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Fax: +1 (770)688-1229
Are you leaving money on the table? If your company imports goods that are later exported, you could be eligible for significant refunds on customs duties, taxes and fees through the Duty Drawback Program.
Join our free webinar to learn how to navigate the complexities of duty drawback and maximize your savings opportunities!
The webinar will be on March 6, 2025 at 2pm Eastern. To register, click the link below.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will hold an important webinar on December 15, 2023, from 2PM to 3PM on the topic of the 2024 Permit Annual User Fee and Triennial Status Report Filing. The webinar will explain the process for paying the Permit fee and filing a Triennial Status Report via the e.CBP online portal. A link to register for the webinar is below.
CIFIUS New Penalty Guidlines, National Risk Factors and More
December 7, 2022
2:00 PM ET - 2:30 PM ET
0.5 CCS Credit
Judicial Remedies - Challenging CBP's Decisions & Rulings in the Court of International Trade
August 16th, 2022
2:00 PM ET - 3:00 PM ET
1 CCS Credit
On August 1st and 2nd, 2022, the NCBFAA National Educational Institute will host the annual Global Trade Educational Conference (G-TEC) in Chicago. The conference is open to all importers and exporters, and will have sessions on many different topics featuring subject matter experts and prominent leaders in the industry. Topics include CTPAT, Binding rulings, export sanctions, trade remedies, forced labor prevention, tips on managing remote work, and many more. This event is a great opportunity for importers and exporters to learn more about compliance and improve the effectiveness of their due diligence. and provide due diligence. NCBFAA members that register will have access to member pricing and earn 14 CCS/CES credits. This event is also a great opportunity to network with others in the global trade industry.
CBP’s Office of Trade Relations are hosting webinars during the first few weeks of June. These webinars will provide an overview of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), as well as strategies on implementation of the act before it goes into effect on June 21st.
The UFLPA establishes a rebuttable presumption that the importation of any goods, wares, articles, and merchandise mined, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China, or produced by certain entities, is prohibited by Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 and that such goods are not entitled to entry to the United States.
CBP is also urging all importers to do their due diligence and review their supply chains to ensure their goods are not being produced with forced labor before UFLPA is implemented.
CBP Risk Analysis and Survey Assessment – The CBP Audit Transformation
May 10th, 2022
2:00 PM ET - 3:00 PM ET
1 CCS Credit
First Sale Valuation and Reducing Section 301 Tariffs
February 10, 2022
2:00 PM ET- 3:00 PM ET
Sandler Travis & Rosenberg
New Product Classifications Under HTSUS 2022
January 11, 2022
2:00 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET
Sandler Travis & Rosenberg
Customs Audits 101: What to Expect
December 7, 2021
2:00 PM ET- 3:00 PM ET
1 CCS Credit
Sandler, Travis and Rosenberg
Apparel Classification Series: Everything but Knit Tops- Sandler Travis & Rosenburg
November 2, 2021
2:00 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET
1.5 CCS Credits
ITAR Exemptions and How to Use Them
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
11:00 a.m. – noon Central Standard Time
Date: August 11-12, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
The Encryption Controls virtual seminar is an in-depth session that will focus on the unique provisions related to encryption under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) licensing officers will provide a comprehensive overview of controls on encryption in the EAR, including what items are and are not controlled in Category 5 Part 2, License Exception ENC and mass market provisions (740.17), encryption classification and licensing, deemed exports, and rules regarding foreign product development using U.S. origin encryption parts and components. The program will allow for 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.
2021 Virtual Update Conference on Export Controls & Policy
Date: September 2, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is preparing for its annual Update Conference on Export Controls. 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.
Re-Export Under the EAR
Date: July 28, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) will offer a virtual seminar entitled Reexports under the EAR. The seminar will explain how to determine if items made outside the United States are subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by using the Foreign Direct Product (FDP) rules, including the new Entity List related FDP, and the De minimis rules. They will also discuss how to apply for a reexport license, common license exceptions used to reexport, and compliance tips.
2021 Virtual Update Conference on Export Controls & Policy
Date: September 2, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is preparing for its annual Update Conference on Export Controls. 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.
Date: June 21, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
This webinar hosted by Customs & Border Protection will cover information as it relates to importing fabrics of specialized uses.
