Port Truck Gate Schedule for Labor Day Weekend 2021
Terminals at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have announced schedules for the Labor Day holiday period of Friday Sept. 3 through Monday Sept. 6, 2021. The schedule is posted below, and a PDF of the schedule can be downloaded by clicking here
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PNCT will be CLOSED Monday in observance of Labor Day
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USTR Seeks Comments on the Extensions of China 301 Tariff Exclusions on Certain Medical Care Products - Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP
In a Federal Register Notice of August 27, 2021, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced that it is seeking comments on the extension of existing China 301 exclusions on certain medical care products.
On December 29, 2020, in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation, the USTR had announced that it was extending certain expiring China 301 tariff exclusions on medical care products and designating certain additional such exclusions for the period January 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021. Such exclusions (99 in total) were extended through September 30, 2021.
In light of various factors, including the rise in COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and the ability to obtain certain products from domestic and foreign sources, the USTR is requesting public comments on whether to extend the medical care product exclusions for up to six months. The list of the particular products in question can be found at: https://www.gdlsk.com/ustr-extends-certain-china-301-exclusions-and-designates-additional-exclusions-for-the-period-january-1-march-31-2021/?highlight=medical%20care%20products.
Comments are being accepted through September 27, 2021.
We are available to assist with the preparation of comments and to otherwise discuss China 301 mitigation strategies.
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Federal Register Notices:
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Low Melt Polyester Staple Fiber From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Final Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2018
Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Final Results of Countervailing Duty Expedited Review; Notice of Rescission of Final Results of Expedited Review; Notice of Amended Cash Deposit Rates
Pentafluoroethane (R-125) From the People's Republic of China: Amended Preliminary Countervailing Duty Determination
Forged Steel Fittings From Taiwan: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020
Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Microfluidic Devices Investigation; Notice of the Commission's Determination To Institute a Rescission Proceeding; To Rescind Permanently a Limited Exclusion Order and a Cease and Desist Order; Termination of Rescission Proceeding
Certain Microfluidic Systems and Components Thereof and Products Containing Same; Notice of the Commission's Determination To Institute a Rescission Proceeding; To Rescind Permanently a Limited Exclusion Order and a Cease and Desist Order; Termination of Rescission Proceeding
Certain Multi-Domain Test and Measurement Instruments; Notice of Commission Determination To Institute a Modification Proceeding and Modify Three Consent Orders; Termination of the Modification Proceeding
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Floor-Standing, Metal-Top Ironing Tables and Certain Parts Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order
Drawn Stainless Steel Sinks From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2020-2021
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Initiation of Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews
Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Lemon Juice From Argentina; Institution of a Five-Year Review
Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products From Australia, Brazil, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Russia, Turkey, and the United Kingdom; Institution of Five-Year Reviews
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Steel Propane Cylinders From Thailand: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2018-2020
Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Initiation and Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review
Large Power Transformers From the Republic of Korea: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments, 2019-2020
Aluminum Wire and Cable From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020
Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags From Malaysia: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Advance Notification of Sunset Review
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Order, Finding, or Suspended Investigation; Opportunity To Request Administrative Review
Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value: Granular Polytetrafluoroethylene Resin From the Russian Federation: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures
Granular Polytetrafluoroethylene Resin From India: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value, Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Critical Circumstances, Postponement of Final Determination, and Extension of Provisional Measures
Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Flocked Swabs, Products Containing Flocked Swabs, and Methods of Using Same; Notice of Institution of Investigation
Certain Radio Frequency Transmission Devices and Components Thereof Notice of Institution of Investigation
Certain Smart Thermostats, Load Control Switches, and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Products From Taiwan: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; Final Determination of No Shipments; 2019-2020
Xanthan Gum From the People's Republic of China: Amended Preliminary Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2017-2018
Organic Soybean Meal from India: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Alignment of Final Determination With Final Antidumping Duty Determination
Hydrofluorocarbon Blends From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2019-2020
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CBP Finds $13.9 Million Worth of Cocaine inside a Container Arriving from the Dominican Republic - U.S. Customs & Border Protection
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers seized 1,024 pounds (464.5 kilos) of cocaine found inside a container, which originated in the Dominican Republic and was destined to San Juan, Puerto Rico, onboard the San Juan -Santo Domingo ferry. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $13.9 million.
