JAS USA COMPLIANCE

News & Insights from JAS Worldwide Compliance

JAS Forwarding (USA), Inc.

6165 Barfield Road
Atlanta GA, 30328
United States
Tel: +1 (770)688-1206
Fax: +1 (770)688-1229

COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS

JAS USA Compliance Insights

Webinars & Events

JAS USA Compliance Insights on the Impact of COVID-19

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CIFIUS New Penalty Guidlines, National Risk Factors and More

December 7, 2022

2:00 PM ET - 2:30 PM ET

0.5 CCS Credit

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G-TEC

On August 1st and 2nd, 2022, the NCBFAA National Educational Institute will host the annual Global Trade Educational Conference (G-TEC) in Chicago. The conference is open to all importers and exporters, and will have sessions on many different topics featuring subject matter experts and prominent leaders in the industry. Topics include CTPAT, Binding rulings, export sanctions, trade remedies, forced labor prevention, tips on managing remote work, and many more. This event is a great opportunity for importers and exporters to learn more about compliance and improve the effectiveness of their due diligence. and provide due diligence. NCBFAA members that register will have access to member pricing and earn 14 CCS/CES credits. This event is also a great opportunity to network with others in the global trade industry.

Registration and Further Information
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CBP’s Office of Trade Relations are hosting webinars during the first few weeks of June.

CBP’s Office of Trade Relations are hosting webinars during the first few weeks of June. These webinars will provide an overview of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), as well as strategies on implementation of the act before it goes into effect on June 21st.

The UFLPA establishes a rebuttable presumption that the importation of any goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, or produced by certain entities, is prohibited by Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and that such goods are not entitled to entry to the United States.

CBP is also urging all importers to do their due diligence and review their supply chains to ensure their goods are not being produced with forced labor before UFLPA is implemented.

  • Wednesday, June 1, 2022, 10:00 –11:00 a.m. EDT
  • Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 1:00 – 2:00p.m. EDT
  • Thursday, June 16, 2022, 2:00 –3:00 p.m. EDT
There are 3 webinars scheduled, follow to register
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CBP Risk Analysis and Survey Assessment – The CBP Audit Transformation

May 10th, 2022
2:00 PM ET - 3:00 PM ET
1 CCS Credit

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First Sale Valuation and Reducing Section 301 Tariffs

February 10, 2022

2:00 PM ET- 3:00 PM ET

Sandler Travis & Rosenberg

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New Product Classifications Under HTSUS 2022

January 11, 2022

2:00 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET

Sandler Travis & Rosenberg

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Customs Audits 101: What to Expect

December 7, 2021

2:00 PM ET- 3:00 PM ET

1 CCS Credit

Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg

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Apparel Classification Series: Everything but Knit Tops- Sandler Travis & Rosenburg

November 2, 2021

2:00 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET

1.5 CCS Credits

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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

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Encryption Controls Seminar

Date:  August 11-12, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The Encryption Controls virtual seminar is an in-depth session that will focus on the unique provisions related to encryption under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).  Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) licensing officers will provide a comprehensive overview of controls on encryption in the EAR, including what items are and are not controlled in Category 5 Part 2, License Exception ENC and mass market provisions (740.17), encryption classification and licensing, deemed exports, and rules regarding foreign product development using U.S. origin encryption parts and components.  The program will allow for live Q&A, provide detailed electronic reference materials for ongoing use, and allow attendees the opportunity to view recordings of the sessions for a limited period following the seminar.

2021 Virtual Update Conference on Export Controls & Policy

Date: September 2, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is preparing for its annual Update Conference on Export Controls. This major outreach activity draws business and government representatives from around the world to learn and exchange ideas about export control issues. It is one of the Department’s most notable international trade events.

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Re-Export Under the EAR

Date:  July 28, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will offer a virtual seminar entitled Reexports under the EAR.  The seminar will explain how to determine if items made outside the United States are subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by using the Foreign Direct Product (FDP) rules, including the new Entity List related FDP, and the De minimis rules.  They will also discuss how to apply for a reexport license, common license exceptions used to reexport, and compliance tips.

Register Here

2021 Virtual Update Conference on Export Controls & Policy

Date: September 2, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is preparing for its annual Update Conference on Export Controls. This major outreach activity draws business and government representatives from around the world to learn and exchange ideas about export control issues. It is one of the Department’s most notable international trade events.

