Snapshot

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  

• CBP announced the extension of the compliance date for new informal entry procedures for international mail from Oct. 22, 2026, to Jan. 20, 2027. 
• CBP officers in Indianapolis intercepted a shipment containing 300 counterfeit Audemars Piguet watches. Had these items been genuine, the shipment would have had a combined manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $12 million.
• CBP announced email or text message verification will be required for Automated Clearinghouse refund information changes made in ACE starting Oct. 10. 

Department of Justice (DOJ)  

• DOJ announced that a Bosnian national was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to export and sanctions violations involving an attempted transaction for North Korean anti-aircraft missiles.  

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)  

• The FMC is proposing fees on all Spanish-flagged vessels after an investigation revealed the government of Spain created unfavorable shipping conditions for U.S.-flagged vessels.  
• The FMC published its latest Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI) license applicant update, identifying companies seeking new ocean freight forwarder and NVOCC licenses, […]
  

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 

• Phase three of the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) refund system was deployed by CBP on October 6. Phase 3 covers finally liquidated entries from importers that filed suit at the CIT and for which the Court has ordered reliquidation. 
• CBP issued a proposed rule that would create a framework for low-value imports after the end of de minimis and formally establishing new informal Entry Type 13 for merchandise entering through the mail. Comments are due December 7. 
• CBP’s Agriculture and Prepared Products Center of Excellence and Expertise (APP) in Miami uncovered a tariff evasion scheme involving tuna caught by foreign-flagged vessels. The investigation uncovered over $8M in lost revenue and almost $9M in expected penalties.

Department of Justice (DOJ) 

• On October 1, 2026, DOJ’s National Fraud Enforcement Division issued Directive 26-12, which makes trade fraud a corporate enforcement priority and lists ten factors prosecutors must weigh in deciding whether to charge a company.  

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) 

• USTR announced a public consultation process ahead of the 2027 joint review of the United States-Mexico-Canada […]
  

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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 

• CBP issued two Withhold Release Orders on September 29 against palm oil and its derivative products produced by Mitra Aneka Rezeki and Hardaya Inti Plantation in Indonesia. Effective immediately, CBP will detain covered shipments at all U.S. ports of entry based on evidence reasonably indicating the use of forced labor.  
• CBP published guidance on September 28 implementing import exclusions for certain Canadian products covered by presidential proclamations addressing alcoholic beverages, motor vehicles, and dairy. Effective September 29, covered goods cannot be entered for consumption, admitted into foreign trade zones or bonded warehouses, or transported in bond. 
• CBP is seeking comments on its entry and entry summary procedures as it prepares to submit them to the Office of Management and Budget for re-approval. Changes to the procedures include the new Entry Type 13 and the inclusion of new parties to the Global Business Identifier test.  

Administration 

• The White House published the U.S.–China Board of Trade’s “30-for-30” product lists on September 27. The lists identify products recommended for reciprocal reduced tariff treatment. The countries will consider implementing the reductions through their respective domestic legal processes.  

Court of […]

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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)        

• CBP’s Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) held it’s quarterly meeting on Sept. 23 and recommended that the CBP Office of Trade Relations establish a central webpage to house guidance and resources, and create a feedback mechanism for the COAC and trade community. 
• CBP published an alert to CTPAT partners stating that pursuant to Executive Order 14411, Strengthening Customs Enforcement, Importers of Record (IORs) and licensed customs brokers acting on their behalf, are required to ensure information submitted on CBP Form 5106, Importer Identity Form, is accurate, complete, and updated as needed. 
• CBP is automating the submission method for Organization Broker License Applications. As of September 30, 2026, organization license applicants will complete and submit all applications and associated fees through the eCBP portal. 
• CBP announced an electronic export manifest (EEM) pilot for shipments leaving the U.S. by truck. The pilot will begin Oct. 23 and last two years. 
• CBP issued guidance on technical corrections for certain Section 301 product exclusions. 
• The customs broker permit user fee will […]
  

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 […]