“Transnational Criminal Organizations conceal drugs among a multitude of products shipped on the international supply chain”, stated Roberto Vaquero, Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Our officers’ remain vigilant to explore all possible venues that smugglers use.”
During inbound operations of the M/V KYDON, a container was sent for an intrusive inspection. The container was opened and CBP Officers discovered twelve (12) duffle bags inside the container, five (5) by the door and seven (7) commingled with the commodity.
The duffle bags were wrapped in clear plastic. One (1) of the duffle bags was opened and “brick shaped” objects were discovered. A CBP K9 alerted to the duffel bags and a field test was positive to the properties of cocaine.
A total of four hundred and fourteen (414) bricks were removed from the duffle bags.
CBP’s mission is to safeguard America’s borders thereby protecting the public from dangerous people and materials while enhancing the Nation’s global economic competitiveness by enabling legitimate trade and travel.
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OTEXA: Announcements - Office of Textile & Apparel
[08/30/2021] – The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is requesting comments on certain exclusions for products related to COVID–19 that are subject to additional tariffs under Section 301: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation. Comments on whether to extend particular exclusions (expiring on September 30) for up to six months may be submitted until September 27 through USTR’s Public Dockets portal. See 86 FR 48280 for detailed instructions and 85 FR 85831 for lists of products.
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Supporting Allies Through Trade: U.S. & Ukrainian Leaders Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Commercial Cooperation - U.S. Department of Commerce
On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo met with Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Oleksiy Lyubchenko in Washington, DC to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining areas of renewed cooperation on trade.
The MOU also notes U.S. support for Ukrainian efforts to improve its business and investment climate, which could help to increase U.S.-Ukraine commercial ties. The specific measures include intensifying Ukraine’s fight against corruption, increasing the effectiveness and independence of the court system, strengthening intellectual property rights protections, and implementing corporate governance reforms.
As envisioned in the MOU, both nations will collaborate on Ukraine’s economic transformation in promising sectors for trade, including infrastructure, agriculture, defense, health care and the digital economy, industries affecting Ukraine’s energy transition and decarbonization efforts.
“With the right policy conditions in place, there is significantly greater potential and opportunity for increased commercial engagement between the U.S. and Ukraine,” Secretary Raimondo said. “Signing this Memorandum of Understanding helps to set the directions for growing our relationship.”
First Deputy Prime Minister Lyubchenko is visiting Washington, DC this week as part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s delegation. On September 1, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden met with President Zelenskyy at the White House.
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Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud FDA in Connection with Dietary Supplements - Department of Justice
A Florida man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by concealing information about illegal products labeled as dietary supplements.
David Winsauer, 35, of Delray Beach, worked from 2014 to 2018 for Blackstone Labs, LLC, a Boca Raton company that sold products labeled as dietary supplements. According to court filings, Winsauer admitted that he and other co-conspirators worked to portray the company to consumers as complying with applicable federal laws, when in fact, the company arranged to manufacture products that were illegal under federal law. Winsauer admitted that members of the conspiracy also coordinated to conceal sales of products labeled as dietary supplements from the FDA, including by removing information about illegal products from online marketing to create the false impression that they were no longer selling those products.
“The FDA regulates dietary supplements to protect the health of American consumers,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will prosecute individuals and companies who undermine that mission by deceiving the FDA.”
“Products mislabeled as dietary supplements can pose a serious risk to the health of U.S. consumers,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin C. Fielder for the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Miami Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who jeopardize the public health by selling violative products.”
Winsauer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States in Ft. Lauderdale before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas of the Southern District of Florida. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 12 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.
Blackstone Labs, Winsauer and six other defendants previously were charged by indictment in connection with a conspiracy to defraud the FDA, distribute unapproved new drugs, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. One other defendant pleaded guilty in 2019, and the remaining defendants are set for trial in October.
The indictment charging the remaining defendants is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Trial Attorneys Alistair Reader and Steven Gripkey, Senior Litigation Counsel David Frank, and Assistant Director John W. Burke of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.