Upcoming Webinars

 
 

Past Webinars

US Goods Returned & Chapter 98

March 20, 2024

Maximizing profits, reducing risks Do you have goods you’re bringing back into the United States? We walk through how to apply HTS Chapter 98 to help you avoid paying unneeded taxes or duties when reimporting goods into the US. Resources…

AI & Software Tooling in Trade Compliance

February 15, 2024

Implications of technology in trade compliance What role does technology play in trade compliance and what are some responsible ways to use it? Global business is changing and effective global trade compliance looks different than it used to. We discuss…

HTS Classification

February 6, 2024

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…

Incoterms® 2020

January 24, 2024

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,…

Becoming a Licensed Customs Broker & CEU Details

December 12, 2023

Exam to License to Practice!   Becoming a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) will expand your skills and confidence in your career, and we want to help you begin your journey! Get a handle on the updated regulations around continuing education for…

Industry News

Justice: Ford Settles Civil Penalty Claims for $365M

Ford is agreeing to pay $365M to settle civil penalty claims from CBP relating to misclassified and undervalued vehicles.

BIS: Commerce Department Tightens Export Controls to Nicaragua

The Commerce Department published revisions to the EAR 3/14/2024 to increase restrictions on exports to Nicaragua. This is coming after the State Department added Nicaragua to the list of proscribed countries under ITAR.

Justice: Montana Rancher Accused of Wildlife Importing and Certificate Forgery

A Montana rancher has been working for 10+ years to create giant sheep for hunting. Hunting ranches, where animals are raised and then hunted, are illegal in MT since 2000, but Schubarth’s was grandfathered in, and other states still allow them. The things that the rancher is charged with are importing wildlife without approval and forging certificates to allow for inter-state sale and movement of animals. There were many other crimes that were left off the charges because he’s cooperating, and there are several other individuals involved with the scheme out there.

Justice: Google Software Engineer Arrested for Allegedly Stealing AI Secrets for Sale to Chinese Companies

A Chinese national who was employed as a software engineer at Google was stealing Google's proprietary information on AI. He transferred it to his personal account, and planned to sell it to PRC-based companies. He was arrested in Newark. The arrest was made via the Disruptive Technology Task Force. He's being charged with four counts of theft of trade secrets.

USTR: February Report Highlights US Intent to Preserve Trade Ties with China

The February report from the USTR on trade relations with China states that the US wants to maintain its trade relationship with China, and that Beijing has been moving to sever it. The report reiterates that China continues to not comply with World Trade Organization rules. It also says that the harm is due to the state-led, non-market approach to trade.

BIS: Proposed Rule Making for Connected Vehicles, Prioritizing National Security Amid China Concerns

BIS announced the Advanced Notice of Proposed Rule Making that they are considering implemented regarding connected vehicles. This is a priority for the current administration, especially as it relates to China.

BIS: Commerce Department Takes Swift Action

Commerce issued a press release on the additional entities (900+!) that they're adding to the Entity List for supporting the war effort on behalf of Russia, updated the high priority items list, and released a business advisory for doing business with Russia.

Justice: Aircraft Formerly Owned by Iranian Airline Returns to US

The Boeing aircraft previously owned by an Iranian airline has been returned to the US via Argentina.

CSMS: CBP Unveils Insights in December Webinar

CBP has posted their December webinar on the 2024 Triennial Status Report and Annual Permit User Fee. Links to the recording and slide deck are in the TSR information on the Customs Brokers webpage.

Justice: Russian-Canadian National Pleads Guilty in Money Laundering Scheme

A Russian-Canadian national conspired to launder money to send UAV components to sanctioned RU entities. The items shipped, and were found in RU weapon platforms in Ukraine. She plead guilty.

CSMS: CBP Expands Global Business Identifier

CBP is expanding their Global Business Identifier (GBI) testing, and they're letting more people participate! Participation requests and questions can be directed to GBI@cbp.dhs.gov. To learn more about the GBI Test, please visit the GBI webpage.

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 05/2007 and 07/2020.

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".

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 on the run until he was arrested in Italy in April of 2023. He's been extradited to the US.

