CSMS # 55222106 - Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and Forced Labor Enforcement – New Resources for Industry - U.S. Customs & Border Protection
CBP is undertaking multiple efforts to provide more information for companies seeking to comply with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and Section 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1307).
On February 23, 2023, CBP released additional guidance on enforcement and review procedures under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act:
• More detailed FAQs
• Best Practices for Applicability Reviews
• Guidance on Executive Summaries and a Sample Table of Contents
On March 14-15, 2023, CBP’s Office of Trade will host the Forced Labor Technical Expo in Washington D.C. The Forced Labor Technical Expo will offer a forum for industry to provide the international trade community with information about the latest technologies that can aid in securing and managing the flow of goods. Register here.
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New FTC Data Show Consumers Reported Losing Nearly $8.8 Billion to Scams in 2022 - Federal Trade Commission
Reported fraud losses increase more than 30 percent over 2021
Newly released Federal Trade Commission data shows that consumers reported losing nearly $8.8 billion to fraud in 2022, an increase of more than 30 percent over the previous year.
Consumers reported losing more money to investment scams—more than $3.8 billion—than any other category in 2022. That amount more than doubles the amount reported lost in 2021. The second highest reported loss amount came from imposter scams, with losses of $2.6 billion reported, up from $2.4 billion in 2021.
The FTC received fraud reports from 2.4 million consumers last year, with the most commonly reported being imposter scams, followed by online shopping scams. Prizes, sweepstakes, and lotteries; investment related reports; and business and job opportunities rounded out the top five fraud categories.
The FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network is a database that receives reports directly from consumers, as well as from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, the Better Business Bureau, industry members, and non-profit organizations. Twenty-three states contribute data to Sentinel.
Sentinel received more than 5.1 million reports in 2022; these include the fraud reports detailed above, as well as identity theft reports and complaints related to other consumer issues, such as problems with credit bureaus and banks and lenders. In 2022, there were over 1.1 million reports of identity theft received through the FTC’s IdentityTheft.gov website.
The FTC uses the reports it receives through the Sentinel network as the starting point for many of its law enforcement investigations, and the agency also shares these reports with approximately 2,800 federal, state, local, and international law enforcement professionals. While the FTC does not intervene in individual complaints, Sentinel reports are a vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission.
A full breakdown of reports received in 2022 is now available on the FTC’s data analysis site at ftc.gov/exploredata. The data dashboards there breakdown the reports across a numbers of categories, including by state and metropolitan area, as well as exploring a number of subcategories of fraud reports.
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Tapered Roller Bearings and Parts Thereof, Finished and Unfinished, From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review
• Fresh Garlic From the People's Republic of China: Rescission of Antidumping Duty New Shipper Review; 2021-2022
• Chlorinated Isocyanurates From the People's Republic of China and Spain: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Orders
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Furfuryl Alcohol From China
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Uranium From Russia; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Smart Thermostats, Load Control Switches, and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination To Review in Part a Final Initial Determination Finding No Violation of Section 337, and on Review, To Affirm With Certain Modifications; Termination of the Investigation
• Large Residential Washers: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Import Relief
• Barium Chloride From India
• Certain Location-Sharing Systems, Related Software, Components Thereof, and Products Containing Same; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting Complainants' Unopposed Motion To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Heavy Walled Rectangular Welded Carbon Steel Pipes and Tubes From the Republic of Korea: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Final Results in the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
• Certain Frozen Warmwater Shrimp From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Final Determination of No Shipments; 2021-2022
• Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings From the Philippines: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Final Determination of No Shipments; 2021-2022
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Stainless Steel Butt-Weld Pipe Fittings From Italy, Malaysia, and the Philippines; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
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FDA Files Civil Money Penalty Complaints Against Four E-Cigarette Product Manufacturers - Food & Drug Administration
Action Is the First of its Kind Against Manufacturers Violating the Law
Today (2/22/23), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced it has filed civil money penalty (CMP) complaints against four tobacco product manufacturers for manufacturing and selling e-liquids without marketing authorization. This is the first time the FDA has filed CMP complaints against tobacco product manufacturers to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic (FD&C) Act’s premarket review requirements for new tobacco products.
It is illegal to manufacture, sell, or distribute e-liquids that the FDA has not authorized. The FDA previously warned each of the companies that, by making and selling their e-liquids without marketing authorization from the FDA, they were in violation of the FDA’s premarket requirements for tobacco products and that failure to correct these violations could lead to an enforcement action, such as a CMP. Despite the agency’s warning, these companies continue to make and sell their unauthorized e-liquids to consumers.
“Holding manufacturers accountable for making or selling illegal tobacco products is a top priority for the FDA,” said Brian King, Ph.D., M.P.H., director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products. “We are prepared to use the full scope of our authorities to enforce the law—especially against those who have continued to violate the law after being warned by the agency.”
