CBP: Section 321 Enforcement Update in ACE to Block Ineligible De Minimis Shipments

CBP is enhancing Section 321 enforcement within ACE to ensure compliance with the $800 de minimis threshold. Starting June 26, the update will be deployed to the CERT environment. This enhancement will prevent the release of shipments claiming de minimis…

OFAC: GVA Capital Fined $216M for Russia Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control issued a penalty notice for almost $216M on GVA Capital Ltd. They’re a venture capital firm in California. This is for violating the Russia sanctions and failing to comply with a subpoena. Read More

Justice: DOJ Declines to Prosecute PE Firm After Voluntary Disclosure of Export Violations

The United States Department of Justice declined to prosecute a private equity firm after they discovered criminal violations of export laws that one of their acquired companies had committed and disclosed them voluntarily. Read More

DOJ: Crypto Exec Indicted for Laundering Millions Through U.S. Banks

The United States Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against Iurii Gugnin, owner of cryptocurrency company Evita, for funneling > $500 million of payments through US banks / crypto exchanges while hiding the source and purpose of the transactions. Read…

IEEPA: Tariffs Case Heads to Full Appeals Court

In an IEEPA update, the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted the motion to continue collecting IEEPA fentanyl and reciprocal tariffs while the appeal is ongoing. They also said that since this is such an important case, they’re…

Using AI in Global Trade

Smarter Strategies for International Growth! Love it or hate it, AI (artificial intelligence) is here to stay – and it’s already making waves in global trade. In this webinar Melissa Merkle from Star USA and Lawrence Jones, Trade Advisor with…

USDA: Livestock Imports Suspended Over Screwworm Outbreak

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture has suspended the importation of live cattle, horses, and bison through southern border ports in response to the spread of New World Screwworm in Mexico. The measure aims to prevent the parasite from entering and…

Justice: Foreign Nationals Indicted in Plot to Harass

Milwaukee and LA juries both indicted foreign nationals (one of China, the other a UK citizen/US permanent resident) with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking, as well as conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act.…

OFAC: Issues Guidance on Syria Sanctions

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has released a Fact Sheet and updated FAQs clarifying the scope of Syria General License 25. The guidance outlines authorized activities during the transition period and aims to assist businesses and…

Becoming an LCB

Advice, steps, and tips on getting your customs broker license in the US! In this informative webinar Michael D. Easton of Star USA discusses the path to becoming a licensed customs broker (LCB). He shares key insights on how to…

U.S. and China Suspend Tariffs in 3-Month Effort to Mend Trade Relations

As of May 14, 2025, the United States and China have agreed to a 90-day suspension of tariffs. While most duties are paused, the U.S. will maintain a 10% reciprocal tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Both…

BIS: Launches Section 232 Investigation into Commercial Aircraft and Jet Engine Imports

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has initiated a Section 232 national security investigation focused on imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines, and related parts. Stakeholders and industry participants are invited to submit comments, which…