The following update on handbag classification may be of interest to members:
Category Archives: Customs & Trade Updates
The Following governmental notices may be of interest to our members and the trade. Among the items released this week:
CBP’s Notice of Quarterly IRS Interest Rates Used in Calculating Interest On Overdue Accounts and Refunds on Customs Duties and Comment Requests on topics such as the Commercial Invoice and Transportation Entry and Manifest of Goods Subject to Inspection and Permit, the current Bulletin containing notices such as the Regulatory Implementation of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise and the Civil Monetary Penalty Adjustments for Inflation, as well as the latest ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
OFAC’s Notice of the Blocking of Persons and Properties;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, including the monthly Initiations of Administrative Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Wooden Bedroom Furniture and Multilayered Wood Flooring from People’s Republic of China;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, a certain Children’s Cosmetic Set, Shower Curtain and various spices; and,
Canada’s latest Antidumping and Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
Readers wishing to learn more about any of these items should contact the Gemini Team
The following governmental notices may be of interest to our members and the trade. The following items were released this week:
APHIS’ Proposed Rules regarding the Imports of Hass Avocados from Colombia and the Importation, Interstate Movement, and Environmental Release of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms;
CBP’s Notices of the upcoming Meeting of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee and Comment Requests for the Importation Bond Structure and Temporary Scientific or Educational Purposes, the current Bulletin containing notices of Proposed Ruling Revocations & the Dates and Draft Agenda of the Fifty-Ninth Session of the Harmonized System Committee of the World Customs Organization, as well as the latest ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
OFAC’s Rule concerning the Inflation Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties and Notices of the Blocking of Persons and Properties:
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Wooden Bedroom Furniture and Multilayered Wood Flooring from People’s Republic of China;
Presidential Executive Order concerning the Economy, National; Financial System, U.S.; Modification of Core Principles of Regulation;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, a Medicine Ball, certain Garden Hoses and various Dietary Supplements; and,
Canada’s latest Antidumping and Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
Members wishing to learn more about any of these items should view the members website or contact a member of the Gemini team.
The following governmental notices may be of interest to our members and the trade. Among the items announced this week:
CPSC’s Rules concerning the Safety Standard for Sling Carriers & a Safety Standard Mandating ASTM F963 for Toys, Proposed Rules regarding the Amendments to Fireworks Regulations & Portable Generators and Notice of a Request for Information about Mattress Materials;
CBP’s current Bulletin containing notices Donations of Technology and Support Services to Enforce Intellectual Property Rights, the Delayed Effective Date for Modifications of the National Customs Automation Program Tests Regarding Reconciliation, Post-Summary Corrections, and Periodic Monthly Statements and the Delay of Effective Date for the Automated Commercial Environment Becoming the Sole CBP-Authorized Electronic Data Interchange System for Processing Electronic Drawback and Duty Deferral Entry and Entry Summary Filings and current ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Certain Artist Canvas from the People’s Republic of China;
Presidential Documents addressing various Administrative and Executive Orders, such as the Domestic Manufacturing; Streamlining Permitting and Reducing Regulatory Burdens and Defense and National Security: Foreign Terrorists; Measures to Prevent U.S. Entry;
USTR’s Notice of the Correction to the Federal Register notice of December 28, 2016 regarding the Meeting date for the Special 301 Review Identification of Countries Under Section 182 of the Trade Act of 1974;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, Camp Showers with Vinyl/PVC Tubing, Vinyl/PVC Cases and Safety Vests with Vinyl/PVC Components; and,
Canada’s latest Antidumping and Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
House Republicans continue to push the Border Adjustment Tax (BAT) as part of their “A Better Way” corporate tax reform proposal. Recently, President Donald Trump has made cryptic signals of support, although Trump’s Press Secretary has conflated the BAT with a border tariff in describing Trump’s support. Under the House Republican proposal, corporate tax rates would drop from 37.5 percent to 20 percent. However, to help cover the loss in revenue, the House proposal would also impose a Border Adjustment Tax. Under BAT (BAT Explained – Example 1, Example 2), imported materials and products would no longer be allowed to be deducted as part of a company’s Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). As a result, with 99 percent of fashion accessories sold in the United States being imported, a fashion accessories company’s tax base would increase dramatically under the proposal, even as the tax rate they pay on that base declines. For many companies, that means the resulting tax bill would be 3-4 times their current tax bill, in many cases, more than their profit (estimate your new tax here). As a result, FASA/Gemini has joined large swaths of the U.S. business community in the new Affordable Products Coalition to strongly oppose the BAT proposal. Congress is expected to consider corporate tax reform later this year. We need you! to speak up. Click here to tell your members of Congress to oppose the BAT proposal.
