Trade Alerts

On August 20, 2021, U.S. Customs & Border Protection issued CSMS #49132200, updating and clarifying the documentary requirements to support a duty-free claim under 9801.00.10.  Importers wishing to enter goods that have been previously exported from the United States and are now being returned with a duty-free claim under subheading 9801.00.10 should familiarize themselves with…

When importing potatoes, there are many post-import processes that exempt potatoes from Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) grading standards and inspection.  However, 7 CFR § 980.1(j) defines the term “processing” and specifically calls out potatoes used for potato salad. Exemptions. (1) The grade, size, quality and maturity requirements of this section shall not be applicable to potatoes imported…

The Ningbo Meidong Container Terminal, a major terminal at the Port of Ningbo, was shut down indefinitely on Wednesday due to a worker testing positive for Covid-19.  At this time, the rest of the Ningbo shipping port remains operational, but the suspension could cause significant problems for container movement in this critical shipping region.  Disruptions…

Hours after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) work-to-rule strike began on Friday, a tentative agreement was reached between the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), which represents the CBSA employees, and the Treasury Board of Canada, representing the federal government.  While the deal still needs to undergo ratification, further CBSA labor disruptions are not…

Members of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) began a work-to-rule strike at ports of entry across the country at 6 a.m. this morning, which is expected to drastically impact Canada’s supply chain. While the labor action is not a full strike, the slowdown is causing long lineups and many delays for trucks at border…

The Tariff Act of 1930 prohibits the importation of goods manufactured with the use of forced labor.  This includes prison labor, forced labor, and indentured child labor.  Prior to the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 (TFTEA), the Tariff Act included a clause that allowed for the importation of goods produced with forced…

The international intermodal supply chain is experiencing significant impacts due to the record high volume of imports into the U.S.  As a result, MSC rail vendor (BNSF) is restricting import rail traffic from the U.S. West Coast ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.  This will impact the delivery of on-board or discharged cargoes to…

The Union Pacific Railroad (UP) announced a seven-day pause beginning on July 19th for Eastbound traffic from the U.S. West Coast terminals (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, Tacoma) to the Global IV terminal in Joliet, IL.  The UP is using this time to reduce the rail backlog en route and around the Chicago area.  Although…

New COVID restrictions are disrupting manufacturing and logistics throughout Southeast Asia.  Malaysia is experiencing the highest number of cases, rising to over 10,000, and lockdowns remain throughout the country.  This is affecting traffic out of Selangor/Kuala Lumpur/Port Klang.  The majority of employees are working from home in all sectors, so our partners have informed us…

On March 31, 2020, the Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced Phase Six of the Lacey Act enforcement schedule would begin on October 1, 2020. This date was later changed to July 1, 2021, after public comment. On July 2, 2021, APHIS published additional information in the Federal Register, including…