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The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) previously announced a process to obtain product exclusions from the additional tariffs in effect on certain products imported from China under the U.S. response to China’s unfair trade practices. The USTR recently announced that it is still in the process of posting exclusion requests due to the high volume of submissions. As of the date of this report, 815 exclusion requests have been denied and none have been granted.
On November 20th, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the border crossing of Nogales are credited for saving the life of a U.S. infant. Officers at the Dennis DeConcini Crossing assisted a 41-year-old woman who was attempting to re-enter the U.S. from Mexico. As the Arizona woman crossed through a SENTRI lane, she was calling for agents to help with her two-month-old son who was not breathing and possibly choking. Agents quickly closed the lane and began to assist with the baby. The CBP officer quickly began to perform infant CPR. Once the baby regained consciousness and began to breathe on his own, he was handed back to his mother. The woman drove the baby on her own to the local hospital without further incident. What a happy ending for all and a special thank you to our CBP Heroes that control our borders!
The U.S. Mexico-Canadian Agreement (USMCA) is scheduled to be signed on November 30th at the G20 summit in Buenos Aries, Argentina. Before reaching the signing ceremony, the new USMCA deal must be ratified by the legislatures of the three countries. With such a short window of time before the scheduled signing ceremony, many obstacles remain in the way. However, it has been confirmed that all three countries will sign the agreement. The USMCA will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
In September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Act is effective for over 1600 products entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after Oct. 13 and will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2020. Additionally, according to CBP approximately half of these items are subject to the China 301 additional tariff. CBP states that while such products can benefit from the Miscellaneous Trade Bill, they remain subject to the 25% duty imposed from the Section 301 additional tariff requirement.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced that it will hold a hearing Nov. 29 in its reviews of whether various countries are meeting the eligibility criteria of the Generalized System of Preferences. USTR is currently evaluating whether:
Interested parties can submit comments, pre-hearing briefs, and requests to appear at the hearing to the USTR until 12:00 a.m. on Nov. 13, 2018.
On October 16, the Trump administration formally notified Congress that it intends to negotiate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will next consult with Congress and gather public input on the direction, focus, and content of these agreements as part of a process set forth under the Trade Promotion Authority law (TPA) to ensure that any final agreements receive expedited consideration by lawmakers. Negotiations will begin no earlier than Jan. 14, 2019, with the EU and Japan, and the United Kingdom after March 29, 2019.
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico announced Sept. 28 an agreement to modernize the 25-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. The agreement is now called, "The U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)" and is expected to be signed by Dec. 1 which could bring it up for congressional consideration in early 2019.
The White House announced that the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill became law on September 13th. The tariff rate reductions on nearly 1,700 items will take effect 30 days after the bill was signed. The reductions will last through the end of 2020. The International Trade Commission developed the list, and most of the items are intermediate goods, but some are consumer goods that are not produced in the U.S.
On August 1, an announcement was published regarding the adjustment of certain customs fees collected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection including its Merchandise Processing Fee. The adjusted amounts and their corresponding limitations set forth in the notice for Fiscal Year 2019 are effective as of October 1, 2018.
The USTR released the final list for the second tranche of Section 301 tariffs. This is the remaining tariffs from the list that was released on April 5th. These products will be subject to the additional duty rate of 25% from China. Please note that this is not to be confused with the list that contains approximately 6031 tariffs and is being reviewed in the announcement on August 1st. That is a completely separate list and is still in the review process for consideration of increasing the tariff to 25% instead of the initial announcement of 10%. CBP begin collection of an additional 25% duty on these goods effective August 23!
The Trump administration is reviewing Turkey's duty-free trade access to US markets under the Generalized System of Preferences after Turkey imposed retaliatory tariffs on $1.78 billion of US goods in response to American steel and aluminum tariffs. The review could affect $1.66 billion worth of Turkish imports into the United States that benefited from the GSP program last year, including motor vehicles and parts, jewelry, precious metals and stone products. The Office of the US Trade Representative said the review is being conducted due to concerns about Turkey's compliance with the program after it targeted only US goods and not those of other countries.
At a time when trade news is in the headlines almost daily, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Symposium, held in Atlanta, on August 14-15, drew a record number of attendees from near and far. More than 1,100 members of the trade community flocked to the event. The two-day event at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis opened with a conversation with CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan and Elizabeth Merritt (Managing Director of Cargo Services for Airlines for America). The commissioner spoke on a wide range of subjects including the new trade remedies. JAS Forwarding had two team members in attendance, Laurie Arnold and Leah Ellis.
When U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 48 counterfeit Cartier Love Bracelets on Monday at the Port of Philadelphia, they proved that true love isn't as cheap as some may hope.