Register Here

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Fabrics for Specialized Uses

Date: June 21, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

This webinar hosted by Customs & Border Protection will cover information as it relates to importing fabrics of specialized uses.

SIA 2021 Virtual Summer Back to Basics Conference

Date:  July 12-16, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

This five-session conference will provide attendees with the important first step to exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This webinar is deal for newcomers (less than 5 years of experience) to exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Attendees will become familiar with the various types of licenses, agreements, exemptions and exceptions and the requirements and conditions associated with each.

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SIA 2021 Spring Virtual Advanced Conference

Date:  May 17-19, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

This is a three-day VIRTUAL advanced level forum focusing on the processes and procedures relating to export controls and compliance.  Agenda topics will address a variety of advanced issues of concern to the international trade community in a more intimate setting with attendees from industry, government, and other international trade specialists.


Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date: June 8-11, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The two-day program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

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POSTPONED - 2022 CBP Trade Symposium

Date: July 20-21, 2021

Location: Anaheim, CA

CBP announced the announced a date change from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020.  It was rescheduled to be held in March 2021 and has now scheduled to be held July 2021.    

Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date: April 28-29, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The two-day program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

Register Here

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Partnering for Compliance Conference

Date:  March 9-11, 2021

Location:  Webinar

This collegial and interactive conference will focus on a broad spectrum of export regulatory & compliance matters of current relevance.  Senior-level government and trade speakers will provide solid & recent updates on US initiatives & policies regarding export control licensing/enforcement.

Register Here

POSTPONED!  2021 CBP Trade Symposium

Date:  July 20-21, 2021

Location: Anaheim, CA

CBP announced the announced a date change from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020.  It was rescheduled to be held in March 2021 and has now scheduled to be held July 2021.

Register Here

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Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date:  March 2-5, 2021

Location:  Webinar

The two-online workshop is led by BIS's professional counselling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).  The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

2021 CBP Trade Symposium

Date:  March 23-24, 2021

Location: Anaheim, CA

CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020.  Save the date!

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U.S. Customs Broker Exam Course

Date:  January 19, 2021 – April 6, 2021

Location:  WEBINAR SERIES

The Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (LACBFFA) is offering a 12-week-in depth VIRTUAL course for the U.S. Customs Broker exam that will cover various exam topics and review items.

2021 CBP Trade Symposium

Date:  March 23-24, 2021

Location: Anaheim, CA

CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020.  Save the date!

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Back to Basics Conference

Date:  February 22 - 26, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The sessions will provide attendees with the important first step to exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This webinar is ideal for newcomers (less than 5 years of experience) to exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Attendees will become familiar with the various types of licenses, agreements, exemptions and exceptions and the requirements and conditions associated with each.

Register Here

2020 CBP Trade Symposium - Rescheduled

Date:  March 23-24, 2021

Location: Anaheim, CA

CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020.  Save the date!

Register Here

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Back to Basics Conference

Date:  February 22 - 26, 2021

Location:  VIRTUAL

The sessions will provide attendees with the important first step to exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This webinar is ideal for newcomers (less than 5 years of experience) to exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Attendees will become familiar with the various types of licenses, agreements, exemptions and exceptions and the requirements and conditions associated with each.

Register Here

2020 CBP Trade Symposium - Rescheduled

Date:  March 23-24, 2021

Location: Anaheim, CA

CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020.  Save the date!

Register Here

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Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date:  October 20-23, 2020

Location:  VIRTUAL

This two-day virtual program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

Register Here

ITAR/EAR Controls for Non-US Companies

Date:  November 16-17, 2020

Location: VIRTUAL

EAR and ITAR regulations are extra-territorial and apply to companies and organizations outside of the United States. Non-compliance can result in serious fines and penalties - even the loss of U.S. Government contracts and the ability to receive U.S. items. Instructors Suzanne Palmer (ECS) and Marc Binder (ITC Strategies) give comprehensive instruction on how the rules apply outside the U.S. and detail best practices for staying in compliance.

Register Here

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Webinars & Events
September 1, 2020

WESCCON

Date:  October 1-4, 2020

Location: VIRTUAL

This conference offers opportunity to meet people in the global logistics industry. It will consist of panels, roundtable discussions and town hall meetings on relevant topics to keep you informed on the latest industry issues and trends.