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.

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 by routing through the United Arab Emirates. He was warned twice and continued to do it, and lied in the AES about their destination.

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 requirements that apply to the occupied Crimea region of Ukraine as well.

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.

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.

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 counts of failure to file EEI. They falsely reported the destination of Turkey, and artificially deflated the value of the goods, while knowing the export restrictions.

Justice: German Company Mislabeling Tools as "Made in Germany" for Items Produced in China and Rerouted via Germany

KingKong-Tools, a German company, was labeling its tools "made in Germany" when they were made in China and transshipped through Germany. The company will pay $1.9 million to settle those allegations.

Justice: ADCO Industries Settles for $2.5 Million

ADCO Industries (aka Dallco Marketing), an importer of industrial products, has agreed to pay $2.5 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act. They underrepresented the value of goods, along with their broker and the Chinese suppliers, to avoid paying duties.

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.

Justice: Ghacham Inc. Sentenced for Scheming Duty Evasion and Ties to Sinaloa Drug Cartel

Ghacham Inc., doing business as "Platini", was sentenced in District Court for scheming to avoid paying duties and doing business with a woman linked to the Sinaloa drug cartel. They were fined $4 million, ordered to pay ~ $6.4 million in restitution, and placed on probation for five years. This was due to undervaluing imported garments. They plead guilty in December 2022.

Congress: The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs released a 90-Day Review Report of BIS.

Chairman McCaul determined that BIS has enabled a virtually unrestricted flow of American technology to CCP-controlled companies, facilitating China’s rapid rise as a technological, economic, and military superpower.

Treasury: Largest Settlement in History

In combination with OFAC, FinCEN, and IRS, Treasury is announcing the largest settlement in history. This is with Binance Holdings for violations of anti-money laundering and sanctions laws. Binance is a virtual currency exchange, responsible for ~ 60% of virtual currency trading globally.

Justice: Virginia Tactical Gear Company Settles False Claims Act Allegations

A tactical gear and equipment company from Virginia is paying ~$2.1million to for False Claim Act allegations - they were selling textile-based products to the Department of Defense, and claimed that they complied with Buy American Act, the Trade Agreements Act, and the Berry Amendment.

CBP: Joint Forces Uncover Who Stole Dinosaur Bone

U.S. Customs and Border Protection worked with Bureau of Land Management to find people who stole dinosaur bones from Utah to sell and export. The defendants were in court in October.

CSMS: Mandating Euro Indication on Documentation

Countries that use the Euro must put that currency on all of the invoices, documents, and entry transmissions from those countries.

DSCA: The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency Report Exposes Foreign Intelligence Targets

The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency put out a report of sectors that are being targeted. This is on areas that foreign intelligence is targeting. When they refer to "cleared industry", my military source tells me that means those that are working on classified items of secret and above.

DOJ: Department of Justice Lawsuit Against SpaceX

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit 8/24 against SpaceX for discriminating against asylees and refugees in hiring practices. The lawsuit alleges that, from at least September 2018 to May 2022, SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status, in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Commerce: Temporary Halt on Firearms, Components, and Ammo Licensing for 90 Days

As of 10/27/2023 Commerce is pausing issuing licenses for firearms, components, and ammo for ~ 90 days. During this “pause” period, the Department will further assess current firearm export control review policies to determine whether any changes are warranted to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

BIS: Bureau of Industry and Security Published Interim Final Rule

Interim Final Rule (IFR) on the Implementation of Additional Export Controls: Certain Advanced Computing and Semiconductor Manufacturing Items; Supercomputer and Semiconductor End Use. Effective 11/17/2023, discussion of comments.

EPA: The Environmental Protection Agency Published Rule on Hydrofluorocarbons

A rule on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) was published 10/24. It's effective 12/26. HFCs are a group of synthetic gases that are used mostly for cooling and refrigeration. As part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, the EPA can limit the way that HFCs are used in specific sectors.

Justice: A Florida Couple Plead Guilty to Duty Evasion

A couple from Florida plead guilty to duty evasion on plywood imports, and selling illegally imported plywood products, as well as smuggling and violations of the Lacey Act. The loss of duties was ~ $42 million.