CBP officers selected a shipment manifested as bracelets from Hong Kong. When the shipment was inspected for possible counterfeit merchandise, the officers found 31 Cartier Rose and Yellow Gold Bracelets and 17 Cartier White Gold Bracelets, all diamond paved. Due to the poor packaging and quality of the items, CBP officers detained the shipment for further evaluation.
The Government of Canada announced the final details of its surtax that is effective as of July 1, 2018. This is in response to the United States imposing a 25% tariff on imports of certain steel products, and a 10% tariff on imports of certain aluminum products, from Canada (US tariffs).
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released a list of products imported from China that will be subject to additional tariffs as part of the U.S. response to China's unfair trade practices related to the forced transfer of American technology and intellectual property. The list of products issues today covers 1102 U.S. Tariff lines at approximately $50 billion in 2018 trade values.
NEW RULE - China Customs Advanced Manifest Regulations (CCAM)
China Customs has released Order No. 56 to adjust the advanced manifest regulations for cargo imported into, exported from, or cargo transshipped via China effective June 1st.
The purpose of this regulation is to ensure that data is complete, accurate, and effective in the implementation of the security access and risk control mechanism.
The required data elements to be submitted via an advanced submission of the manifest to China Customs electronically 24 hours prior to loading for sea freight and 4 hours prior to departure for airfreight.
The Department of Commerce has self-initiated an investigation under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.
From the article:
"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," stated an article by the Department of Commerce. "This investigation will consider whether the decline of domestic automobile and automotive parts production threatens to weaken the internal economy of the United States, including by potentially reducing research, development, and jobs for skilled workers in connected vehicle systems, autonomous vehicles, fuel cells, electric motors and storage, advanced manufacturing processes, and other cutting-edge technologies."
On May 8, 2018, the President announced his decision to cease the United States’ participation in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and to begin re-imposing the U.S. nuclear-related sanctions that were lifted to effectuate the JCPOA sanctions relief. In conjunction with this announcement, the President issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM), directing the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare immediately for the re-imposition of all of the U.S. sanctions lifted or waived in connection with the JCPOA, to be accomplished as expeditiously as possible and in no case later than 180 days from the date of the NSPM.
In a Presidential Proclamation released on April 30, the White House extended an exemption that imposed additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. for several countries until June 1. On June 1, 2018, all countries of origin except Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and South Korea (exempt for steel only) will be subject to the additional duties of 25% on articles of steel and an additional 10% on articles of aluminum for goods entered or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption.
A petition was filed on April 17 that certain quartz surface products are being sold for less than fair value in the U.S. market and may be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing. The alleged dumping margins have an average of 455% that reveals that the China prices are far less than companies producing quartz surface products in market economy.
From the original article:
"The petitions will be investigated by the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission. If both agencies make affirmative determinations, preliminary relief from Chinese imports could be imposed in September 2018, with final duties imposed in June 2019."
As of Monday March 20, 2018 JAS Forwarding (USA) is now assisting CBP and TSA on its initiative to provide enhanced security for air cargo coming into the United States. The Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) initiative was created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to gather data concerning the parties and commodities involved in air cargo prior to its loading on an aircraft at a foreign port. The initiative is currently in the pilot phase allowing CBP to collaborate with the air cargo industry to determine the most effective means of achieving the desired regulatory results without affecting the speed of air cargo operations.
Effective January 10, 2018, U.S. exporters to Israel are no longer required to provide Israeli authorities a hard copy Certificate of Origin (commonly referred to as the “Green Form” or “Form A”). Instead, U.S. exporters are required to include a signed declaration on the invoice, delivery note, or on any other commercial document for export shipments.
In early March, the White House signed an order that imposes additional tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from all foreign countries with several countries exempt until April 30th. The stated reason supporting these safeguards is the “failure of countries to agree on measures to reduce global excess capacity and the continued high level of imports since the beginning of the year.”
In the case of steel, “steel articles” are subject to an additional 25% duty and in the case of aluminum, “aluminum articles” are subject to an additional 10% duty effective March 23, 2018. This is effective as of 12:01 am, eastern daylight time on March 23, 2018 for goods entered or withdrawn from a warehouse for consumption.
An amendment was made on March 23rd exempting several countries from the additional steel and aluminum tariffs through April 30th.
On March 22, 2018 the omnibus spending bill was passed in the House and Senate that includes provisions to renew the Generalized System of Preferences. The bill has also been signed by the President and will be back in effect by April 23, 2018. As part of the Omnibus spending bill, Congress has approved a three year extension of the GSP program (until December 31, 2020). The extension retroactively authorizes GSP claims back to January 1, 2018.
