DOJ: Los Angeles Clothing Importer Sentenced for $17 Million Tax Evasion and $8 Million Customs Fraud in Operation Take Back America

The Department of Justice announced the sentencing of a wholesale clothing importer based in downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District for orchestrating a large-scale customs fraud and tax evasion scheme. Federal prosecutors detailed how the company systematically undervalued imported apparel, primarily…

MOFCOM: China Tightens Grip on Rare Earth Exports, Imposes New Restrictions on Key Tech and Energy Materials

China has introduced new export control and licensing requirements covering rare earth–related materials and technologies that underpin the digital economy, automotive manufacturing, and energy transition. The measures aim to strengthen oversight of strategically important resources, signaling a tighter regulatory environment…

Justice: Maine Man Charged Under Lacey Act for Trafficking Bird and Whale Parts Imported from Eastern Europe

A Maine resident was taken into custody for illegally bringing bird and whale parts from Eastern Europe into the United States in violation of the Lacey Act. Authorities report that if convicted he could face up to five years in…

DDTC: Licensing, Registrations, and Public Access Delayed Until Further Notice

Due to a lapse in federal appropriations, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has significantly reduced operations. Access to the Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) is unavailable, suspending submissions and public access for registrations, license applications including…

CBP: ACE CERT Enhancement on Oct. 7 Increases Statement Capacity to 9,999 Entry Summaries

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans an October 7 enhancement in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Certification (CERT) environment, raising the maximum number of entry summaries allowed on a single statement from 2,000 to 9,999. This update comes as…

CBP: Withhold Release Order Issued on Giant Bicycles Over Forced Labor Concerns

A withhold release order has been announced requiring U.S. Customs and Border Protection to detain all bicycles, bicycle components, and related accessories produced by Giant Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Beginning September 24, 2025, CBP officers at every U.S. port of entry…

BIS: U.S. Eases Export Rules for Civilian Goods to Syria Under New License Exception

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has introduced a new license exception, SPP (Syria Peace and Prosperity), allowing U.S.-origin goods, software, and technology with purely civilian applications (EAR99), consumer communications devices, and select civil aviation items to be exported…

ITC: Stainless Steel Trade Case Nears Final Stage as ITC Weighs Duty Decision

The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has issued a final determination on corrosion-resistant steel, commonly known as stainless steel, and the case is now awaiting a decision from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC has 45 days to…

USMCA: Unlocking the Benefits of Other FTAs

Unlocking the Benefits of FTAs! With all of the changes happening in international trade, it’s important to know how free trade agreements (FTAs) work and how to use them correctly! In this webinar Star USA’s Michael D. Easton talks about…

BIS: U.S. Revokes License-Free Exports for Foreign Chip Fabs in China

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has moved to fully revoke license-free export privileges under the Validated End-User (VEU) program for semiconductor manufacturing in China. While the program was expanded in 2023 to permit select foreign chipmakers to receive…

DOF: Mexico Blocks Footwear in Maquiladoras and Plans Tariff Hikes on China

Mexico plans to exclude footwear from the Maquiladora program, adding the relevant tariff headings to the restricted list published in the Official Gazette. The Gazette now reflects all goods barred from Maquiladora treatment. Separately, the government is considering higher tariffs…

U.S. Security Agencies Warn Researchers of Foreign Efforts to Illegally Obtain Sensitive Technology

U.S. national security officials are alerting academic institutions and researchers to potential threats from foreign governments seeking to access sensitive research and export-controlled technologies. The advisory emphasizes caution around international collaborations and foreign talent programs, providing practical guidance to help…