This week, President Biden has directed the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) to take further action against Chinese unfair trading practices following the release of the statutory four-year review of Section 301 tariffs against the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”). Per Biden’s direction, Ambassador Katherine Tai announced that she will be proposing modifications to existing
Weronika Bukowski
PRC Firm Files to Contest WRO Against Silica Products in Court of International Trade
Last week, Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. (“Hoshine”) filed a complaint at the Court of International Trade contesting a withhold release order (“WRO”) issued against it by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”).
The withhold release order prohibits Hoshine and its subsidiaries from importing silica-based products into the United States due to allegations of forced labor…
Cassidy, Whitehouse Propose Customs Modernization Act to Enhance CBP Authority, Strengthen Enforcement
On December 8, Senate Finance Committee members Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the “Customs Modernization Act of 2023.” The act, which would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 “to strengthen the authorities of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”) to enforce the customs and trade laws of the United States,” enhances CBP’s…
Customs Ruling of the Week – Classification and Subheading Applicability of a Rotation Cushion
Main Idea: HTSUS Chapter 98, Subchapter 17, U.S. Note 4(b) exclusions are determined based on weighing all criteria. Although a product may meet the definition outlined in U.S. Note 4(a), they may fit the criteria outlined in U.S. Note 4(b) and therefore be excluded.
In ruling N330488 (Feb. 9, 2023), Customs and Border Protection (CBP)…
Customs Ruling of the Week- Classification, Country of Origin, Marking and Eligibility of the USMCA for a Sucrose, Lactose and Cocoa Powder Blend (SLCB)
Main Idea: When making multiple determinations in a single ruling, the totality of evidence based on each determination contributes to the final decisions.
In ruling N330744 (Feb. 28, 2023), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a decision on the classification, country of origin, marking and eligibility of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) for a…
CBP Issues Guidance Requiring Reporting of Smelt and Cast Country of Origin for Aluminum Products to Enforce 200% Tariff on Russian Aluminum
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released new guidance following the announcement of new 200% tariffs on Russian aluminum. CBP’s guidance outlines new reporting requirements for all imports of aluminum and aluminum derivative products, regardless of the country of origin.
The new reporting requirements follow the issuance of Presidential Proclamation 10522. Under Proclamation 10522, any…
The United States Imposes New Sanctions and Export Controls Targeting Russia and Belarus, Issues Joint Compliance Guidance, and Announces Corporate Compliance with Sanctions and Export Controls as an Enforcement Priority
On February 24, 2023, the United States and other G7 nations announced a number of new sanctions and export control measures coinciding with the one-year mark of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine. Shortly after these expansive sanctions and export controls were announced, the Departments of Justice (“DOJ”), the Treasury (“Treasury”), and Commerce (“Commerce”) issued their…
The United States Announces New Tariffs on Russian Goods, including a Far-Reaching 200% Tariff on Aluminum
New proclamations published to the U.S. Federal Register will bring additional tariffs on Russian metals (including a 200% tariff on aluminum), minerals, and chemicals imported into the United States.
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Ninth Circuit Poised to Address Question of Subject Matter Jurisdiction over Qui Tam Actions Alleging Customs Fraud
In Island Industries Inc. v. Sigma Corp., the Ninth Circuit is set to address whether federal district courts have subject matter jurisdiction over customs fraud cases in actions initiated under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act (“FCA”). The FCA allows private parties (“relators”) to file suits on behalf of the government…