HTS Classification

Making the complex more understandable Does classification leave your head spinning? This is an overview of the HTS, GRIs, and how to classify goods for international trade. We also talk about a few recent decisions by Customs headquarters and how…

Justice: Dual US-Taiwan Citizen Pleads Guilty to Conspiring in Covert Arms Export to Iran

A dual US-Taiwan citizen just pled guilty to a conspiracy charge for exporting defense articles to Iran. In 2002 and 2003 there was a sting operation on purchasing antennas to go to Iran, and other defense articles. The defendant went…

Justice: Four Individuals Charged with Illicit Trade for Smuggling US Electronic Components

Four people are charged with smuggling US electronic components from the US to Iran via China. They specifically sent items to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian agency that develops ballistic missiles and UAVs. This went on between…

FTC: Kubota North America Hit with Record $2 Million Fine in Largest-Ever ‘Made in USA’ Case

The Federal Trade Commission announces their largest ever Made in USA case. Kubota North America is paying a $2 million civil penalty for falsely labeling some replacement parts “Made in USA”. Read More

BIS: Update to Sanctions on Russia and Belarus

The Department of Commerce is strengthening its existing sanctions under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) against Russia and Belarus, including by expanding the scope of the EAR’s Russian and Belarusian Industry Sector Sanctions and making certain changes to the licensing…

CSMS: New CBP Suspected Trade Violations Webinars

CBP is putting out a second round of webinars on reporting suspected trade violations. Follow the link to register. Read More

shipping vessel at port of entry with containers

Incoterms® 2020

Expert guidance, tips, and access to decision making resources Incoterms® were developed by the ICC in 1921 and have since proven to be an indispensable tool for conducting international transactions. We focus on the high-level overview, dive into the intricacies,…

Justice: Virginia Resident Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Violations of International Sanctions

Jalal Hajavi, Virginia resident, has been sentenced to two years in prison for egregious violations of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations. He facilitated shipment of heavy equipment from the US to Iran…

Justice: Over $220 Million to Resolve Foreign Bribery Investigations

SAP is going to pay > $220 million to resolve investigations into violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. This comes from schemes to bribe governments in South Africa and Indonesia. Justice is working with South Africa. Read More

Five US Companies Sanctioned China

China has sanctioned five US companies, BAE Systems Land and Armament, Alliant Techsystems Operation, AeroVironment, ViaSat and Data Link Solutions as a result of US sanctions. Read More

Justice: A New Hampshire Charity Sentenced 5 Years Probation and $25,000 Fine for Unlawful Export of Humanitarian Goods to Syria

A New Hampshire charity, NuDay Syria, was sentenced at the end of December in federal court for exporting humanitarian goods to Syria unlawfully. The organization was sentenced to 5 years of probation and to pay a $25,000 fine for three…

OFAC: Settles with PURE for $466,200 Over Ukraine/Russia Sanctions

OFAC: They settled with Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) for $466,200. This was to settle potential civil liability of Ukraine- / Russia-related sanctions. Read More