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…

Stay Licensed Stay Compliant: A Guide to Continuing Education for Licensed Customs Brokers

What they mean and how to pick one? In this webinar Star USA’s Melissa Merkle talks all things continuing education – including general requirements, finding accredited events, obtaining and tracking the code, how and when to submit the codes to…

CBSA: Canada Issues Notice 25-19 Allowing Duty Refunds on Certain U.S. Origin Goods

Canada has issued Notice 25-19, outlining a remission process for surtaxes on U.S.-origin goods effectively allowing duty refunds. The notice covers goods used in Canadian manufacturing, processing, and food and beverage packaging, as well as items tied to public health,…

BIS: Inclusion Process Opens for Expanding Section 232 Derivative Tariffs

The Bureau of Industry and Security has launched a new inclusion process under Section 232, allowing U.S. manufacturers and trade associations to request the addition of derivative steel and aluminum products to existing tariffs. The initial submission window began on…

CBP: Section 232 Tariffs on Auto Parts Take Effect May 3

CBP has announced a temporary suspension of a regulatory exception affecting certain low-value international mail shipments. Effective April 30, 2025, informal (Type 11) entries are permitted under the revised rules. Starting May 3, 2025, formal entries will be required for…

CBP: New Guidance on De Minimis Mail Entries and Temporary Rule Suspension

CBP has announced a temporary suspension of a regulatory exception affecting certain low-value international mail shipments. Effective April 30, 2025, informal (Type 11) entries are permitted under the revised rules. Starting May 3, 2025, formal entries will be required for…

CBP: U.S. Issues Steep Tariffs on Imports from China, Hong Kong, and Macau

An update was published under the April 9, 2025, Executive Order titled “Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Trading Partner Retaliation and Alignment.” The order imposes steep new rates: items originating from China, Hong Kong, and Macau will now fall…

China Imposes Tariffs on U.S. Goods as EU Plans Retaliatory Measures

China has responded to the U.S. with an 84% tariff, while the European Union has announced plans to impose its own tariffs on select American goods starting April 15, 2025, though the specific items have yet to be finalized. These…