SIA 2021 Virtual Summer Back to Basics Conference
Date: July 12-16, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
This five-session conference will provide attendees with the important first step to exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This webinar is deal for newcomers (less than 5 years of experience) to exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Attendees will become familiar with the various types of licenses, agreements, exemptions and exceptions and the requirements and conditions associated with each.
SIA 2021 Spring Virtual Advanced Conference
Date: May 17-19, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
This is a three-day VIRTUAL advanced level forum focusing on the processes and procedures relating to export controls and compliance. Agenda topics will address a variety of advanced issues of concern to the international trade community in a more intimate setting with attendees from industry, government, and other international trade specialists.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: June 8-11, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
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.
POSTPONED - 2022 CBP Trade Symposium
Date: July 20-21, 2021
Location: Anaheim, CA
CBP announced the announced a date change from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020. It was rescheduled to be held in March 2021 and has now scheduled to be held July 2021.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: April 28-29, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
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.
Register Here
Partnering for Compliance Conference
Date: March 9-11, 2021
Location: Webinar
This collegial and interactive conference will focus on a broad spectrum of export regulatory & compliance matters of current relevance. Senior-level government and trade speakers will provide solid & recent updates on US initiatives & policies regarding export control licensing/enforcement.
POSTPONED! 2021 CBP Trade Symposium
Date: July 20-21, 2021
Location: Anaheim, CA
CBP announced the announced a date change from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020. It was rescheduled to be held in March 2021 and has now scheduled to be held July 2021.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: March 2-5, 2021
Location: Webinar
The two-online workshop 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.
Date: March 23-24, 2021
Location: Anaheim, CA
CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020. Save the date!
U.S. Customs Broker Exam Course
Date: January 19, 2021 – April 6, 2021
Location: WEBINAR SERIES
The Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (LACBFFA) is offering a 12-week-in depth VIRTUAL course for the U.S. Customs Broker exam that will cover various exam topics and review items.
Date: March 23-24, 2021
Location: Anaheim, CA
CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020. Save the date!
Back to Basics Conference
Date: February 22 - 26, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
The sessions will provide attendees with the important first step to exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This webinar is ideal for newcomers (less than 5 years of experience) to exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Attendees will become familiar with the various types of licenses, agreements, exemptions and exceptions and the requirements and conditions associated with each.
2020 CBP Trade Symposium - Rescheduled
Date: March 23-24, 2021
Location: Anaheim, CA
CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020. Save the date!
Back to Basics Conference
Date: February 22 - 26, 2021
Location: VIRTUAL
The sessions will provide attendees with the important first step to exporting articles on the United States Munitions List (USML) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) and the associated defense services and technology. This webinar is ideal for newcomers (less than 5 years of experience) to exporting under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Attendees will become familiar with the various types of licenses, agreements, exemptions and exceptions and the requirements and conditions associated with each.
2020 CBP Trade Symposium - Rescheduled
Date: March 23-24, 2021
Location: Anaheim, CA
CBP announced the rescheduled dates from the Trade Symposium that was originally scheduled for March 2020. Save the date!
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: October 20-23, 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.
ITAR/EAR Controls for Non-US Companies
Date: November 16-17, 2020
Location: VIRTUAL
EAR and ITAR regulations are extra-territorial and apply to companies and organizations outside of the United States. Non-compliance can result in serious fines and penalties - even the loss of U.S. Government contracts and the ability to receive U.S. items. Instructors Suzanne Palmer (ECS) and Marc Binder (ITC Strategies) give comprehensive instruction on how the rules apply outside the U.S. and detail best practices for staying in compliance.
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.
Complying with U.S. Export Controls
Date: October 20-23, 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.
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.
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.
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.
September was a busy month for JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc. Compliance team members.
Laurie Arnold and Leah Ellis attended the NCBFAA (National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America) GAC (Government Affairs Conference). During the conference, Laurie and Leah "walked the hill" and met with numerous congress members to discuss industry issues.
Scott Cassell spent time with clients in Newark, NJ along with J. Nathan May, Regional Sales Director to facilitate training on the HTS GRI (Harmonized Tariff Schedule General Rules of Interpretation) and Incoterms 2020.
Our October spotlight of the month is Rishma Patel from our Atlanta branch, where Rishma has been with JAS since 1997. Rishma has been in the industry for 32 years. She is the CHB Manager and Licensed Customs Broker responsible for the JAS Atlanta/College Park location.