The following governmental notices may be of interest to our members and the trade. Among the items announced this week:
APHIS’ Rule concerning the Stay of Regulations on Importations of Lemons from Northwest Argentina and Notices concerning the Additions of Lebanon to the List of Regions Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza & of the Republic of Korea to the List of Regions Affected by Contagious Equine Metritis, as well as Comment Requests;
CPSC’s Notices of Comment Requests regarding the Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads and Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets;
CBP’s Rules regarding the Delays of Effective Dates for the Importations of Certain Vehicles and Engines Subject to Federal Antipollution Emission Standards & for the Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical Substance Import Certification Process Revisions, the Regulatory Implementation of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the current Bulletin containing notices of the Grant & Receipt of Application for “Lever-Rule” Protection and the Republication with Correction & Further Clarification of the National Customs Automation Program Tests Regarding Post-Summary Corrections and Periodic Monthly Statements, as well as current ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
FTC’s Removal of Burmese Sanctions Regulations and Notice regarding Early Terminations of Waiting Periods Under Premerger Notification Rules;
OFAC’s Rule concerning the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations and latest Notices regarding the Blocking Persons and Properties;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Termination of Investigation on Certain Athletic Footwear and an upcoming Meeting concerning the United States Investment Advisory Council;
USTR’s Notice concerning the Bilateral Agreement between the European Union and the United States of America on Prudential Measures Regarding Insurance and Reinsurance;
Presidential Documents addressing the Administrative Orders regarding the Hiring Freeze on Government Agencies and Employees, the Withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations and Agreement and Executive Order concerning the Pending Repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, Brass Caps, Hose Connectors and a certain Cosmetic Bag; and,
Canada’s latest Antidumping and Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
Members wishing to learn more about these items should contact the Gemini Team
The following governmental notices published this week may be of interest to our members and the trade. Among the items released:
APHIS’ Rules concerning the Biennial Review of the Agricultural Bioterrorism Protection Act of 2002 and the Importation of Beef from Region in Argentina, Proposed Rules addressing Imports of Hass Avocados From Colombia and the Importation, Interstate Movement, and Environmental Release of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms, as well as Plant Pest Regulations and Notices such as the Imports of Fresh Star Apple Fruit from Vietnam, the Addition of Lebanon to the List of Regions Affected by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and numerous Comment Requests;
CBP’s Proposed Rule regarding Donations of Technology and Support Services to Enforce Intellectual Property Rights, Notices concerning the Automated Commercial Environments and National Customs Automation Program Tests, its publication summarizing the Intellectual Property Rights Seizure Statistics for 2016, the current Bulletin containing notice of the Proposed Modification and Revocation of Ruling Letters Relating to Customs Application of The Jones Act to the Transportation of Certain Merchandise and Equipment Between Coastwise Points and the Removal of Regulations Relating to Special Registration Process for Certain Nonimmigrants and current ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
OFAC’s Rule concerning the Sudanese Sanctions Regulations and latest Notices regarding the Blocking Persons and Properties;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires from India and an upcoming Meeting concerning the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board;
ITC and USTR Notices addressing the 2016/2017 Annual Product Review and Certain Country Practice Cases under the Generalized System of Preferences [more details in our separate Notice to importers];
Presidential Documents addressing the Executive Order regarding Recognizing Positive Government Actions & Revoking Certain Sanctions in the Sudan and numerous Administrative Orders concerning issues such as the Continuation of National Emergency in, e.g., Libya and the Ukraine;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, Footwear Made With Leather, Vinyl or Imitation Leather Materials, Ginger Snap Cookies and drum faucets; and,
Canada’s latest Antidumping and Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
Members wishing to learn more about these topics are encouraged to contact the Gemini team.
The following governmental notices that may be of interest to our members and the trade. Some of the items noted this week include.
