Trade News

CBP: Discovers 37 Live Beetles Smuggled in Snack Packages at LAX

February 7, 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) uncovered an unusual contraband shipment last month-37 live beetles hidden inside packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips, and chocolate. The insects, valued at $1,480, were discovered…

CBP: Customs Broker License Exam Registration

January 31, 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that the CBLE will open for registration on February 10 at 12:01am. Read More

CSMS: Issues Interim Final Rule on USMCA Implementation

January 31, 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) that requests comments by the trade until March 18, 2025, when the rule comes into effect. This rule gives implementation guidance on USMCA, specifically around drawback, textiles, and automotive.…

CBP: Proposed Rule to Require Rail Export Manifests 24 Hours Before Departure

January 24, 2025

CBP published a notice of proposed rulemaking around submitting export manifest information to CBP for rail cargo leaving the US. Comments due by 3/14/2025. Currently EEIs for rail cargo must be filed 2 hours prior to the rail cargo leaving…

BIS: Haas Automation Inc. Fined $2.5M for Export Violations to Russia and China

January 24, 2025

Haas Automation has admitted to 41 violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) under a settlement agreement with the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The violations stem from unauthorized sales of parts used to service previously sold Haas CNC…

CBP: New Proposed Rules for Duty-Free De Minimis Shipments Under $800

January 22, 2025

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing a new process for low-value shipments to enhance security and improve targeting of high-risk items, such as illicit fentanyl. The proposed changes would also introduce additional data requirements to better verify eligibility…

BIS: Final Rule Issued to Restrict Sale and Import of Connected Vehicles

January 22, 2025

The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS), has finalized a measure to protect national security by restricting certain technologies from China and Russia…

CBP: No Duty Refunds for Adulterated Food Without Proof of Good Faith Entry

January 9, 2025

This ruling was published in August, and essentially says that adulterated food that leaves customs Custody, is refused entry by the FDA that is exported or destroyed cannot get a duty refund unless you can prove that the food was…

BIS: Key Insights on Regulations, Policies, and High-Profile Cases

January 9, 2025

The Export Enforcement Year in Review for 2024 is live! This warrants a deeper review. It discusses the Disruptive Tech Strike Force, many court cases, arrests, and penalties, and goes through their updated regulations, policies, and strategies. Read More

USTR: Effective January 2025 Section 301 Tariff Hikes on Chinese Tungsten, Solar Wafers, and Polysilicon

December 18, 2024

Office of the United States Trade Representative announced tariff increases under Section 301 for imports of tungsten products, wafers, and polysilicon from China. Solar wafers and polysilicon increases to 50% on January 1, 2025, and specified tungsten products increase to…

OFAC: CH Robinson Settles with OFAC for $257,690 Over Apparent Cuba and Iran Sanctions Violations

December 18, 2024

Office of Foreign Assets Control announced a settlement with CH Robinson for $257,690 which will resolve civil liability for 82 apparent violations. Five of their non-US subsidiaries provided freight brokerage or transportation services for shipments involving Cuba and Iran. They…

Justice: Freight Forwarder Indicted for Scheme to Evade Russian Sanctions

December 13, 2024

From December 2022 to December 2024, Mazulina allegedly conspired with Russian freight forwarding companies and others to unlawfully ship controlled industrial oil and gas equipment from the United States to Russia via intermediary countries, according to an indictment. In June…