On January 1st 2022, the HTS will be updated with recommendations made by the United States International Trade Commission. These recommendations have been open for comment to federal agencies and the public for the last two years in order to ensure proper classification of goods. There are 351 total amendments being made to the HTS, including new subheadings for a large range of products including electronic vaporizers, hybrid truck engines, blanched peanuts, and cultural artifacts.

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Earlier this year, in late March, CBP issued a finding that certain disposable gloves, were mined, produced, or manufactured in Malaysia by Top Glove Corporation Bhd with the use of convict, forced, or indentured labor, and were being, or were likely to be, imported into the United States.  Pursuant to 19 U.S.C. 1307 and CFR 12.42 (g), it is hereby determined that the articles described below are no longer being mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part with the use of convict, forced, or indentured labor by Top Glove in Malaysia.  

The change is the result of the cooperation of Top Glove Corporate to address issues initially cited.

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The Federal Register dated September 10, 2021, proposed to amend the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations to require continuing education for individual customs broker license holders (individual brokers) and to create a framework for administering this requirement. By requiring individual brokers to remain knowledgeable about recent developments in customs and related laws as well as international trade and supply chains, CBP's proposed framework would enhance professionalism and competency within the customs broker community. CBP has determined that the proposed framework would contribute to increase trade compliance and better protection of the revenue of the United States.

Comments on this change are being accepted on or before November 9, 2021.

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Did you know that the JAS Forwarding USA Inc. Compliance Team can partner with clients to consult on numerous issues?  Our team has well over 100 combined years of experience in regulatory trade compliance.  Check out our Compliance presentation and let’s connect and see how we can partner.

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The Manhattan U.S. attorney has announced criminal and civil charges against the CEO of an apparel company.  It is alleged that the CEO has engaged in Customs Fraud.  The CEO is suspected of misrepresenting value of imported goods in an attempt to avoid paying lawfully owed customs duties.

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Our very own Laurie Arnold, Vice President Compliance for JAS Forwarding USA Inc. was a guest speaker at the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association of America, Government Affairs Conference in Washington DC on Sept 21. She spoke on the Customs Business Fairness Act HR 4816 bill that she as the NCBFAA Legislative Committee Chair has been championing to become permanent.  This bill would protect Customs Brokers from having to reach into their pocket and pay customs duties to the court for redistribution due to the 90-day claw back bankruptcy law.  The customs broker would have collected that customs duty from the importer and already paid it to US Customs. If the importer files bankruptcy the broker must pay that money back if in the 90-day period but US Customs would keep the funds already paid.

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On September 20, 2021, the Department of Commerce (Commerce) published new regulations and modifications to existing regulations related to its administration and enforcement of the antidumping duty (AD) and countervailing duty (CV) laws. These regulations apply to various aspects of AD/CVD proceedings, including the deadlines for industry comments pertaining to AD/CVD petitions, new shipper reviews, scope inquiries and rulings, circumvention inquiries and determinations, covered merchandise referrals from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), certification requirements to establish whether merchandise is subject to an AD/CVD order, and importer reimbursement certifications filed with CBP.

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Free Trade Agreements are a great way to reduce costs through the reduction or elimination of duties on qualified items.  Free Trade Agreement items are often qualified for the agreement through numerous rules centered around the rules of origin.  Did you know that many finished goods may qualify for a free trade agreement even though it has material from countries that are not part of the agreement?  The rules of origin can be daunting but rewarding if applied effectively.  Check out the listing of free trade agreements in the US in the link below.  Need help?  Contact JAS Forwarding USA Inc. Compliance today!

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International Coffee Day is celebrated each year on October 1.  Coffee has been used for centuries and grows on multiple continents around the world.  Coffee imports into the US are subject to PGA (Partner Government Agencies).  PGA requirements are diverse and require expertise to navigate.  On International Coffee Day, reflect on the expertise required to bring that beautiful concoction of caffeinated bliss to our breakfast tables!

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ITAR Exemptions and How to Use Them

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

11:00 a.m. – noon Central Standard Time

REGISTER HERE