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

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

  • CBP issued a withhold release order (WRO) against a frankincense supplier based in Somaliland, based on the alleged use of forced labor in the production of merchandise.
  • CBP, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security announced the three-part webinar series, UFLPA 101 for the Seafood Sector, on Nov. 12-14.
  • The Miami Tampa Field Office announced the passing of CBP Operations Specialist Monica “Lisi” Guerrier on October 28, 2024.
  • CBP published a bulletin proposing to modify and revoke rulings on plastic recycling plants, and wood chipping machines.
  • CBP announced its FY2025 quarterly webinar series on the Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) program, the first session will be held on November 21, 2024. 
  • CBP agriculture specialists at the Louisville Port of Entry intercepted a shipment containing 41 dead bats and 41 dead birds.
  • Reminder: CBP will implement rejections for vague cargo descriptions in ACAS effective 12:00 pm EST on November 12, 2024.
  • CBP issued a notice of initiation of investigation and interim measures in EAPA case 7913 – involving evasion of AD/CVD orders on mattresses.
  • CBP officers seize THC products and weapon components during outbound operations at World Trade Bridge.

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

  • BIS imposed a $500,000 mitigated penalty against a New York-based company for 74 shipments to an entity listed Chinese firm.

Department of Commerce

  • The Department of Commerce completed the antidumping duty administrative review of quartz surface products from India. The review has resulted in a reduction of antidumping rates.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • The FDA’s newly established Human Foods Program (HFP) announced its 2025 Priority Deliverables which include advancing traceability tools, providing FSMA guidance, and establishing formal data-sharing agreements with industry. 
  • FDA published the Supplement to the 2022 Food Code. The supplement includes new recommendations for reducing the risk of foodborne illness in retail and foodservice establishments.
  • FDA issued warning letters to nine online retailers and one manufacturer for selling and/or distributing unauthorized disposable e-cigarettes.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced their decision To authorize the importation of fresh Hass avocado from Guatemala into the United States.

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

  • The CPSC issued a new safety standard for infant support cushions, effective May 5, 2025.

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)

  • FMC opened a 15-day comment period for members of the public to comment in response to a newly filed vessel sharing agreement between Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), and Yang Ming Marine Transportation (Yang Ming).

U.S. Court of International Trade (USITC)

  • The USITC rejected importer Retractable Technologies’ bids for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction stopping the collection of Section 301 duties on its needles and syringes, finding that they failed to show they would suffer irreparable harm without the TRO.

International Trade Commission (ITC)

  • The ITC is beginning a Section 337 investigation on allegations that Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCon) solar cells, modules, panels imported by Runergy and Adani infringe patents.

Department of Justice (DoJ)

  • A New Jersey resident pleaded guilty to helping Russia’s defense sector evade U.S. export controls.

Congress

  • Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York wrote a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce its truth in advertising laws so that Chinese-made American flags aren’t advertised as “Made in the USA” when they are listed for sale on e-commerce platforms.

Industry News

  • Several think tanks and news outlets are issuing warnings about the implications of higher tariffs under the Trump presidency.

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