New importers need to understand U.S. customs requirements before shipping goods into the country. These five tips cover import requirements, documentation, customs bonds, CBP examinations, customs brokers, and other considerations to help businesses prepare for the import process.
President Trump's June 3, 2026 EO directs a comprehensive reform of U.S. customs enforcement, tightening importer eligibility, raising bonding requirements, and setting penalty floors. CBP has already started deactivating inactive IOR numbers in ACE, with a reactivation process now available.
The United States and Uzbekistan announced an early harvest trade package covering tariff reductions, investment cooperation, and accelerated talks toward a Reciprocal Trade and Investment Agreement. The commitments build on $32 billion in bilateral commercial deals announced in 2025 and will be formalized by both governments in the coming weeks.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued two Withhold Release Orders against garments produced by Needle Craft Ltd. and Casual Wear Apparel L.L.C. in Jordan. The agency will detain covered shipments at U.S. ports of entry after investigations found evidence indicating violations of forced labor practices.
USTR has launched a Section 301 investigation into Germany's pharmaceutical pricing and reimbursement practices. The probe will assess whether Germany's policies unfairly burden U.S. commerce by shifting a disproportionate share of global pharmaceutical research and development costs to American patients and manufacturers.
A circumvention inquiry request involving Vietnam tissue paper imports made with China-origin jumbo rolls could lead to antidumping duty requirements. The U.S. Department of Commerce will review whether these products are circumventing the existing antidumping duty order covering tissue paper products from China.
President Trump reauthorized AGOA, Haiti HOPE, and Haiti HELP through 2026, restoring duty-free benefits and allowing eligible importers to request retroactive refunds. CBP’s updated guidance outlines refund eligibility, filing requirements, and the August 2, 2026 deadline for submitting claims related to duties paid during the program lapse.
CBP issued a Withhold Release Order against copper and copper products from Serbia Zijin Copper D.O.O. due to evidence indicating forced labor concerns. The order requires U.S. ports of entry to detain affected shipments and allows importers to provide documentation, export goods, or destroy detained merchandise.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) introduced a web-based ACE Portal application for companies without existing access. The new form speeds up account setup, updates, and communication with CBP. CBP recently announced added new tools and automation to streamline ACE Portal account management.
CBP announced a National Customs Automation Program test to improve crude oil pipeline data collection from Canada and Mexico. The initiative uses ACE and Neoflow with digital standards to track movement, ownership changes, and transactions in near real time while improving reconciliation, compliance checks, and supply chain visibility.
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