. Comments are due by Oct. 30.
  • USTR is seeking comment on how the USMCA is working, as the three participating countries begin a joint review of the pact in July 2026. The comment period began Sept. 17 and will last for 45 days. 
  • USTR is seeking comments on whether any of the 178 existing Section 301 exclusions should be extended past Nov. 29. Comments must be submitted by Oct. 16. 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Congress

  • The House of Representatives voted 213-211 to block any votes on measures that would end emergencies underlying reciprocal tariffs, fentanyl tariffs, or the additional Brazil tariffs.
  • Senator Chris Murphy published a report that claims the Administration engaged in a “pay-to-play scheme” when it lifted the Central Romana Sugar Withhold Release Order. 
  • Senator Markey introduced a bill that would exempt small business concerns from “reciprocal” tariffs and refund to them the amount of any such duties paid.

Industry News

  • American appliance manufacturer Whirlpool is claiming that its competitors may be evading tariffs on imports of appliances. Whirlpool claims that the declared value of imported home appliances dropped, significantly as soon as the tariffs took effect. Whirlpool has raised concerns with the Trump Administration but has not yet filed a formal complaint.

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