Register Here

Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date:  October 20-23, 2020

Location:  VIRTUAL

This two-day virtual program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

Register Here

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Encryption Controls Virtual Seminar

Date:  August 25-26th, 2020

Location:  VIRTUAL

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will provide a comprehensive overview of controls on Compencryption in the EAR.  The program will include a live Q&A, provide detailed electronic reference materials for ongoing use, and allow attendees the opportunity to view recordings of the sessions for a limited period following the seminar.

Register Here

Complying with U.S. Export Controls

Date:  September 9-10, 2020

Location:  VIRTUAL

This two-day virtual program is led by BIS's professional counseling staff and provides an in-depth examination of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The program will cover the information exporters need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on commercial goods.

Register Here

WESCCON

Date:  October 1-4, 2020

Location: VIRTUAL

This conference offers opportunity to meet people in the global logistics industry. It will consist of panels, roundtable discussions and town hall meetings on relevant topics to keep you informed on the latest industry issues and trends.

Register Here

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GTEC 2020

The Show Must Go On(line)!!!  

Date:  August 3-4th, 2020

Location:  VIRTUAL

The NCBFAA Educational Institute invites all global logistics professionals to its 6th Annual Global Trade Educational Conference (G·TEC). This two-day event will be held online and  that will give customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, OTI, service providers, importers, exporters and all global logistics professionals an opportunity to update themselves on industry developments and connect with colleagues new and old.

REGISTER HERE

WESCCON

Date:  October 1-4, 2020

Location: VIRTUAL

This conference offers opportunity to meet people in the global logistics industry. It will consist of panels, roundtable discussions and town hall meetings on relevant topics to keep you informed on the latest industry issues and trends.  

REGISTER HERE

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Customs Broker Exam Virtual Prep Course

Date:  July 27, 2020 – September 24, 2020

Location:  Virtual

This course will prepare attendees to take the customs broker examination. The course will cover topics including broker regulations, entry, classification, valuation, free trade agreements, antidumping/countervailing duty, fines, penalties and forfeitures, bonds, country of origin marking, liquidation, search and seizure, intellectual property, and other topics covered on the exam.

READ MORE

GTEC 2020

The Show Must Go On(line)!!!

Date:  August 3-4th, 2020

Location:  Virtual

The NCBFAA Educational Institute invites all global logistics professionals to its 6th Annual Global Trade Educational Conference (G·TEC). This two-day event will be held online and  that will give customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, OTI, service providers, importers, exporters and all global logistics professionals an opportunity to update themselves on industry developments and connect with colleagues new and old.

READ MORE

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Episode 1 The CBP Office of Trade Control, together with Santa’s Workshop

Episode 1 The CBP Office of Trade Control has joined together with Santa’s Workshop for an exiting new Series, CBP Trade Special Operation North pole. Check out the investigation and learn more about how all goods, even those from Santa’s Workshop, need to adhere to U.S. trade laws.

Holiday Lights

Did you know that more than 60% of the world's holiday accessories such as lights, come from China, not the North Pole as one might think. We of course know that these lights have to clear U.S. Customs & Border Protection, but did you know that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is also watching?

Indoors or outside, use only lights that have been tested for safety by a recognized testing laboratory, such as UL or ETL which indicates conformance with safety standards. Use only lights that have plugs containing fuses.

  • Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same wattage bulbs.
  • If using an extension cord, make sure the extension cord is rated for the intended use.
  • Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
  • Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
  • Stay away from power or feeder lines leading from utility poles into older homes.
  • Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or, run strings of lights through hooks (available at hardware stores).
  • Turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house. The lights could short out and start a fire.
  • Use caution when removing outdoor holiday lights. Never pull or tug on lights – they could unravel and inadvertently wrap around power lines.
  • Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs). Portable outdoor GFCIs can be purchased where electrical supplies are sold. GFCIs can be installed permanently to household circuits by a qualified electrician.
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CIFIUS New Penalty Guidlines, National Risk Factors and More

December 7, 2022

2:00 PM ET - 2:30 PM ET

0.5 CCS Credit

TSA Joined Forces with AIFBA

On Oct 18th,  TSA joined forces with Atlanta International Forwarders & Brokers Association (AIFBA) to put together a much needed “Aviation Air Cargo Industry” Day in Morrow GA.  The line-up of speakers included officials from CBP, TSA, FAA, BIS and more. This sold-out event included attendees ranging from Forwarders, Brokers, Truckers, Airlines, Screening Facilities, Canine companies and more. With over 30 GOV officials in the room, attendees were able to easily connect and get much needed answers to numerous industry concerns regarding today’s air cargo sector. As a first-time event, it was a huge success and will likely become an annual affair.  As a sponsor, JAS Forwarding’s Sommer Sampson (TSA Program Manager/IACSC) spearheaded this event along with ATL Brokers Association, Local ATL TSA, and various other sponsors.