CPSC’s Correction to its Rule regarding the Administration & Enforcement of Hazardous Substances & Articles;
CBP’s Notice of Correction and Clarification concerning its Post–Summary Corrections and Periodic Monthly Statements of the National Customs Automation Program Tests, its latest two Bulletins containing Decisions such as Revisions to the Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical Substance Import Certification Process and the Importations of Certain Vehicles and Engines Subject to Federal Antipollution Emission Standards, as well as General Notices concerning the Accreditation and Approval of Commercial Gauger and Laboratory offices and current ABI messages, including advising of the Suspension of FWS ACE Pilot and Publication of the TTB Final Rule;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
OFAC’s latest Notices regarding the Blocking and Unblocking of Persons and Properties;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of the Request For Comments On Petitions Seeking Duty Suspensions / Reductions under the miscellaneous trade bill, the Revisions to User Fees for Export and Investment Promotion Services/Events, Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, including the Initiation of Administrative Reviews of Various Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders and Findings with November anniversary dates and the Opportunity to Request Administrative Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Cameras and Software for Use Therewith and Multilayered Wood Flooring from the People’s Republic of China;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, Bath Mats, hardware cloth and tape measures; and,
Canada’s latest Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
For more information on any of these topics please contact your Gemini team representative
The following governmental notices may be of interest to our members and the trade. In addition to the 2017 Harmonized Tariff Schedule, additional items Published this week include:
Reminder of APHIS’ Notice addressing the new CITES Requirements for Rosewoods that took effect January 2, 2017;
CPSC’s Proposed Amendments to Procedures for Disclosure or Production of Information under the Freedom of Information Act;
CBP’s updated fact sheet on supply chain due diligence for importers to help avoid involvement with goods made by forced labor – the change consists of a link to an online “responsible sourcing tool” and latest ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
OFAC’s latest Notices regarding the Blocking of Persons and Properties;
F&W’s latest Public Bulletin advising importers and exporters of the various websites providing updates and information, as well as a reminder regarding the new CITES requirements that went into effect January 2, 2017;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews, as well as updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on merchandise such as Floor-Standing, Metal-Top Ironing Tables and Certain Parts Thereof from People’s Republic of China;
Presidential Executive Order concerning Defense and National Security and Taking Additional Steps to Address the National Emergency concerning Cyber-Enabled Activities;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on items such as, but not limited to, Baby Bibs, Children’s Footwear with Polymer Straps and Vinyl/PVC Handle Straps; and,
Canada’s latest Antidumping and Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
Members wishing to learn more about any of these items should check the members only page or contact your Gemini team representative.
The following governmental notices that may be of interest to our members and the trade. Among the items reported this week:
APHIS’ Notice addressing the new CITES Requirements for Rosewoods to Take Effect January 2, 2017;
CBP’s Rules regarding the Importations of Certain Vehicles and Engines Subject to Federal Antipollution Emission Standards, the current Bulletin containing a Decision regarding Electronic Notice of Liquidation and Notices addressing issues such as the Quarterly IRS Interest Rates Used in Calculating Interest on Overdue Accounts and Refunds on Customs Duties, the Effective Date for the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) & the Processing of Electronic Drawback and Duty Deferral Entry and the Accreditation and Approval of Commercial Gaugers and Laboratories, as well as the latest ABI messages;
CPSC and FDA Recalls and Consumer Updates;
F&W’s Public Bulletin addressing new CITES requirements effective January 2, 2017;
OFAC’s latest Notice regarding the Blocking of Persons and Properties;
FTZ Board current notices;
ITA and ITC Notices of Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews and updates on Determinations, Investigations and Complaints on items such as Multilayered Wood Flooring from People’s Republic of China and Certain Coated Paper Suitable for High-Quality Print Graphics Using Sheet-Fed Presses from China and Indonesia;
USTR’s Notices of upcoming Meetings regarding the 2017 Special 301 Review and Identification of Countries under Section 182 of Trade Act of 1974 and the Request to Reinstate Action Taken in Connection with European Union’s Measures Concerning Meat and Meat Products;
California’s latest 60 Day Notices on a Duffle Bag, various drinking Teas and a PVC Collapsible Fishing Bucket; and,
Canada’s latest Consumer Alert & Recall notices.
Members wishing to learn more on any of these topics are encouraged to speak with the Gemini team.
With best regards and wishes for a happy and healthy celebration and 2017.
