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The annual eligibility review for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), in accordance with Section 506A(a)(3)(B) of the Trade Act of 1974, has resulted in the termination of eligibility for the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda. The White House and the Office of the United States Trade Representative announced that recent unconstitutional changes in government in Gabon and Niger, and the resultant threat to political pluralism and the rule of law, led to their termination. The termination of the eligibility of the Central African Republic and Uganda was a result of gross violations of internationally recognized human and worker rights. On a positive note, the country of Mauritania had its eligibility reinstated based on progress it has made with respect to worker rights and eliminating forced labor across the country. Ethiopia, however, did not have its eligibility reinstated at this time. Recently, there have been a lot of discussions in Congress about the need to renew AGOA well in advance of its current September 2025 expiration date, to ensure the continuity of the program and encourage long term investment in the region.
For December, we are highlighting Jeffrey Bispham on the West Coast! Jeff has been in the industry for 26 years and remembers using a typewriter to prepare 7512's. He has always worked in the import/customs brokerage side of logistics. Jeff was adopted as part of the JAS Family when JAS acquired Tigers back in 2021 where Jeff had long tenure.
In October 2023, the JAS Forwarding (USA) Tacoma Foreign Trade Zone became an active FTZ in the JAS USA Network. Jeff became the FTZ administrator of that site and has been instrumental in building the compliance for our FTZ site on the West Coast.
Jeff enjoys all sports, although he would tell all that he has become more of a spectator than a player as the years have passed. Jeff enjoys being outdoors. But most of all, he enjoys spending time with his family. That time can often occur at the beach, or a Seattle sporting event (Mariners, Seahawks and Kraken).
Jeff is yet another great example that People Make the Difference!
In November, JAS USA Corporate Compliance team members teamed up with JAS Atlanta Branch team members to facilitate client compliance training. From left to right, Calvin Oh (Corporate Compliance), Scott Cassell (Corporate Compliance), Carlo Rebuffi (Manager of Live Animals Division-ATL), Laurie Arnold (VP Corporate Compliance), and Rishma Patel (CHB Manager-ATL). The team was able to facilitate learning on the topic of import compliance.
OFAC (Office of Foreign Assets Control), part of the Department of Treasury, has imposed a $1.1 Million penalty on a US individual. The panlty was issued for 75 violations of OFAC Iran sanctions.
To read the full details check out the link below:
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