Rishma's favorite sports are cricket, volleyball, tennis and badminton. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, drawing and food carving.
Rishma's dedication is yet another example that People Make the Difference!
The USTR (US Trade Representative) announced that they are proposing to increase Section 301 tariff rates on five subheadings of the HTSUS covering certain products of tungsten, wafers, and polysilicon.
The public docket was opened to allow for comments. All comments should be submitted by October 22, 2024.
To read more, check out the link below:
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is working to modernize the options for filing certificate data. "CPSC is actively developing the eFiling program and finalizing rulemaking." This creates a new opportunity to streamline the filing of General Certificates of Conformity (GCC).
Read more by checking out the link below:
A new Federal Register notice has been issued on September 26, 2024, proposing a ban on Chinese and/or Russian "Vehicle Connectivity Systems (VCS)." According to the notice, BIS/Commerce "...is soliciting comment on this proposed rule, which builds on the advance notice proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) issued by BIS on March 1, 2024." Comments to the proposed rule must be received on or before October 28, 2024.
To read more details check out the Federal Register Notice
Our September spotlight of the month is Mr. Joseph Schmidt from our New York branch, where he has been with JAS since 1998. Joe has been in the business for 46 years and has been a Licensed Customs Broker since 1983. He is the Broker Manager and Licensed Customs Broker responsible for the JAS New York location.
Joe loves sports, and is a huge fan of the NY Mets, Giants and Knicks. He also loves Elvis Presley. His ringtone on his phone is the song "Follow That Dream" from the 1962 Elvis movie of the same name.
His long tenure shows not only his dedication to JAS, but also shows JAS' commitment to retain dedicated professionals because People Make the Difference!
The JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc. Corporate Compliance Team met in August at our Corporate Headquarters.
The JAS Corporate Compliance Team gets together regularly to discuss current trade compliance topics such as AD/CVD (recent aluminum case), and section 301 matters. Additionally, the Compliance Team is always strategizing on how to better serve our client's compliance needs.
The team was able to have an evening of team building throwing axes!
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) has recently gone into effect. The MoCRA is the most significant expansion of FDA's authority to regulate cosmetics since the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act was passed in 1938.
Manufacturers and processors must register their facilities with FDA and renew every two years. Examples of items subject to MoCRA include but are not limited to baby products, bath preparations, various makeups, hair products, and even oral products such as mouthwash.
There are free tools available to determine whether FDA's new MoCRA regulations apply. Check out the link below to utilize this free tool!
An importer of uniforms and footwear has been penalized $1.3 Million for a fraudulent scheme involving fake invoices that deliberately and materially understated the value of their imports. These goods were being imported from China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The defendants, including the CEO were also accused of providing invoices misrepresenting the fabric content which resulted in reduced duty amounts.
To read more details, check out the full US District court order.
Indira Coomar from our JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc. Norfolk branch has been with JAS for 14 years in September. She likes to run each morning. During her runs, she takes some very beautiful photos of the sunrise over the beach and shares them with an inspirational quote to start many days. One of her recent quotes was “the secret to getting ahead is getting started!” We appreciate Indira’s motivation, and this attitude perfectly reflects that People Make the Difference.
July 2024, JAS Forwarding (USA) Inc.’s Laurie Arnold (VP Compliance) and Scott Cassell (Corporate Compliance Project Manager) facilitated a client seminar covering Foreign Trade Zone, Forced Labor and Duty Drawback. The event was hosted by our JAS Forwarding (USA)Inc. Charlotte Branch!
CBP publishes monthly trade statistics that provide a snapshot of the volume of shipments being processed. In May2024, CBP processed more than 2.9 million entry summaries. This includes numerous modes of transport from all over the world.
CBP’s monthly trade stats show duties paid, seizures, WRO data and much more.
To read the full article, check out the link below.
CBP has announced an increase of the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) within the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The fee increase will be effective on October 1, 2024.
The new minimum will increase from $31.67 to $32.71. The new maximum will increase from $614.35 to 634.62. The ad valorem rate of 0.3464% remains unchanged.
For more details check out the link below.
The USTR (US Trade Representative) has indicated that the increase originally expected on the 301 tariffs on August 1, 2024 will not go into effect as expected.
The USTR has received 1100 comments from the public and continues to review those comments. Modifications for 2024will likely take effect approximately two weeks after the final determination is made public.