BIS: Issued an Update for Samsung and SK hynix

The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a rule updating the general authorizations for Samsung and SK hynix for semiconductor facilities in PRC. This is under the Validated End-User (VEU) program. This basically gives the South Korea companies permission to continue work in their CN facilities and still do business with the US.

Justice: New Safe Harbor Policy

The Deputy AG announced new Safe Harbor policy for VSDs that are made in connection with mergers and acquisitions. This was during the remarks that Lisa Monaco gave at the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics' 22nd Annual Compliance and Ethics Institute.

Sanctions in Singapore

Singapore is fining Hydronav Services, a Singpore company, for violations of their export controls in sending goods to Myanmar. They lied and said it was going to Indonesia.

BIS: Bureau of Industry and Security Published Guidance on Best Practice

BIS published guidance on Best Practice: Certification to Prevent Diversion to Russia of Highest Priority Items. They identified 45 HS codes that have controlled items that are at risk of being diverted due to their importance to Russia's ware efforts.

CBP: Customs and Border Protection Releases August 2023 Monthly Update

August 2023 statistics are here. Details on migration, narcotics traffic, travel, the CBP One app, forced labor and intellectual property, and agriculture topics.

OFAC: The Office of Foreign Assets Control Settled with 3M and Emigrant Bank

OFAC settled with 3M and Emigrant Bank for $9,618,477. This is for a potential civil liability for 54 apparent violations of sanctions on Iran. 3M's subsidiary sold reflective license plate sheeting to an Iranian entity controlled by Iranian law enforcement. OFAC filed a VSD.

EU: European Commission Publish Guidance for Operators

The EU published guidance for operators' due diligence against Russia sanctions circumvention. There's 11 pages of risk review and mitigation measures that are great practices.

DDTC: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls issued an ITAR Compliance Risk Matrix

The Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is issuing a new ITAR Compliance Risk Matrix, accompanied by a supplemental risk matrix specific to universities. These risk matrices are intended to assist organizations in assessing their level of ITAR compliance risk and assist in the evaluation of potential compliance risks that are specific to each organization and that, if left unaddressed, may lead to ITAR violations.

BIS: The Bureau of Industry & Security Issued a Temporary Denial Order

The Bureau of Industry & Security issued a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) suspending export privileges of three people who are part of a Russia-based procurement network supplying Russia's military. The Disruptive Strike Force coordinated an operation with DOJ and Commerce, including an arrest warrant.

USTR: Section 301 Exclusions Extended Expiration Date

The existing Section 301 Exclusions that were set to expire 9/30/2023 are now extended until 12/31/2023. The list of impacted HS codes and items are in the Federal Register notice

GAO: The Government Accountability Office issued report on the Export-Import Bank

The Government Accountability Office issued their report on the Export-Import Bank monitoring of dual-use items that they finance. The bank did not finance any new dual-use exports in FY 2022. It continued to monitor use of two satellites sold to Mexico and received documents showing Mexico was in compliance with policy in 2023.

BIS: Bureau of Industry and Security Amended the EAR

Bureau of Industry and Security amended the EAR to create another way to renew Temporary Denial Orders (TDOs). The new option allows BIS to request that the Export Enforcement Assistant Secretary renew an existing TDO for a year, instead of the current renewal period of 180 days.

CSMS: ACE Technical Forum

CBP is holding an ACE Technical Forum for software developers and self-programmers on September 14th.

Colombia Updates the Way They Approach Customs Issues

Colombia added minimum penalty amounts, fine reductions, an audit/review committee, an overview of violations from different roles, and changes in the way that defense works.

CSMS: Clarification on When Part 122 Subjugates to Part 18

Cargo and Conveyance Security posted a message to clarify when Part 122 (Air Commerce) defers to Part 18 (Air BOLs transferred to Truck/Rail Mode of Transport) and how to report.

