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Commerce initiates section 232 investigation into auto imports

By 2 Mins Read

On May 23, 2018, the Department of Commerce announced that, following a conversation with President Donald J. Trump,  Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross initiated an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended.  The investigation will determine whether imports of automobiles, including SUVs, vans and light trucks, and automotive parts into the United States threaten to impair the national security as defined in Section 232.  Secretary Ross sent a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis informing him of the investigation. The announcement said:

Russia – Updates on Russia’s proposed new counter-sanctions

By 5 Mins Read

The Russian government is preparing to introduce new counter-measures in response to US and EU sanctions.

Draft Bill on Russian Countermeasures

Last week the State Duma decided to amend Draft Bill No. 441399-7 “On Measures (Countermeasures) in Response to Unfriendly Actions of the USA and (or) other Foreign States” (“Draft on Countermeasures”).

As opposed to the initial version of the Draft on Countermeasures, the new version proposes the following five measures:

US – CBP will accept new GSP claims, and announces how to make retroactive GSP requests

By 2 Mins Read

On April 20, 2018, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published in the Federal Register a general notice, which advises importers that CBP will again accept claims for Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) duty-free treatment for merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse, for consumption and that CBP will process refunds on duties paid, without interest, on GSP-eligible merchandise that was entered during the period that the GSP program was lapsed.

US – ITC launches new investigation on certain modifications to the U.S.-Korea FTA

By 2 Mins Read

On April 12, 2018, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) announced that it is seeking input on a new investigation concerning proposed modifications to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA) regarding the staging of customs duties for certain motor vehicles (provided for in subheadings 8704.21.00, 8704.22.50, 8704.23.00, 8704.31.00, 8704.32.00, and 8704.90.00 of the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule). The announcement stated:

Join us May 15, 2018 in Seattle – The Ever-Changing International Trade Landscape

By 1 Min Read

We are pleased to invite you to our second annual Global Trade Conference in Bellevue, WA. The conference will be held on Tuesday, May 15 at The Bellevue Club. Our international trade compliance lawyers from around the world will review the major trade developments impacting international trade, including President Trump’s trade agenda, NAFTA negotiations, export controls and trade sanctions, as well as specific developments in the EU, Russia and China. The full agenda for the…

US – APHIS makes import guidance for wood and wood products easier to find and understand

By 2 Mins Read

On December 14, 2017, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced publication of the revised Wood and Wood Products section of the Miscellaneous and Processed Product Manual (MPPM).  This major update does not change APHIS’ import requirements for wood and wood products; it simply makes them easier to find and understand, according to APHIS. Specific changes include:

US – Commerce, DHS sign e-commerce MOA

By 2 Mins Read

On October 19, 2017, the Commerce Department announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the two agencies to work together to facilitate international e-commerce and strengthen enforcement of U.S. customs laws. The announcement said the fast-changing e-commerce trade environment requires collaboration on policies and programs to help U.S. businesses compete in international markets.

US – CBP issues guidance on merchandise imported for relief efforts of Hurricane Harvey

By 4 Mins Read

CSMS# 17-000531 (September 1, 2017) provide information on the processing of merchandise imported for relief efforts of Hurricane Harvey, both for gifts accepted by FEMA via the international assistance system (IAS) concept of operation (CONOPS), and those being imported by U.S. charities (or other private entities) to assist with disaster relief.