President Trump signed an executive order tightening U.S. customs enforcement, barring foreign importers from informal entry, raising bonding requirements, and expanding supply chain disclosures. The order sets a 50% minimum penalty floor, eliminates mitigation for repeat offenders, and directs DHS and DOJ to prioritize forced labor and transshipment violations.
USTR has determined that several Brazilian trade practices are actionable under Section 301, including digital trade restrictions, tariff policies, intellectual property enforcement gaps, ethanol market access issues, and deforestation concerns. The agency has proposed responsive action and is accepting public comments ahead of final decisions in July 2026.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is requesting public comments on a proposed U.S.-China Board of Trade to manage reciprocal tariff adjustments on non-sensitive goods. Separately, it has proposed Section 301 duties on 60 economies linked to forced labor concerns, with rates of 10% to 12.5% and key exemptions under review.
Effective April 6, 2026, Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper apply to the full customs value of imports. Rates include 50%, 25%, and 15% transitional through 2027. A June 1 proclamation adjusts Annex I-C rates, expands coverage, lowers content thresholds, effective June 8, 2026 through December 31, 2027.
The USTR has launched a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam over concerns about intellectual property protection and enforcement. The action follows Vietnam’s designation in the 2026 Special 301 Report. Officials say ongoing enforcement gaps affect U.S. businesses, with potential trade responses after the investigation concludes.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will host FY 2026 TRLED webinars on trade violation reporting. Sessions cover the Trade Violations Reporting tool and EAPA allegation filings. Due to a partial DHS shutdown, the March 31 and April 2 webinars are canceled. Meanwhile, registration is now open for June webinars.
Section 232 tariff modifications for Taiwan adjust duties on auto parts, civil aircraft components, and wood products effective May 1, 2026. CBP guidance introduces new HTSUS classifications, self-certification options, exemptions, and retroactive relief through PSC filings. Changes impact duty rates, reporting requirements, and eligibility for drawback preferential treatment under agreements.
CBP launched phase 1 of CAPE April 20, 2026, allowing importers and authorized brokers to file IEEPA duty refund claims electronically and consolidating processing for eligible entries, including unliquidated entries and those within 80 days of liquidation. First payments will begin as early as May 12. In line with this, CBP shared best practices to avoid refund scams.
EU phytosanitary requirements for oak and chestnut wood from Canada and the United States require bark-free material and heat treatment at 56°C for 30 minutes. These rules apply starting October 15, 2026 and affect logs, lumber, and related solid wood exports under new EU plant health measures and compliance standards.
Canada reminds importers of MERV reporting requirements for marine engines, vessels, and off-road recreational vehicles. Importation Declarations are required before entry, and End-of-Model-Year reports are due by June 1, with reporting requirements varying based on import volume and compliance obligations under the regulations.
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