Food and Drug Administration renewal

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Food Facility Registration Renewal is from Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2022. All food facilities must submit a timely renewal. Failure to do so will cause product to be denied entry into the U.S.

Importantly, a DUNS number for the food facility location must be provided as part of the FDA renewal (a DUNS number for the corporate headquarters is not sufficient!). In the past, FDA has been flexible, allowing the use of “pending” if a DUNS’ number could not be obtained. FDA will no longer offer such flexibility.

As of October 1, the FDA will open its portal where food facilities must renew their food facility registrations. The window for renewal will run until December 31. All food facilities in your supply chains must submit a timely renewal. Failure to do so will cause product to be denied entry into the U.S.

This time, every registrant must have a DUNS number associated with the physical location of the food facility (a DUNS number for the corporate headquarters is not sufficient!). The FDA will no longer accept the use of “pending” in lieu of a valid DUNS number.  

A special warning: the name and contact information on the FDA food facility registration must exactly match the DUNS number contact information. If not, the registration may be cancelled. For example, if the FDA registration identifies “ABC Manufacturing” at “123 Main Street,” while the DUNS number info is listed as “ABC Manufacturing LLC” at 123 Main St.,” the registration will be denied. The two must be an exact match in every way.

TTB Publishes Temporary Regulations to Implement CBMA Import Refunds

The Craft Beverage Modernization Act (CBMA) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) provide for reduced rates or tax credits for certain quantities of beer, wine and distilled spirits produced in or imported into the U.S.  Recent changes have transferred the responsibility for administering the CBMA tax benefits from U.S. Customs to the Alcohol, Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau (TTB)  The changes begin with products entered for consumption in the U.S. on or after January 1, 2023.

Accordingly, TTB is publishing a temporary rule implementing these provisions and providing procedures for foreign producers and importers.  TTB is also publishing a notice of proposed rule making to obtain comments on the provisions in the temporary rule.  Comments are due by November 22, 2022.

Did You Know?

Did you ever wonder why Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thanksgiving of the month? Thanksgiving hasn't always been on the fourth Thursday in November. FDR in 1939 moved the holiday up by a week to help boost retail sales during the Depression. For the next 2 years, Roosevelt repeated the unpopular proclamation but admitted on November 26, 1941, he made a mistake and signed a bill into law to officially make the fourth Thursday of November the national holiday of Thanksgiving Day.

Pictured L-R: Joshua Foster-DFW Transportation Security Inspector (TSI), Brad Foster-DFW TSI, Nicholas Rubin-GK9 handler, James Bates-DFW TSI, Margaret Christian-JAS Corporate TSA Alternate Security Coordinator, Sommer Sampson-JAS Corporate TSA Primary Security Coordinator, Michael Scholz-DFW Gateway Manager, Jeanette Dilone-DFW Export Manager

Over the past few months, Sommer Sampson (TSA IACSC) & Margaret Christian (TSA A-IACSC) have been traveling to help implement additional screening facilities to new and current JAS locations.  

Air cargo screening demands continue to be on the rise since the ICAO 100% Screening Mandate of all outbound Air Cargo in 2021.  To enhance customer demands, JAS TSA Compliance successfully rolled out 3 new Certified Cargo Screening Facilities (CCSF’s), with 2 more additional openings being planned for the near future.  These new facilities (located in Houston, Chicago, and Los Angeles) will add flexibility and increased options for our customers during the ever-increasing challenges that the industry continues to navigate. JAS longtime partner, Global K9 Protection Group (GK9PG) helps to make this happen by using canine as the primary screening method. JAS is also one of the few Indirect Air Carriers (IACs) approved to accept and handle Impracticable to Screen (ITS) cargo, giving us even more flexibility in our offerings to customers.

