Updated guidance for processing approved Section 232 product exclusions was announced on February 7, 2023 via CSMS message 55014059.  

CBP now directly processes approved Section 232 exclusions based on weekly lists provided by DOC. CBP activates approved product exclusion IDs in ACE on a weekly basis.  

Importers can check CBP.gov every Friday, to determine if a Section 232 approved product exclusions is active in ACE. The posting can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/document/publications/active-section-232-product-exclusions-ace.

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Polyvinyl chloride, which is one of the most widely produced synthetic plastics, is used in a wide variety of applications including doors, windows and even flooring.  PVC may be a new target for CBP in the Forced Labor arena.  Sandler Travis & Rosenberg’s article shares a little more on this topic.  To check it out click on the link below.

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CBP “participated” in the big game.  CBP’s efforts include the security screening of all vehicles entering and working in the stadium in advance of Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, AZ.  CBP is often called to help with events of this magnitude.  

CBP Officers are trained to look for things that are out of place or not quite right.  Officers use specific questions and tactics to determine if anything is not normal.

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The US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, released a statement regarding Mexico’s resolution aimed at prohibiting imports of merchandise produced with forced labor.  

“With this resolution, Mexico has taken an important step toward joining the United States and Canada in prohibiting the importation of goods produced with forced labor.   In light of this progress, the United States, Canada, and Mexico will work more closely together to eliminate forced labor from global supply chains and tackle transshipment, leveling the playing field for North American workers while protecting the most vulnerable workers around the world,” said Katherine Tai, US Trade Representative.

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A civil lawsuit was filed and settled against a US based vitamin corporation that imports and sells nutritional supplements from China.  The settlement resolves claims that the importer was defrauding the US by misclassifying products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule in order to avoid paying duties.  This resulted in the the U.S. Attorney announcement of a $22.8 million settlement.  To read more check out the link below.

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Technically, pickles are fruit.  They are made from cucumbers which are commonly seen as vegetables; however, they are a seed containing fruit of the cucumber plant.  But what’s kind of a big “dill” is that the lucky pickles are classified correctly for importing and exporting purposes!  Pickles are to be classified in heading chapter 2001 which provides for other vegetables, fruit, prepared or preserved by vinegar or acetic acid!  Happy St Patrick’s Day!!

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