Check out our client advisory and the links to the USTR and Federal Register Notice dated May 28, 2024.
To read more, check out the full register notice linked below.
The recent June 12, 2024, Federal Register notice added three entities to the UFLPA Entity List showing increasing focus on three additional commodities. The entities which were added are suspected of working with the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region to recruit, transport, transfer, harbor or receive forced labor or Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, or members of other persecuted groups out of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
The areas of increased focus include shoe and shoe materials, frozen seafood, vegetables, quick frozen convenience food and other aquatic food, and electrolytic aluminum, graphite carbon, and prebaked anodes.
To read more, check out the full register notice linked below.
On June 24, 2024, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Matthew S. Axelrod signed a settlement agreement with an exporter for violations of EAR. The violations occurred because of forty-two different shipments over the course of 4 years which were classified under ECCNs 1C353. These instances were subject to export licenses, but no licenses were obtained prior to exportation.
The exporter has a compliance team and upon recognition of the issue, submitted a voluntary self-disclosure. To read more details, check out the link below.
On June 3, 2024, the BIS imposed a civil penalty of $44,750 for violations of the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). In the press release, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Matthew S. Axelrod said “Our antiboycott rules against furnishing prohibited information and failing to report boycott-related requests apply with the same force even when another U.S. company is the one making the information requests.” He goes on to say “U.S. companies are reminded to be vigilant in examining all transaction documents, regardless of the source, to ensure terms and conditions comply with our antiboycott rules.”
One of the most exciting things to do for the 4th of July holiday is to see fireworks with family and friends! Did you know that 88% of fireworks in the United States are imported? It is considered a very specialized product with lots of regulations. CBP seizes tons of firework shipments annually that never make it past the US port of entry. So before getting into the business of importing fireworks consulting with a customs broker like JAS is important! Happy Independence Day!!
The last 30 days have brought many updates to Section 301 duties, exclusions and more. The action all started on May 14, 2024, when the USTR announced that further action would be taken against China’s unfair technology transfer policies and practices. It was announced that key products would be subject to new rates over the next two years.
May 22, 2024, there was a follow up to the May 14 announcement which further defined that 382 HTSUS subheadings and 5 statistical reporting numbers of the HTSUS are the specific products that will have the increases in 2024, 2025 and 2026. This notice also noted that an exclusion process is being established for machinery used in domestic manufacturing and under certain subheadings under chapters 84 and 85 of the HTSUS. Finally, this notice proposes 19 temporary exclusions for solar manufacturing equipment.
Finally, on May 24, 2024, the USTR published details about the disposition of the existing Section 301 exclusions 9903.88.67 and 9903.88.68 which have been scheduled to expire on May 31, 2024. In summary, all exclusions under 9903.88.67 and 9903.88.68 have been extended to July 14, 2024. On July 15, 2024, a new exclusion will be effective. The new exclusion, under 9903.88.69 will cover 87 of the original 352 exclusions under 9903.88.67.
For more details, check out our 3 Client advisories released during May linked below.
CBP publishes numerous Informed Compliance Publications. These documents can be extremely useful in answering detailed questions about the application of CBP rules/laws on a wide range of topics. Some of the topics covered include Valuation, classification of sets, classification of specific product types, drawback, reasonable care, recordkeeping, rules of origin and the list goes on. These documents are publicly available and can be viewed online or downloaded. To check them out, follow the link below!
The U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has updated the process for excluding certain steel and aluminum imports from tariffs, effective July 1, 2024. This revision removes twelve General Approved Exclusions (GAEs), aiming to strengthen domestic steel and aluminum production and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing. The changes follow public feedback and are intended to ensure fairness and transparency in the exclusions process while upholding national security interests. BIS has been overseeing this process since tariffs were imposed in 2018, and these adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to refine controls and support U.S. industrial base.
In December, 2023, FDA issued guidance for Industry regarding the registration and listing of Cosmetic Product Facilities and Products. The publication lists product categories and provides a Q&A section with answers to specific cosmetic product questions. The deadline is July 1, 2024. For more info and links, check out our most recent client advisory linked below:
Insect Repellent is regulated by EPA and FDA for importations and classified in chapter 3808 of the HTS book. It can be imported as a cream, spray and other methods such as bracelets. Some repellents can be applied directly to the skin and other methods can be applied directly to the clothing.
Here are a few ways to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes this summer:
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