On May 4, 2020, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) released the results of its investigation to identify imported products related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. The report and database identify 112 U.S. Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) numbers covering a “mix of COVID-19 related” goods, including test kits/instruments; disinfectants and sterilization products; pulse oximeters and
USTR Issues Additional China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for List/Tranche 3 Products
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice exempting Section 301 tariffs for certain List 3 (imports from China with an annual trade value of $200 billion) products. The exemptions cover two 10-digit Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) subheading and 144 specially-prepared product descriptions, which cover 185 separately submitted exclusion
CFIUS Filing Fees Go Into Effect May 1, 2020
On April 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Investment Security published an interim rule in the Federal Register that establishes a range of fees for formal written voluntary notices filed on or after May 1, 2020 with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The interim rule largely
USTR Seeks Public Comments on Possible Extension of July 2019 Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for Imported Chinese Products on List/Tranche 2
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the possible extension of Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain products that it granted on July 31, 2019, in the ongoing trade dispute with China. These exclusions were granted as part of the second round of Section
USTR Seeks Comments on Possible Extension of July 2019 Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for Imported Chinese Products on List/Tranche 1
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the possible extension of Section 301 tariff exclusions for certain products that it granted on July 9, 2019, in the ongoing trade dispute with China. These exclusions were in the sixth batch of exclusions granted as part
BIS Tightens Export Controls on National Security-Controlled Items: Focus on Diversion for Military End Use in China, Russia and Venezuela
The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has issued two final rules and one proposed rule intended to prevent efforts by entities in China, Russia and Venezuela to acquire U.S. technology that could be used in development of weapons, military aircraft or surveillance technology through civilian supply chains or under civilian-use pretenses.
Thyssenkrupp Materials NA, Inc. Becomes Latest U.S. Aluminum and Steel Importer to Challenge Section 232 Duties
On April 21, 2020, Thyssenkrupp Materials NA, Inc., and several of its related operating divisions filed a complaint in the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) against the United States alleging that the federal government’s administration of Section 232 aluminum and steel duties is unconstitutional. Thyssenkrupp is a Michigan-based importer of aluminum and steel products
DDTC Issues Notice on Additional Changes to Operational Procedures Due to COVID-19
On April 23, 2020, the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) announced certain measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on U.S. companies and supply chains overseas. Key measures from the announcement are summarized below.
Compliance/Registration
- Effective for registrations originally expiring between February 29 and June 30, 2020, registrations as a
USTR Issues Additional China Section 301 Tariff Exclusions for List/Tranche 3 Products
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a Federal Register notice exempting Section 301 tariffs for certain List 3 (imports from China with an annual trade value of $200 billion) products. The exemptions cover one 10-digit Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) subheading and 107 specially-prepared product descriptions, which combined cover 157 separately submitted
FEMA Announces Additional Exemptions to Export Restrictions on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
On April 17, 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) filed a notification of exemptions (the “Exemptions”) that identifies 10 exemptions from the temporary final rule published on April 10, 2020 (the “Rule”), which restricts the export from the United States of certain personal protective equipment (PPE) and respirators in the response to the COVID-19