While heightened screening demands continue to challenge the industry, JAS is confident and ready due to our (now) 8 CCSF locations, multiple methods of screening, and years of experience in the Certified Cargo Screening Program (CCSP).  If you would like to learn more please contact compliance@jas.com

Laurie Arnold (VP Compliance), and Leah Ellis (Compliance Operations Manager) posing with their awards

From September 18th-20th, Laurie Arnold, VP Compliance and Leah Ellis, Compliance Operations Manager, attended NCBFAA’s annual Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, DC. There they met with several Congressional members to discuss international trade industry issues. They also worked on the Seafood Import Monitoring Program bill (SIMP), the Customs Business Fairness Act and the new Customs Modernization Update. Laurie and Leah also received awards for their hard work and dedication for their past year’s efforts as the legislative and PAC committee chairs.

Reviewing Section 301

In May of this year, the USTR notified representatives of domestic industries that benefit from the Section 301 Tariffs that the tariffs were set to expire, but the statute allows for comments on the continuation of the tariffs. On September 2nd, USTR announced that due to the requests for continuation, the Section 301 tariffs will not expire as scheduled. Moving forward, USTR will perform a review of the tariff actions and release further information to the public on the next steps for the four-year review.

Correction under magnifying glass

In a recent update, CBP has clarified the information sent in CSMS # 52984467 regarding courtesy copies of certain CBP forms, which was announced in our previous newsletter (read the original here). This correction states the filer will receive a courtesy copy of all forms in which they are the filer regardless if the importer has an ACE account or not.

Festive Jack-'O-Lanterns on a window sill

Trick-or-Treat! Here are some fun facts to share with the family while you hunt for the best pumpkin in the patch.

• Halloween is the second largest commercial holiday in the US, right under Christmas.

• Americans are expected to spend over $3 billion on costumes for Halloween in 2022.

• Another $3 billion will be spent on candy alone

• Think you can carve fast? The fastest pumpkin carving of a complete Jack O’ Lantern face according to Guinness World Records is 16.47 seconds. Beat that!

• The average pumpkin has about 500 seeds.

• Pumpkin seeds make a terrific snack! Click the button below for a simple toasted pumpkin seeds recipe that you can make with your family!

update

CBP recently updated the ACE portal system on how CBP Forms 28, 29, and 4647 are provided to importers. ACE Forms Modernization Application, which is designed to send these forms to the importer via the ACE portal. CBP is working to ensure that importers without ACE portal accounts will still receive these forms via email to the customs broker.

If you would like to receive these via your ACE portal: 

• Both the importer account and the broker account have enabled the “Portal” setting in the “Mode of Communication” portlet.

• The importer has added all Importer of Record numbers to their top account record in the ACE Portal.

cobra customs user fees update

On August 25th, some Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) customs user fees and limitations were adjusted. The following changes will be applied to imports starting October 1st, 2022:

  • Formal MPF (499) limits changed. Minimum: $29.66 / Maximum: $575.35;
  • Informal MPF (311) changed to $2.37;
  • Dutiable Mail Fee (496) changed to $6.52;
  • Surcharge for Manual Entry or Release (500) changed to $3.56.

customs border protection

Trade highlights from CBP’s recent updates for Fiscal Year 2022 going through June 30th:

  • Processed 29.4 million entry summaries valued at $2.5 trillion
  • Collected $82.4 billion in duties, taxes, and fees
  • Issued 5 withhold release orders (WROs)
  • Detained 2,010 shipments worth $357.8 million related to WROs
  • Seized 15,834 shipments related to intellectual property rights violations

forced labor ctpat update

CBP has announced new requirements related to forced labor for the CTPAT program that will affect all current and future participants in the program. Six requirements have been changed from “should” to “must” within the minimum security criteria requirements to be a CTPAT partner: Risk-based mapping, due diligence and training, evidence of implementation, code of conduct, remediation, and shared best practices. CTPAT members must meet these new requirements to be accepted as a partner, and current CTPAT partners will have until August 1st 2023 to implement the new rules. Trade and Compliance experts have raised concerns that implementation of these new rules may result in higher costs for participating members.