CBP announced on February 24, 2018 that the last big step in automating the import and export process within the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) has been completed. "This is a monumental milestone for CBP—over 15 years in the making—an electronic system that streamlines and automates all phases of cargo processing, including pre-arrival, arrival, post release, exports, and partner government agency (PGA) integration into what we call a 'single window,'" stated an article by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
ACE is and has been one of the most intricate and elaborate IT projects ever managed by the federal government. "CBP personnel developed over 5.3 million lines of code, automated 269 forms, input the regulations of more than 47 PGAs and added hundreds of thousands of users," stated CBP. Getting ACE implemented was not an easy feat for the customs brokers, but they pushed through and are proud of their accomplishment.
On February 11, 2025, the President issued a proclamation regarding the importation of steel and aluminum articles, increasing tariff rates to 25% from all countries. As part of that proclamation, it was announced that there would be expanded 25% tariffs to include key downstream products (derivatives) for both steel and aluminum. The Annex containing those products has been drafted and is expected to be officially published in the Federal Register on February 18, 2025.
Key Points:
• There are 167 new codes for steel downstream products (derivatives) subject to the 25% tariff referenced in this proclamation (covering 4 different chapters of the HTSUS).
• There are 123 new codes for aluminum downstream products (derivatives) subject to the 25% tariff referenced in this proclamation (covering 11 different chapters of the HTSUS).
To read the draft Federal Register, and access our Excel listing of HTS affected, click the links below:
On February 13, 2025, during a news conference, the President directed agencies to investigate plans for reciprocal tariffs. In attendance, Howard Lutnick, the Commerce Secretary nominee commented that the investigation will likely be completed by April 1 and that the President could act as soon as that investigation is complete.
Click below to read the full advisory.
In March 2019, JAS Forwarding Miami Branch was very pleased to have MSA Security on site for a live demo of their canine screening process. The 3PK9 Security Program allows airlines and freight forwarders to utilize private sector canine teams as a primary screening method. Essentially, reducing time and cost compared to other screening procedures.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will pull around 750 officers off ports of entry and redeploy them to process record numbers of migrant families entering the United States at the Mexico border, the head of the agency said on Wednesday.
The agency is also redirecting service personnel and expanding food, transportation and medical contracts to meet migrants' humanitarian needs while maintaining border security, CBP Commissioner Kevin McAleenan said at a news conference in El Paso, Texas.
"There will be impacts to traffic at the border. There will be a slowdown in the processing of trade," he said.
G-TEC 2019
Date: July 29-30, 2019
Location: New Orleans, LA
The NCBFAA Educational Institute invites all global logistics professionals to its Fifth Annual Global Trade Educational Conference (G·TEC). This two-day event in beautiful New Orleans, LA 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.
BIS Annual Update Conference 2019
Date: July 9-11, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
The Bureau of Industry and Security’s annual Update Export Control Policy Conference gives the exporting community the opportunity to learn first-hand from senior U.S. Government officials about current issues and trends in export control policies, regulations and practices. This major outreach activity draws business and government representatives from around the world to exchange ideas about export control issues. It provides attendees with the opportunity to interact with U.S. Government officials about programs and services offered by U.S. Government and industry exhibitors. It is one of the Department of Commerce’s most notable international trade events.
Did the London Bridge Really Fall Down??? Not really… but its U.S. Customs Declaration was the World’s Largest Antique to Ever be Sold!
London Bridge wasn't exactly falling in the 1960s; however, it was sinking under the weight of modern traffic. When the capital city in England decided to build another to replace it, the 1831 bridge was put up for sale. The winning bid came from Robert P. McCulloch, American entrepreneur and chairman of McCulloch Oil Company.
McCulloch paid $2,460,000—plus shipping costs of around $240,000—to bring the bridge to the United States piece by piece. CBP declared the 137-year-old bridge to be an “antique” and therefore duty free. It took three years to complete the bridge and remains one of Arizona’s most visited tourist attractions!
2019 Census Webinar Series
Date: April 2019 – June 2019
The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct a series of free data access webinars to all interested data users. To learn about and to register for the webinars, please visit Census Academy at the link provided.
SAVE THE DATE: BIS Update Conference 2019
Date: July 9-11, 2019
Location: Washington, DC
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is preparing for the annual Update Conference on Export Controls and Policy in Washington, D.C. 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.
2019 G-TEC Conference
Date: July 29 – 30, 2019
Location: New Orleans, LA
The NCBFAA Educational Institute is proud to invite all global logistics professionals to the 5th Annual Global Trade Education Conference (G-TEC). This two-day event in New Orleans, LA will give customs brokers, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, service providers, importers, exporters and all global logistics professionals an opportunity to update themselves on industry developments.
It’s Spring Break! Leaving the country with your furry friends? Do they need a passport? KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
All resident pets leaving the United States must send relevant paperwork required for the destination country to the State USDA office for endorsement prior to leaving the country. Additionally, transiting pets whose permits or health certificates have expired will be required to obtain these documents in the United States and have them endorsed prior to leaving the country.
Pets returning to the United States are subject to the same passport requirements as those entering for the first time. This means that pet owners returning to the United States should have a new health certificate completed by a vet in the country you are visiting if you stay for more than 30 days.
