From Civil to Criminal: Increased Enforcement of Forced Labor Violations

From Civil to Criminal: Increased Enforcement of Forced Labor Violations

In the latest series of developments, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to launch criminal investigations—within the next two years—against executives whose companies have benefited from forced labor in their supply chains. This is a considerable step up from limiting prosecutions to civil penalties, as criminal proceedings could end in 20-year prison sentences for…

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New Section 301 List 4 Exclusions Granted

New Section 301 List 4 Exclusions Granted

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a third set of exclusions from the fourth list of Section 301 tariffs. The exclusions will apply retroactively to September 1, 2019 until September 1, 2020. These new exclusions are reflected in five 10-digit HTSUS subheadings and seven specially prepared product descriptions, which together cover 36 separate exclusion…

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Entire Country of India on Lockdown: Trade Impacted

Entire Country of India on Lockdown: Trade Impacted

India has ordered a complete lockdown, as of midnight 3/25/2020, Indian Standard Time. This means 1.3 billion people cannot leave their homes for any reason—except for an extremely limited exception list—through April 14th. This impacts all production and commerce. While ports and liners remain operational, factories and truckers will be closed, thus making it impossible…

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Recently Promoted Professionals

We’re always proud to announce our people’s achievements. Congratulations, Lisa and Chris, on your recent promotions! Lisa Bieda has been promoted to Manager of Corporate Compliance. Lisa is a licensed Customs broker (LCHB) and has been with us for over three years. She is located in our Chicago, IL office. Chris Lindstrand has been promoted to Manager–Process…

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COVID-19’s Impact on Trade

COVID-19’s Impact on Trade

In an effort to provide you as much visibility to the current situation as possible, below is an update on the impact of COVID-19 on trade, since last week. Many state governors across the country have ordered work from home mandates and closures for non-essential businesses. Mohawk is considered an essential business and will remain…

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UPDATED: Customs Announces Duty & Insufficient Bond Extensions and Ruling Requests

UPDATED: Customs Announces Duty & Insufficient Bond Extensions and Ruling Requests

UPDATE: 3/26/20—CBP is no longer taking duty-payment extension requests. CBP will keep the "right to allow additional days for narrow circumstances, including a physical inability to file entry or payments, due to technology outages or port closures." 3/23/20—Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the Trade industry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is accepting requests for…

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New Medical Product Exclusions for List 3 of Section 301

New Medical Product Exclusions for List 3 of Section 301

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced new medical supply product exclusions from the third list of Section 301 tariffs. The exclusions will apply retroactively to Sept. 24, 2018 until Aug. 7, 2020. These new exclusions are reflected in one 10-digit HTSUS subheading, which covers one exclusion request, and 176 specially prepared product descriptions, which…

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UPDATE: Port of Houston REOPENS

UPDATE: Port of Houston REOPENS

UPDATE: 3/20/20-The Port of Houston has reopened it's container terminals.  The Port of Houston has shut down as they have “learned that someone who worked at both Barbours Cut and Bayport container terminals tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus.” There has been no indication of how long the shutdown will be. We will continue to provide…

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New Exclusions for Section 301 List 3 & 4

New Exclusions for Section 301 List 3 & 4

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has announced a second set of medical supply product exclusions from the fourth list of Section 301 tariffs. The exclusions will apply retroactively to September 1, 2019 until September 1, 2020. These new exclusions are reflected in 19 specially prepared product descriptions, which cover 39 separate exclusion requests. There are…

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