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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 

  • CBP held a call to inform the trade community about port disruptions due to the migrant crisis at the Southwest border. Key updates:
    • The Eagle Pass Port of Entry has suspended rail operations. No rail passage north or south until further notice.
    • The El Paso field office is not processing northbound commercial traffic on the Bridge of Americas.
  • CBP announces increase in COBRA fees – CBP is adjusting certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations established by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) for Fiscal Year 2024.
  • CBP officers in Louisville seized a shipment containing 1,747 pieces of counterfeit designer rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. 
  • CBP officers at Chicago O’Hare’s International Mail Branch, seized a shipment containing 67 pieces of counterfeit designer watches, bracelets, handbags, and scarves. If genuine, would have had a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) over $1 million.
  • EAPA case update – EAPA Cons. Case 7724: WHP Associates LLC (Final Administrative Determination)
    • The importer was investigated for importing lightweight thermal paper from the People’s Republic of China, Germany, and the Republic of Korea into the United States that was transshipped through Malaysia to evade the payment of antidumping and countervailing duties. The importer filed a request for an administrative review. CBP affirmed its earlier determination of evasion.

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) 

  • BIS will host its annual conference on export controls and policy Tuesday, Nov. 28 – Thursday, Nov. 30. This year’s conference will include keynote speakers, plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and an Exhibit Hall. The theme of this year’s conference is Partnerships in National and Global Security. Register here.
  • Russian international money launderer arrested for illicitly procuring large quantities of U.S.-manufactured dual-use military grade microelectronics for Russian elites. 

U.S. Department of Commerce

  • Deputy Secretary Graves to lead cybersecurity trade mission to the Republic of Korea and Japan
    • The mission will be held September 20 – 26, 2023 and aims to strengthen joint efforts to safeguard our critical infrastructure and tech ecosystems from those who seek to undermine our national and economic security. 
  • Corrosion-resistant steel products from Taiwan: Notice of third amended final determination of sales at less than fair value.
  • Certain freight rail couplers and parts thereof from Mexico: Final affirmative determination of sales at less than fair value.

United States Trade Representative (USTR) 

  • United States and Bangladesh hold 7th bilateral trade and investment cooperation forum agreement council meeting
    • The delegations discussed a range of issues impacting the bilateral trade relationship, most notably labor reforms, as well as policies impacting the investment climate, digital trade, intellectual property protection and enforcement, and bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

  • DHS published a new cybersecurity report: “Harmonization of Cyber Incident Reporting to the Federal Government.” 
    • The report proposes a model definition for reportable cyber incidents; model timelines and triggers for reporting; and offers recommendations for how to align content of cyber incident reports and to move toward a model reporting form or common data elements wherever practicable.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • APHIS issues alert on Mexican swine meat shipments transiting the U.S.
  • APHIS finalizes amendments to import regulations for Horses
    • These amendments will better align our regulations with international standards and allow more flexibility for permitted imports, while continuing to mitigate the risk of bringing equine diseases into the United States.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

  • FTC issues policy statement on improper listing of patent information
    • Supported by the FDA, the statement warns pharmaceutical companies that make and sell brand-name drugs that they could face legal action if they improperly list patents in the FDA’s catalog of “Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations,” commonly known as the “Orange Book.”

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • The FDA issued draft guidance on registration and listing of cosmetic products facilities and products including sample forms for registration and listing. Interested parties will have 30 days from the Federal Register publication date to submit comments.
  • The FDA released its comprehensive FDA Information Technology Strategy for Fiscal Years 2024 to 2027 (IT Strategy), marking a defining roadmap for the agency’s technological advancement and the alignment with its broader public health mission.

U.S. Congress

  • Government shutdown possible – Government funding is set to expire on September 30 and lawmakers are struggling to reach a consensus on a funding plan. It is possible that this impasse will result in a short term government shutdown while a deal is reached on a package that can pass both the House and Senate.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

  • Iran-related designation and designation update.
  • Iran-related designations and designation update; Non-proliferation designations and designation update; Counter terrorism designations removals.

Industry News

  • The 10th China-European Union High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue will be held in Beijing on Sept. 25. Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng will co-chair the meeting with European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis.

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