Customs Publishes New Ruling for Parties Classifying Merchandise

As a courtesy to our clients, we would like to share the following information from GRUNFELD, DESIDERIO, LEBOWITZ, SILVERMAN & KLESTADT LLP

Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP published the following statement in response to customs ruling H290535: Customs business and broker rules; HTSUS classification recommendations; disclaimers Ruling Date: Sep 29, 2022

NEW RULING FOR PARTIES CLASSIFYING MERCHANDISE

Customs recently issued a ruling on the CROSS database, that may be problematic for many importers. In H290535, a seller of merchandise provided the ten digit Harmonized Tariff classifications to their customers. The classifications did come with a caveat that the importer should verify the classification with their expert. Despite the caveat, Customs held that providing tariff codes to third parties (even if the tariff codes were for the merchandise they were selling to their own customers) was performing “customs business” and therefore must be carried out by a licensed customs broker.

Rail Labor Contract Update: Second Rail Labor Union Rejects Proposed Contract 

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen is the second union to vote against the current proposed contract, increasing the threat of a national freight railroad strike in November. As previously reported in our Krieger Worldwide Industry News Alert from September 15th, a tentative agreement was reached which called for a cooling off period while all twelve unions voted on the proposed contract. Thus far, six unions have voted in favor of the proposed contract and two have voted against.

As reported in NPR, "The union's rejection means that now they're in what's called a "status quo" period that will run until Nov. 19 — five days after Congress is scheduled to come back to Washington. A strike would not come before then. Congress could prohibit a strike and force unions to accept the deal." 

KRIEGER Worldwide experts will continue to monitor the ongoing votes and potential effects of a strike. KRIEGER Worldwide strives to always provide the highest level of customer service to our clients; our solutions specialists are working to strategize new ways to alleviate our clients concerns through additional import/export options, using domestic and air freight, storage options and more. Contact us today to discuss how KRIEGER Worldwide can help solve your logistics needs, Together we can!

KRIEGER Worldwide will continue to monitor current events and trends within the logistics industry and keep our clients informed of breaking news, insights, and opportunities. Our experts are ready to answer any questions you have and offer you solutions to even your most challenging logistics needs.