An announcement was published on July 29, 2020 that user fees within the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) will take place effective October 1, 2020.  The minimum merchandise processing fee will change from $26.79 to $27.23 and the maximum will change from $519.76 to $528.33.  The ad valorem rate of 0.3464% will not change.  Additional user fees are also increasing.

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The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has announced that 14 products from the Section 301 exclusion list scheduled to expire July 31st will continue to be excluded through December 31, 2020.  Additionally, there are other products on the list that expired on July 31st.  Comments are currently being accepted for three sets of exclusions that are scheduled to expire October 2, 2020.  Comments can be submitted by clicking HERE

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On July 14, 2020, the President signed an Executive Order that requires Hong Kong to be treated as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA).  Hong Kong is now considered to be included in the entry for China under section 126.1(d)(1) of the ITAR and therefore subject to a policy of denial for all transfers subject to the ITAR.  The U.S. government is taking this action because the Chinese Communist Party has fundamentally undermined Hong Kong’s autonomy and thereby increased the risk that sensitive U.S. items will be illegally diverted to the PRC.

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The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced new tariffs in response to the French digital services tax. The tariffs of 25 percent on $1.3 billion worth of trade could go into effect until January 6, 2021. The tariffs would apply to several make-up products, handbags, and assorted soaps.

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Free Lunch for Truck Drivers Initiative in Virginia

Acts of kindness are contagious!!  After seeing a similar initiative to feed truckers in Atlanta the broker’s association in Virginia decided to follow through with a similar initiative!  CBIFFA (organization Customs Brokerage and International Freight Forwarding of Virginia) led by JAS Compliance USA Team Member Tiffany Coffey provided 100 free lunch boxes, water, and snacks to truck drivers.  It was their way of saying thank you to drivers for being on the front-line servicing logistics needs in the middle of a pandemic!  Way to go Tiffany and the CBIFFA team in Virginia!

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Entry Type 86 is a fairly new entry type intended to help Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manage the flow of goods by creating greater visibility for low-value shipments entering the U.S. while improving border protection, import security, and safety. As of September 2019, imports to the U.S. with a de minimus value of less than $800 can be classified under type 86.  Do you have questions about how or when this entry type can be used?  Please see the list of FAQ’s on Customs website regarding entry type 86.

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Now is the time of year that parents start gearing up for kids to go back to school!  This year is different as we continue to adjust to the new norm during an ongoing pandemic.  Are your children returning to the classroom?  Are they converting to virtual learning modules?  No matter which direction of learning that your children will participate in this year, here is a guideline for the CDC to help keep our children healthy and safe as we approach the school year!

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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

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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

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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