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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)  

  • CBP updated the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region WRO Frequently Asked Questions. View the updated page here.
  • CBP issued a final rule imposing import restrictions on archaeological materials from Tunisia. The restrictions are effective July 22, 2024, through February 6, 2029, unless extended. Importation of these materials is restricted unless they are accompanied by documentation certifying that they left Tunisia legally and are not in violation of that country’s export laws. 
  • CBP published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the adjustment of customs user fees for fiscal year 2025. The adjusted user fees will take effect October 1. 
  • CBP officers at the Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News, VA seized a shipment of 60 counterfeit and dangerous hair dryers from China. 
  • Norfolk CBP and NHTSA seized tuk tuks, food buggies, golf carts, and campers for not conforming to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.  
  • On July 25, CBP began requiring the estimated date of arrival for all entry type 86 submissions in ACE. 
  • The CBP Laredo Field Office has implemented a Quick Response (QR) code requirement to enhance trade facilitation at the southern border. Effective August 11, all manifests submitted to CBP by the carriers must include a QR code.  

Department of Justice (DoJ) 

  • An Alabama man pleaded guilty to conspiracy to export U.S.-origin goods to the Islamic Republic of Iran in violation of trade sanctions. 

Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) 

  • OFAC released guidance addressing questions raised by recent legislation that extended the statute of limitations for sanctions violations.  
  • OFAC may now commence an enforcement action for civil violations of International Emergency Economic Powers Act- or Trading with Enemy Act-based sanctions prohibitions within 10 years of the latest date of the violation if such date was after April 24, 2019. 
  • OFAC published a notice in the Federal Register regarding the new reporting requirement issued pursuant to the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act. 
  • Sanctions list updates: 

 Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 

  • BIS is implementing an expansion of controls on the export, reexport, or transfer (in-country) of certain foreign-produced items located in or destined to Iran, to address ongoing concerns regarding Iran’s potential use of U.S. technology in weapons systems.  
  • BIS published an interim final rule providing clarity to industry on standards-setting activities.  

U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) 

  • USITC votes to continue investigations on vanillin from China, finding that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by imports being sold at less than fair value.  
  • USITC votes to continue investigation on large top-mount combination refrigerator-freezers from Thailand, finding that there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured by imports being sold at less than fair value.  

World Trade Organization 

  • WTO members welcomed the formal resumption of Iraq’s accession process after a 16-year hiatus. Iraq reaffirmed its pledge to join the WTO, highlighting significant economic and legislative reforms. 

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 

  • The CPSC launched a tool to track CPSC-regulated import shipments.  

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 

  • The FDA announced the issuance of an additional warning letter to Jiangsu Shenli Medical Production Co., Ltd. for quality system violations for syringe products. As a result, Jiangsu Shenli Medical Production Co. Ltd.’s entry on import alert 89-04 was expanded to prevent their enteral syringes from entering the United States. 

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) 

  • The FMC published its final rule concerning “Definition of Unreasonable Refusal to Deal or Negotiate with Respect to Vessel Space Accommodations”. 
  • The FMC released the June 2024 activity report. Highlights: 
    • Investigation into failure to comply with Chassis provisioning order 
    • Seeking public comments on new Maersk & Hapag-Lloyd Cooperative Agreement 
    • Issued industry advisory on maintaining VOCC status 

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