USTR Extends 81 COVID-19 Related Product Exclusions for 6 Months

USTR Extends 81 COVID-19 Related Product Exclusions for 6 Months

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced an extension of 81 Section 301 tariff exclusions—which include certain medical-care products needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic—until May 31, 2022. USTR has also stated that the notice, “extends the 99 exclusions scheduled to expire on November 14, 2021, through November 30, 2021. Those exclusions…

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New ACE Password Requirement Starting 10/3

New ACE Password Requirement Starting 10/3

Due to Department Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) security policy changes, effective October 3, all Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Secure Data Portal account passwords will require a minimum of 15-characters. This new requirement will be enforced as of Oct 3, when the customs broker’s or freight forwarder’s current 12-character password…

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DDTC’s Vigorous Enforcement of Compliance Requirements

DDTC’s Vigorous Enforcement of Compliance Requirements

The State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is cracking down on certain compliance requirements and violations involving software and technical data. The DDTC is enforcing a consent agreement requirement which “forces companies to review and verify the jurisdiction and classification status of all hardware and software relating to their International Traffic in Arms…

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Increased Due Diligence When Working with Hong Kong

Increased Due Diligence When Working with Hong Kong

The U.S. Government issued an advisory urging companies to increase their due diligence when doing business in Hong Kong. Due to Chinese governmental policies that “undermine the legal and regulatory environment that is critical for individuals and businesses to operate freely and with legal certainty in Hong Kong” are impacting U.S. parties. There are various…

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FAQ: WRO on Silica-Based Products from China

FAQ: WRO on Silica-Based Products from China

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently posted answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding the withhold release order (WRO) aimed at silica-based products from China. These answers outline the scope of the Hoshine WRO by detailing the types of information that CBP may seek to determine whether forced labor was involved in an…

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