Customs and Compliance News
USTR Issues First Exclusions for the Section 301 Tariffs
These differ from Section 232 duties in that all importers can take advantage. Please review the notice to confirm whether you will be able to take advantage of this retroactive exclusion, dating back to July 6, 2018.

Instructions from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on how to implement are forthcoming forthcoming once the Government furlough has ended. 

U.S. CBP Updates: Section 321 Truck Manifest Enforcement
On January 1, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) began enforcing the requirements for carriers to file advanced manifests for articles that fall under Section 321 clearance procedures (defined as valued below the De minimus amount of $800).

Carriers that make no attempt to comply are now eligible for penalties ranging from $5,000 for a first offense to $10,000 for additional offenses. 

Updates: Processing of Imports Continues During U.S. Government Shutdown
While the current United States Federal Government shutdown continues, imports are still processed. We are, however, faced with several issues. 

Below are notated the current issues impacting U.S. Imports:

  • The International Trade Commission (ITC) is furloughed and therefore updates to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule on its website won’t be updated, nor will they be doing the scheduled 5-year sunset review of ADD / CVD cases until they return.

  • Section 301 exclusion implementation and programming has been put on hold until after U.S Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP) returns from furlough.

  • ABI reps have been furloughed and questions are to be directed to the U.S. CBP Technology Services Desk.
Revised South Korea & U.S. FTA Effective January 1, 2019
The restructured United States ­ South Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), signed in 2018, went into effect on January 1, 2019. This is the first major update of the agreement since KORUS went into effect in 2012.  

The adjustments to KORUS focus on truck tariffs, auto exports from the U.S. to the Republic of Korea, customs procedures, and pharmaceutical reimbursement.

Updated Importer ID Effective After Government Furlough
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will add to its security enforcement by requiring additional information on importers and final consignees.

The data will be submitted via an updated importer identity form which, in addition to other data, will provide CBP with personal information about company owners and officers as well as EIN numbers for related business.