Customs and Compliance News
Update on Section 301 Exclusions: U.S. CBP Issues Guidance on Filing Refund
On Friday, February 8, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (US CBP) issued CSMS #19-000052, which provides guidance for filing claims exclusions for Section 301 on certain goods from China.

According to US CBP, the product exclusions announced in this notice will be retroactive as of the July 6, 2018 effective date (see 83 FR 28710). The exclusions will extend for one year after the December 28, 2018 Federal Register notice (83 FR 67463).

U.S. CBP Extends Deadline for Filing CBMA Claims
In a February 8, 2019 message, U.S. Customs and Border Protection extended the deadline to submit supporting documents for the 2018 Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMA) claims to February 28, 2019.

Any 2018 claims must have the properly submitted CBMA Spreadsheet, Controlled Group Spreadsheet, and Assignment Certification or will be at risk of being liquidated without the benefit of the CBMA rate. 

Miscellaneous Trade Bill Overrules Section 301 Tariffs
In a ruling on December 10, 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection affirmed its position that if an article qualifies for Section 301 treatment and also qualifies for the Miscellaneous Trade Bill (MTB), the article is subject to the additional duty before it receives any duty free treatment afforded by the MTB.  

USTR: Wine and Distilled Spirits Continuity Agreements Signed with the UK
On January 31, 2019, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United Kingdom Ambassador signed two agreements ensuring reciprocal protection on wine and distilled spirits.
 
These agreements ensure there is no disruption in trade on these products as the UK prepares to leave the European Union. 

Public Hearing on US - UK Trade Agreement
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a public hearing on the proposed United States – United Kingdom Trade Agreement. 

The hearing is part of the public notice and comment process following the USTR notification to congress of the intention to enter into negotiations with the United Kingdoms.