TRADE ALERTS

April 2023

What's going on with GSP?

In short, nothing.

The Generalized System of Preferences program designed to benefit developing countries expired on Dec 31, 2020, and is still pending Congressional renewal.

Meanwhile, U.S. Customs continues to allow the flagging of products eligible for GSP duty-free treatment on customs entries.

If and when the GSP program is renewed, U.S. Customs is expected to automatically process refunds to importers.

Learn more about GSP

Remaining Plant Products Subject to Phase VII Lacey Act in 2023

Phase VII of the Lacey Act will require a declaration for all remaining plant product Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes that are not 100% composite materials

Ban Lifted on Mexican CITES Imports

Trade of CITES plant or wildlife products from Mexico was briefly suspended following notification from the CITES Secretariat. The suspension was rescinded on April 14, and the U.S. resumed normal trade operations with Mexico related to CITES species.

New Aluminum ‘Smelt and Cast’ Reporting Requirement Delayed

Certain articles of aluminum will require three new data elements reported on the customs entry summary, including the Primary and Secondary Country of Smelt, and Country of Cast, starting May 10. The original start date of April 10 was delayed.

301 China Tariff Update

Eighty-one COVID medical-related exclusions are scheduled to expire May 15, which will leave less than 400 hundred exclusions available to importers through Sept 30.

The U.S. Trade Representative hasn't yet indicated whether or not we can expect any change to the China tariffs.

However, we do see the government continuing its hard stance against China which is indicating, not much will change.

Visit our 301 China Action webpage for the latest!

EXPORT LICENSING & ENTITY LIST

New OFAC Website

The new site contains a streamlined landing page, enhanced FAQs Search, and a sanctions program filter among its new features.

BIS Imposes $300M Penalty Related to Shipments to Huawei

A steep civil penalty for an alleged violation of U.S. export controls is a good reminder to exporters to Know Who You Are Doing Business With.

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Export Week Webinars: May 1-5, The U.S. Commercial Service will host a suite of export-related webinars on a variety of topics, including compliance, documentation, marketing, finance, and more. Register Online. Many programs are offered free of charge.

2023 Classification Webinars: On-going, U.S. Customs presents commodity-specific webinars. Register Online.

Appliances and Apparatuses of Heading 9019: Part 2 - May 2
Loose-Fitting Blouses/2022 HTSUS Changes to Heading 6106 - May 3
Note 2(a) to Section XVI: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances - May 4
Chapter 95: Diving into Watersport, Swimming Pool, and Fishing Equipment - May 11
Classification Issues with Engines, Drive-Axles & More! - May 16
The Classification of Stainless-Steel Products in Chapter 72 - May 23
Automatic Regulating or Controlling Instruments of Heading 9032 - May 25
Getting Down and Dirty with Cast Iron Soil Pipe - May 31

Green Trade Innovation and Incentives Forum: July 11, Forum to share ideas related to green trade innovation and incentivization of clean and sustainable supply chains and trade decarbonization. In-person and virtual options. Registration Open.

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