CBP: Seized Unpermitted Wildlife Products

CBP seized two shipments, one of taxidermized birds, the other of horned mammal skulls. CBP officers detained both shipments and consulted with inspectors from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) who advised CBP that the wildlife products violated U.S. wildlife import laws.

CBSA: Updates to CARM Release 2 Timeline

In May 2024, CARM will become the official system of record for the collection of duties and taxes for commercial goods imported into Canada. Release 2 soft launch is planned for October 2023 to allow selected industry partners to test their own internal systems and allow time for software service providers to continue to certify their software with CARM.

CSMS: New Instructional Video on Filing Claims in ACE

The Office of Trade, Trade Policy and Programs, has developed a brief instructional video for first-time drawback filers on how to file a claim in ACE. 

CSMS: Registration for the October 2023 License Exam opens August 14

Additionally, beginning with the October 25, 2023 exam, each CBLE question will have four possible answers. This is a change from prior exams where each CBLE question had five possible answers.

CSMS: There's a new DDTC element in AES

This Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) new data element collection will help ensure that only commodities that have been determined to be controlled in USML Category XXI by the Director of DDTC’s Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy can be declared as such in AES. As a result of this new data element, a new response message “Response Code: 5C2 CAT XXI DETERMINATION NBR UNKNOWN” was created.

OFAC: “Introduction to OFAC” Web Series

The “Introduction to OFAC” web series is a series of short videos created to provide viewers with a high-level introduction on the fundamentals of the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and U.S. sanctions implementation. 

CSMS: Customs User Fees are Changing

Pursuant to the General Notice (88 FR 48900) published July 28, 2023, adjustments to certain customs user fees and corresponding limitations, as codified in 19 U.S.C. § 58c, will take effect on October 1, 2023. 

National Law Review: The U.S. Adopted a New Sanctions Strategy

Since the February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has adopted a new, more aggressive sanctions strategy, increasingly going after parties who enable sanctioned businesses and individuals to conduct business and shield their wealth. 

Federal Reserve: Announced Enforcement Actions

The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday announced two enforcement actions against Deutsche Bank AG, its New York branch, and other U.S. affiliates.

CBP: Published the quarterly IRS Interest Rates

CBP has published the quarterly IRS interest rates used to calculate interest for underpayments and overpayments of customs duties.

WTO: Press Release

The WTO press release about the publication of the 2023 World Tariff Profiles.

EPA: TSCA SNURs

The EPA has proposed significant new use rules (SNURs) under TSCA for certain chemical substances.

BIS: Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations Update

The BIS published a final rule amending the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) to reduce the concentration threshold level for mixtures containing a Schedule 2A chemical.

DDTC: ITAR Compliance Program Guidelines

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is publishing new ITAR Compliance Program Guidelines. These guidelines give an overview of a solid compliance program, and introduce defense trade controls.

OFAC: Settlement with Danfoss

OFAC has announced their settlement with Danfoss, a Danish company that sells refrigeration and cooling products. Danfoss has agreed to pay $4,379,810 for potential civil liability related to apparent violations of the Syrian, Sudanese, and Iranian Sanctions Regulations.

CBP: Customs Broker Guidance for the Trade Community

CBP has published version 1.1 of the Customs Broker Guidance for the Trade Community. This provides tools and information to the customs broker community. 

CBP: Merchandise Detained

CBP is detaining merchandise from Jingde Trading Ltd., Rixin Foods Ltd., and Zhejiang Sunrise Garment Group Co Ltd., beginning 12/5/2022. This is because CBP investigations show that these companies are using North Korean labor in their supply chains, in violation of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Trust Star USA Trade News for the Latest in International Trade

Star USA is a trusted leader in international trade consulting & education. We break down the complexities of international trade compliance, empowering companies to make informed decisions about their supply chains. 

We believe that knowledge is power - which is why we place such a high priority on staying apprised of the latest industry developments. We’re also committed to sharing that information - simplifying and getting to the brass tacks of it - with clients and other stakeholders. 

Supply chains are only as strong as their weakest link. Any organization that relies on the global movement of goods and services would be wise to stay primed about the ongoing shifts, advancements, and upheavals in regulatory landscapes across international markets.

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