The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against work gloves manufactured a Chinese company and its subsidiaries, based on evidence suggesting the use of convict labor. This action is part of the U.S. government's efforts to combat forced labor globally. With nearly 28 million workers suffering under such conditions worldwide, WROs are a means to deter companies from exploiting labor and to protect vulnerable populations. By enforcing laws prohibiting the importation of goods produced by forced labor, CBP aims to safeguard American workers, businesses, and consumers. Currently overseeing and enforcing numerous WROs and Findings, CBP emphasizes its commitment to eliminating forced labor from U.S. supply chains and encourages reporting of suspected violations.

‍

The National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) headquartered in Washington, DC metro area, represents many companies in international trade, including the nations’ leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents.  NCBFAA is at the forefront of trade related topics in Washington DC and around the United States.  The NCBFAA members handle 97% of the entries for goods imported into the United States.  Further, members operating as OTIs are involved with approximately 80-85% of all exports from the United States.

Laurie Arnold has served as the Treasurer for the NCBFAA and was recently elected as the new Secretary of the NCBFAA.  Seen on the far left in this photo, Laurie is contributing on a panel discussing “Liquidated damages, penalties, and other CBP fan mail.”  Also on the panel was US Customs FP&F Director Lisa Santana Fox.  She discussed the new Customs portal for mitigation request submissions.  Laurie helped facilitate constructive discussion with the membership on the process and timelines of mitigation requests.

Leah Ellis serves as the NCBFAA Legislative Committee Chair.  In this capacity, Leah works closely with the legislative committee advisor for the NCBFAA.  The NCBFAA Legislative Committee works with legislators in Washington to advance positions of the trade community.  Seen on the left in this photo, Leah was discussing Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) bill HR4986 and the end China de minimis bill HR7979.  The panel also discussed and answered questions pertaining to the passing and signing of the Customs Business Fairness Act.

‍

JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc.’s Compliance Project Manager, Scott Cassell, spent some time in Texas in the month of April facilitating Incoterms training on behalf of clients and was also invited to speak at the ATX Trade Compliance Round Table Luncheon in Austin, TX.  The event was attended by numerous trade professionals from Austin and the surrounding area.

‍