Important Information

Effective January 13, 2021, at all U.S. ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will detain cotton products and tomato products produced in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR).

U.S. CBP issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) against cotton products and tomato products produced in Xinjiang based on information that reasonably indicates the use of detainee or prison labor and situations of forced labor.

Apparel, textiles, tomato seeds, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and other goods made with cotton and tomatoes are subject to CBP detention when produced from cotton and tomatoes grown in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region under conditions of forced labor. This applies to products produced inside and outside of China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and includes products which are made entirely, as well as in part, of cotton and tomatoes grown in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region under conditions of forced labor.

CBP will provide the opportunity to importers to provide evidence that the product in question was not produced under conditions of forced labor.

As of March 26, 2021, DHL will no longer accept Vaping Products for import or export through its U.S. network.  This prohibition includes all vape devices, products and accessories, and will help ensure that DHL and its customers can fully comply with recent U.S. laws to prevent online sales of e-cigarettes to minors

• Proof of AES EEI filing Internal Transaction Number (ITN) or Foreign Trade Regulation (FTR) Exemption Citation, or;
• ECCN or EAR99 classification for each line item on the Invoice

• ITN: Internal Transaction Number. Confirmation that the AES EEI was accepted and also the filer’s proof of filing
• FTR Exemption Citation: Foreign Trade Regulation Exemption Citation 15 CFR part 30 view here
• AES: US Census’ Automated Export System where export declarations are made
• EEI: Electronic Export Information submitted to the AES as part of the export declaration
• ECCN: An Export Control Classification Number used to classify goods, technology and software to determine whether an export license is required.
• EAR99: EAR99 is a classification for an item. The majority of Commercial products are classified this way, and indicates that a particular item is subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), but not listed with a specific ECCN on the Commerce Control List (CCL).

• The rule applies to all shipments to these four countries, regardless of value
• This is a U.S. Government requirement and affects all air carriers
• EAR99 items will not require an EEI submission if under $2,500 per HTS/Schedule B

• Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing requirement changes – two phases, effective 6/29/2020 and 9/27/2020.
• Broadened definition of “military end use” to include more ancillary applications
• Expanded list of items subject to military end use and military end user restrictions.
• Elimination of License Exception Civil End-Users (CIV)

• Eastern Regional Office: (202) 482-4811
• Western Regional Office: (949) 660-0144
• Northern CA Branch: (408) 998-8806

• ECCN Description: https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/licensing/commerce-control-list-classification/export-control-classification-number-eccn
• International Trade Administration How Do I Determine my Export Control Classification Number (ECCN): https://www.trade.gov/how-do-i-determine-my-export-control-classification-number-eccn
• BIS publishes an index of ECCN’s (item names/descriptions > ECCN):
  https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/documents/regulations-docs/13-commerce-control-list-index/file
   
• CCL Description: https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/licensing/commerce-control-list-classification/commerce-control-list-ccl/17-regulations/139-commerce-control-list-ccl
• Commerce Control List (CCL): https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/commerce-control-list-ccl
• U.S. DOC BIS also has counselors that can assist you:
  Eastern Regional Office: (202) 482-4811
  Western Regional Office: (949) 660-0144
  Northern CA Branch: (408) 998-8806

As of September 25, 2020, all merchandise manufactured in Hong Kong must be physically marked as origin of “China.” This is per a U.S. Executive Order and applies to all goods manufactured in Hong Kong and destined for the U.S.

Merchandise not properly marked may result in the following:

• DHL Express returns the merchandise to the origin country, or;
• The U.S. Government directs DHL Express to return the merchandise to the origin country and provide proof of export, or;
• The U.S. Government seizes or forfeits the merchandise.

DHL Express will not be able to label goods that do not reflect the proper markings.

The USMCA creates countless opportunities for U.S. businesses that already trade with—or are planning to start trading with—Canada and Mexico.

Click here to learn how your business can take advantage of this new trade agreement within the US-MX-CA region.