COVID-19 Regulatory Changes Impacting Importers and Exporters
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has presented unique challenges for the U.S. supply chain, and for the U.S. economy as a whole. Front and center is the shortage of critical medical equipment and personal protective equipment (“PPE”), including ventilators, respirators, masks, gloves, swabs and other related equipment.
Force Majeure and the Coronavirus [COVID-19]: Definitions Matter
The month of March has brought a deluge of cancellations of international conferences, travel and severely affected markets around the world, all due to the spread of “COVID-19” – the newest strain of the “Coronavirus” which was first discovered last December in Wuhan, China.
Supply Chain – Speed Kills: What is driving this, and where is the speed coming from?
“When can I get it?” Consumers have an insatiable appetite for speed. Just a few years ago, Dell made the news that you could get a customized laptop in just a few weeks. Now, Amazon sets the pace that you can get almost anything in 2 days, and some items much faster
USMCA Update – Just when we thought we had a deal…
Many are wondering whether the updated NAFTA is going to make it. By make it, of course, we mean ratification of the agreement so that it may replace NAFTA. More and more, it seems that the “United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement” is a misnomer because the only agreement we are seeing is that there are still kinks to work out.
Which Way with Huawei?
The Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) of the Department of Commerce announced that it was adding Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. to the Entity List on May 16, 2019. Not just this Huawei company in China, but also 68 non-US affiliates of Huawei located in 26 countries.
Special 301 Duties on Aircraft – Are They Just Winging It?
In a Federal Register Notice dated April 12, 2019, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced the initiation of an investigation into European Union (EU) subsidies of large aircraft. The notice also contained a list of European origin aircraft and other products targeted for potential additional duties.
Department of Justice Issues: Guidance on False Claims Act
On May 6, 2019, the Department of Justice (DOJ) issued guidance explaining how the DOJ awards credit to defendants who cooperate during a False Claims Act investigation. The policy states that the DOJ will consider (1) voluntary disclosure of wrongdoing, (2) cooperation in an ongoing investigation, and (3) taking remedial measures in response to the violation.
The U.S and India Trade War, Well kind of… They’re keeping it Friendly for Now
What war? We’re on the right track. The trade deficit between India and the United States has decreased by nearly 7% to USD 1.6 billion in 2018, when compared to 2017. India recorded a decrease in the deficit from USD 22.9 billion in 2017 to USD 21.3 billion in 2018, according to the latest figures by the Bureau of Economy Analysis.
A.I. and Classification: Could the Robots Do a Better Job?
Are the robots taking over? Last week, I stopped by McDonalds, placed my order on a computer, pulled out my phone and used an app to make a doctor’s appointment, and then later deposited a check through a different app on my phone. All of these jobs that used to be performed by humans are now being taken over by technology.
Go Get Registered with Customs: CBP Form 5106 Create/Update Importer Identity Form – Updated and Revised
CBP Form 5106 is used to identify the importer of record to U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). It is typically used by surety agents when filing a bond, customs brokers for a new client. or importers to establish or change their number or address. If an importer does not have an employer’s identification number (EIN).