International Trade Compliance News Articles

News Articles

Time to Revisit How We Define “Act of War” in Force Majeure Provisions

S George Alfonso June 15, 2020

On May 4th, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) intelligence service issued an unclassified four page report which stated in part:

[DHS Intelligence Service] assess the Chinese Government [“Peoples Republic of China” (“PRC”)] intentionally concealed the severity of COVID-19 from the International community in early January while it stockpiled medical supplies by both increasing imports and decreasing exports,” the May 1 DHS report states. (emphasis added).[1]

COVID-19 Regulatory Changes Impacting Importers and Exporters

Devin Sefton June 15, 2020

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 definition covid 19 coronavirus

Force Majeure and the Coronavirus [COVID-19]: Definitions Matter

S George Alfonso June 15, 2020

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.

USMCA Implementation, What’s Next?

Adrienne Braumiller April 1, 2020

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has officially been ratified by all three North American parties, now what? For one thing, the United States, Canada, and Mexico must develop uniform regulations with an effective date prior to, or on June 1, 2020 which is the official implementation date of the USMCA.

Time to Play Nice With China on Trade?

Bob Brewer April 1, 2020

I know, I know, some would say, “Are you kidding? They started this pandemic”? Yes, it did start in Wuhan, in China, but finger pointing at this time is not going to help either of us rebound from the economic impact that it has caused both countries.
Living in the current somewhat apocalyptic world, one would be justified in asking the proverbial question, “Why can’t we all just get along?”

Import Valuation

Bonnie Kersch April 1, 2020

Determining the appropriate value for merchandise that you import can be a tricky task. In general, you need to start by determining the basis of appraisement that is appropriate for your situation. I’ll list them below but note that you should try to use the first one.

Section 301 Updates: The Coronavirus

Brandon French April 1, 2020

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has recently opened a comment period to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The USTR is inviting interested parties to submit a comment explaining whether a product currently covered by the Section 301 tariff action is needed for the medical and public health response against the virus.

Exporting Under the USMCA. No Problem – Right?

Bruce Leeds April 1, 2020

Your company exports to Canada and Mexico. So:

So long as you can produce a Certificate of Origin everything is taken care of
NAFTA and USMCA are import things, so if you are an exporter you have no concerns
The importers in Canada and Mexico are the only ones who have to deal with the requirements

How COVID-19 is Impacting U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls

Devin Sefton April 1, 2020

Since the emergence of COVID-19 in the U.S. beginning in February of 2020, there is general uncertainty over how the pandemic could affect the regulatory landscape, including regulations relating to U.S. sanctions and export controls. A review of the actions taken to date suggest that little has changed with respect to U.S. economic sanctions.

News Articles

Time to Revisit How We Define “Act of War” in Force Majeure Provisions

COVID-19 Regulatory Changes Impacting Importers and Exporters

Force Majeure and the Coronavirus [COVID-19]: Definitions Matter

USMCA Implementation, What’s Next?

Time to Play Nice With China on Trade?

Import Valuation

Section 301 Updates: The Coronavirus

Exporting Under the USMCA. No Problem – Right?

How COVID-19 is Impacting U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls

Using Section 301 Tariff Exclusions

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