On March 27th, JAS USA Compliance conducted or first FREE webinar open to current and potential JAS Import Clients. During this session, we discussed Section 232 & 301 tariffs and how it affects customs bonds, tariff exclusions and more! Please find the link below to review all of the questions and answers that were discussed in the webinar session. More webinars to come throughout the year!
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative has issued another list of product exclusions on March 25th from Section 301 tariffs on goods from China. The product exclusions apply retroactively to July 6, 2018 and will remain in effect until one year from the date of the notice in the Federal Register. The first list of exclusions was issued on December 28, 2018 and will also remain in effect until one year from the date of the notice in the Federal Register.
On 02/15/2019, Commerce published in the Federal Register a notice of lifting the suspension of antidumping duties on truck and bus tires from China. The notice is effective February 15, 2019 and supersedes any previous instructions terminating the antidumping duty.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented its Air Cargo Advanced Screening (ACAS) requirements for cargo entering the country following the completion of a pilot program. In the final ruling, DHS required air cargo data be submitted to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the aircraft is loaded, differing from previous requirements that the information be provided four hours before arrival. Previously a voluntary process (in which many airlines already participated), the program is now mandatory for airlines flying inbound to the United States. This is a necessary measure as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to raise the bar on aviation security worldwide.
The U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) could require that changes to existing law are necessary to bring the U.S. into compliance with several obligations under the new trade agreement. Legislation to implement the USMCA could be introduced and considered by Congress within the next few months.
An announcement was made by the USTR that India (the biggest recipient of the Generalized System of Preferences) will be terminated from the program after the mandatory 60-day waiting period. Additionally, Turkey (which is the fifth-largest beneficiary of the program) is being terminated because its economy has developed sufficiently that it should no longer benefit from preferential market access.
In December, President Trump decided to postpone the additional China Section 301 tariff increase until March 2, 2019. The tariffs, which cover $200 billion in Chinese imports, were set to increase from 10% duty to 25% duty. It was announced on February 24th that the scheduled increase has now been delayed until further notice.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: April 30 – May 1, 2019
Location: Irvine, CA
This two-day program 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. We will focus on what items and activities are subject to the EAR.
2019 Winter Back to Basics Conference
Date: July 8-10, 2019
Location: National Harbor, MD
This conference will provide information on exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This conference is ideal for newcomers to export licensing, as they will be provided with a step-by-step guide to using the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Traveling internationally anytime soon? Think twice before coming back with a switchblade in your pocket!
Before you return to the United States with a switchblade knife you should know that your local police jurisdiction might have regulations. Also, switchblade knives are prohibited and may be subject to seizure upon entry into the United States EXCEPT for those imported by a one-armed person. CFR19 12.98.
2019 Winter Back to Basics Conference
Date: March 4-6, 2019
Location: Savannah, GA
This conference will provide information on exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This conference is ideal for newcomers to export licensing, as they will be provided with a step-by-step guide to using the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
Georgia Logistics Summit
Date: March 14, 2019
Location: Atlanta, GA
This is an annual event that brings together all aspects of the logistics industry. Each year, the Summit has brought together speakers from prominent shippers in the industry, leaders in the State’s infrastructure and economic development community, as well as keynote speakers from some of the world’s most prominent supply chain-focused companies.
In the month of February, love is celebrated on Valentine’s Day! Have you ever used the term “love you to the moon and back?” Did you know that if you actually go to the moon and back you would have to declare your goods??
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 made history with the first human operated expedition to the moon. Upon return, Astronaut Neil Armstrong and his colleagues had to declare the moon rock and moon dust samples to customs officials upon their return!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
The 2019 updates to the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule are now available. Please review to ensure that you have the latest version!
An announcement was issued by Customs and Border Protection that several reports regarding entries processed that are subject to the 201, 232, or 301 duties are now available. The reports are available for importers and customs brokers that have an active ACE account. To see a list of the available reports, please see the link for the CSMS message issued by CBP.
On December 28th in a Federal Register publication, USTR announced that determinations have been made to grant certain exclusion request. Shortly after the announcement, the federal government shutdown began, resulting in delays that impacted U.S. import and exports. The government has now reopened with funding through the end of February; however, instructions on how to process these exclusions and any refunds have not been provided by CBP. We will provide further information on the exclusions as it becomes available.
A statement was released from the White House regarding discussions that have taken place between high-ranking officials from the U.S. and China. Over two days, intense and productive negotiations over the economic relationship between the two countries were discussed and a wide range of issues were covered. The statement confirmed that the U.S. will be moving forward with the increase from 10% to 25% in additional tariffs on $200 billion worth of goods from China effective March 1.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: January 30-31, 2019
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
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.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: February 26-27, 2019
Location: Miami, FL
The two-day program 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.
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