USDA Finalizes July 15 Enforcement Date for Organic Importer Certification Requirement

2025-06-26T22:16:27+00:00June 26th, 2025|Other Government Agencies/Depts., Risk Management, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs|

Beginning July 15, 2025, all importers of organic products into the U.S.—including those located in Canada—must be certified under USDA organic regulations by a USDA-accredited certifier. Under the USDA’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, COR-certified businesses acting as U.S. importers of record will no longer be permitted to rely solely on their Canadian certification. This marks the end of a temporary allowance granted after SOE implementation in March 2024.

CIFER Registration Renewal Window Opens July 1, 2025 for Exporters

2025-06-24T22:47:59+00:00June 24th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Other Government Agencies/Depts., Trade Compliance|

Companies exporting food products to China are reminded that the CIFER registration renewal window opens on July 1, 2025. If your facility’s registration expires on January 1, 2026, and falls under categories such as edible oils, plant spices, grain products, or malt, you must submit an Application for Extension in the CIFER system between July 1 and September 30, 2025. Missing this deadline could result in cancellation of your registration and disruption of exports to China.

Webinar: Help Shape the Guide to Reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry

2025-06-24T22:04:53+00:00June 24th, 2025|Canada Customs, Other Government Agencies/Depts., U.S. Customs|

Have Your Say: Federal Plastics Registry – Phase 2. Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing a guidance document to support Phase 2 reporting to the Federal Plastics Registry. A summary of the proposed content is now available for review, and we welcome your feedback by July 24, 2025. To support your review, join one of our upcoming webinars (in English or French) on June 26 or July 10 for an overview and Q&A session. Get the meeting links.

New Steel Derivatives Added to 50% Section 232 Tariffs Effective June 23 (Updated Guidance)

2025-07-16T01:01:02+00:00June 24th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs, U.S. Tariffs|

UPDATED CBP GUIDANCE published June 24, 2025 (lists the correct number for pre-existing HTSUS 9903.81.98). Beginning June 23, eight new household appliances and components—including refrigerators, dryers, washers, and food waste disposals—will be subject to the 50% Section 232 steel derivative tariff under Proclamation 10896. BIS confirmed the changes in a final rule amending Annex 1, noting that the tariff will apply based on the value of the steel content in each product. Welded wire racks classified under 9403.99.9020 will also remain subject to aluminum tariffs under Proclamation 10895 for their aluminum content.

CBP Launches New Forced Labor Allegation Portal with Upcoming Webinar Training

2025-06-27T16:41:24+00:00June 20th, 2025|Risk Management, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs|

On June 20, 2025, CBP launches the Forced Labor Allegation Portal, a new digital platform for submitting and tracking forced labor complaints in the U.S. supply chain. The portal allows for anonymous submissions, document uploads, and real-time updates, streamlining communication with CBP’s Forced Labor Division. Access, training resources, and upcoming webinars are available to help users transition from the former e-Allegations system.

Canada’s New Measures to Defend Steel and Aluminum Industry Against U.S. Tariffs

2025-07-16T01:01:15+00:00June 19th, 2025|Canada Customs, Canada Surtax, International Trade Issues|

The Government of Canada announced a robust set of measures to defend the country’s steel and aluminum industries in response to new U.S. tariffs. These include adjusted counter-tariffs, reciprocal procurement rules, import quotas on non-FTA steel, and new origin-based tariff rules. The federal government is also launching industry task forces and continuing financial support for large businesses impacted by trade instability. As negotiations for a new Canada-U.S. economic partnership continue, Ottawa is making it clear: protecting Canadian workers and industrial resilience is non-negotiable.

Tariff Relief Within Seven Days Under U.S.-U.K. Deal Once Federal Notice Published

2025-07-16T01:01:23+00:00June 18th, 2025|Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs, U.S. Tariffs|

The U.S. will soon reduce Section 232 tariffs on British-built cars, auto parts, and aerospace products under a new bilateral trade arrangement with the United Kingdom. Once the June 16 executive order is published in the Federal Register, a new 10% total tariff will apply to up to 100,000 British vehicles annually, and qualifying auto parts and civil aircraft components will be exempt from additional duties. These changes are part of the broader U.S.-U.K. Economic Prosperity Deal, aimed at easing trade barriers while supporting supply chain security and national interests.

CBP Guidance for Section 232 Aluminum Import Instructions to Report Unknown for Country of Smelt and Cast

2025-06-13T21:54:56+00:00June 13th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Trade Compliance, U.S. Customs|

Effective June 28, 2025, CBP will require importers of derivative aluminum subject to Section 232 to report “unknown” for smelt or cast origin when that information is not available. Entries marked “unknown” must declare HTS 9903.85.67 or 9903.85.68 and will incur the 200% tariff rate applied to Russian aluminum. CBP’s updated guidance outlines mandatory reporting codes, ISO requirements, and new ACE system error messages tied to smelt and cast data.

U.S. Opens Comments on China’s Shipbuilding Dominance Section 301 Action

2025-06-09T18:55:32+00:00June 9th, 2025|International Trade Issues, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, U.S. Customs|

The USTR is seeking public comment on proposed modifications to the Section 301 trade action targeting China’s domination of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Key changes include revising vehicle carrier fees from Car Equivalent Units to net tonnage and exempting Maritime Security Program vessels, as well as eliminating a provision that allowed suspension of LNG export licenses. Stakeholders have until July 7, 2025, to submit comments via USTR docket number 2025-0013.

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