L-R Laurie Arnold, Amy Magnus Sr. Counsel, JD Gonzales, President NCBFAA and Victoria Lane, VP NCBFAA

Recently, Laurie Arnold, JAS VP Compliance and the Treasurer for NCBFAA, attended the 8th annual NEI Global Trade Educational Conference (GTEC). The event took place at the historic InterContinential Chicago Magnificent Mile hotel, hosted by the NCBFAA Educational Institute (NEI). Laurie attended presentations on many different subjects, including forced labor, 301 tariffs, CBP updates, binding rulings, and trade remedies. The event had many networking opportunities to connect with other members in the industry. The NEI offers multiple learning and educational opportunities. If you would like to learn more about these types of events, you can subscribe to NEI news and updates from the NCBFAA site.

colorful leaves

It’s that time of year again. Fall is almost upon us! Fall officially starts September 22nd on the Autumnal Equinox. After months of record-breaking heat, we can finally start to wear long sleeves again, sip some warm coffee, relax, and watch the leaves change. Have you ever wondered why the leaves change? Many think it has to do with the cooling weather, but this is not the case. The beautiful red, yellow, and orange coloring we see in leaves are the result of the tree receiving less sunlight! Every leaf has a chemical inside called chlorophyll, which allows the leaf to absorb sunlight and gives them their signature green color. As the days get shorter, chemical changes take place that causes the base of the leaf to form a corklike wall where it meets the tree branch. This wall seals off the leaf from the rest of the tree, cutting off the supply of nutrients going to the leaves from the tree. The lack of nutrients and less daylight cause the chlorophyll to break down. The green color from the chlorophyll fades, and the other pigments within the leaf begin to make an appearance. Whether the leaf turns red, yellow, orange, or tan all depends on the other chemicals and pigments within the leaf.

Be sure to share these facts with your friends and family, and have a wonderful Autumn!

Department Of Commerce Initiates Circumvention Inquiry on Chinese Aluminum Foil

The Department of Commerce (DOC) has initiated an inquiry to establish whether imports of completed aluminum foil products from Korea and Thailand that use Chinese-manufactured aluminum inputs are circumventing antidumping and countervailing duties on those goods. These duties apply specifically to aluminum foil “having a thickness of 0.2 mm or less, in reels exceeding 25 pounds, regardless of width,” that was manufactured in China. The DOC will be contacting certain companies in Korea and Thailand to analyze their production and supply chain and make a decision based on their review. 

US – Kenya Trade Partnership In Development

The United States and Kenya recently began talks to develop a stronger trade partnership and to help drive economic growth. Kenya is already a part of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows them duty-free access to certain goods in the US market. The US Trade Representative and the Kenyan Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary plan to continue meeting and develop a roadmap for enhanced cooperation between the two countries. The main points they are looking to collaborate upon include anti-corruption practices, environmental protection, digital trading, and the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises that help sustain economic growth. They are set to begin work on these projects within the next few months. 

Section 301 actions must undergo a review every 4 years

According to the Trade Act, Section 301 actions must undergo a review every 4 years to ensure that those tariffs are still necessary and effective. During the review process, USTR will take comments and requests for continuance from members of the industry via the online portal on the USTR website.

List 1 was originally set to expire on July 6th but is still currently in effect, though no announcement has been made about its continuation yet. The 60-day period to request continuation for List 2 is open until August 22, 2022.  List 3 is scheduled to expire this September, and List 4A is set for September 2023, and both will have their own respective opportunities to submit requests for continuance. 

Back to School tidbits

This August, students will begin returning to classes for the 2022-2023 school year. Let's look at some interesting facts about schooling in the US to get those brains back in action!

  • Over 50 million students will be attending public schools in 2022.
  • There are nearly 98,000 public schools in the US. 
  • About 10% of students will attend private schools.
  • Back-to-school costs for 2022 are expected to average about $864 per family.
  • On average, schools spend over $13,000 per student annually. 
Temporary Suspension of Tariffs on Solar Panels from Southeast Asia Authorized

Recently, the US has been experiencing a shortage of solar energy modules, and energy producers have not been able to keep up with demand for clean energy alternatives. On June 6th, the current administration declared “an emergency to exist with respect to the threats to the availability of sufficient electricity generation capacity to meet expected customer demand.” This emergency declaration allows for solar panels originating from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to be imported to the US duty-free for the next 24 months, at the discretion of the Secretaries of Commerce, Treasury, and Homeland Security.

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