As of Feb. 21, the FDA has filed CMP complaints against the following four manufacturers:
• BAM Group LLC doing business as VapEscape
• Great American Vapes LLC doing business as Great American Vapes
• The Vapor Corner Inc. doing business as Vapor Corner Inc., The Vapor Corner, and Vapor Corner
• 13 Vapor Co. LLC doing business as 13 Vapor
Currently, under the FD&C Act, the maximum CMP amount is $19,192 for a single violation relating to tobacco products. The FDA typically seeks the statutory maximum allowed by law and is doing so in these four cases. The companies the FDA has filed CMP complaints against can pay the penalty, enter into a settlement agreement, request an extension of time to file an answer to the complaint, or file an answer and request a hearing. Companies that do not take action within 30 days after receiving the complaint risk a default order imposing the full penalty amount.
“These latest enforcement activities are part of a comprehensive approach to actively identify violations and to deter illegal conduct,” said Dr. King. “These actions should be a wakeup call that all tobacco product manufacturers—big or small—are required to obey the law."
All new tobacco products, including all e-cigarettes, on the market without the statutorily required premarket authorization are marketed illegally and are subject to FDA enforcement action. The FDA closely monitors manufacturer compliance with the law and may take action when violations occur. Between Jan. 2021 through Feb. 17, 2023, the FDA has issued more than 550 warning letters to firms—both large and small—for manufacturing, selling, and/or distributing new tobacco products without marketing authorization from the FDA. After receiving warning letters, a majority of these companies have complied and removed their products from the market. Manufacturers that continue to violate the law risk subsequent enforcement. In addition to CMPs, the agency also has authority to take other enforcement action, as appropriate, including seizures, injunctions, and criminal prosecutions.
Manufacturers must submit a marketing application to the FDA and receive authorization to legally sell a new tobacco product in the United States. The FDA encourages manufacturers to learn more about the three pathways to submit an application for new tobacco products.
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CBP Seizes 99 Pounds of Cocaine Below a Vessel Arriving to San Juan - U.S. Customs & Border Protection
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 99.2 pounds (45 kilos) of cocaine concealed below the bow of the M/V Lyktos arriving from the Dominican Republic. The estimated value of the seized cocaine is $990,000.
“Our experienced CBP officers remain vigilant, utilizing their training and available tools to stop dangerous drugs from entering the country,” said Roberto Vaquero, Director of Field Operation for Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
On Feb. 20, during routine cargo inspection of the M/V Lyktos, CBP Officers detected anomalies which prompted a request for assistance of the San Juan Municipal Police divers The divers found cargo net bundle on the port side of the bow thruster.
The retrieved bundle contained (36) bricks wrapped in plastic. A field test yielded positive to the properties of cocaine.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) took custody of the contraband for investigation.
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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Port of Long Beach Sees Reduced Cargo - Port of Long Beach
SHIFTS IN CONSUMER DEMAND, SHIPPING PATTERNS LEAD TO DECLINE
Softened consumer spending, increased prices driven by inflation and a shift in trade routes contributed to a dip in shipments moving through the Port of Long Beach in January.
Dockworkers and terminal operators moved 573,772 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last month, down 28.4% from January 2022, which was the Port’s busiest January on record. Imports decreased 32.3% to 263,394 TEUs and exports declined 14.2% to 105,623 TEUs. Empty containers moving through the Port were down 29% to 204,755 TEUs.
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Biden-Harris Administration Announces Latest Steps to Deliver a National Network of Convenient, Reliable, Made-in-America Electric Vehicle Chargers - U.S. Department of Transportation
EV Charging Standards and Build America, Buy America Implementation Plan Positions States to Deploy First $1.5 billion in EV charging formula funding
WASHINGTON – Today (2/15/23), the Biden-Harris Administration announced its latest actions to advance the President’s vision of building 500,000 EV chargers by 2030 and delivering a convenient, reliable, and Made-in-America electric vehicle (EV) charging network. These next steps – publishing minimum standards for federally funded EV infrastructure, finalizing the Build America, Buy America implementation plan for EV charging equipment, and announcing that cities, towns, Tribes, and states will soon be able to apply for the first round of $2.5B in competitive grants to build EV charging stations in communities across the country – will electrify the great American road trip.
“This is a major step toward a world where every EV user will be able to find safe, reliable charging stations anywhere in the country,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We’re establishing common, universal standards for EV charging stations just like the ones for gas stations, so that recharging an EV away from home will be as predictable and accessible as filling up a gas tank.”
“Today’s announcements will address challenges to widespread EV adoption by clearing the path for a nation-wide network of chargers that is even more accessible and affordable than traditional gas stations,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “This historic undertaking will spur economic growth powered by American workers who will deliver on President Biden’s goals for America to lead the world in EV manufacturing and adoption.”
The final minimum standards for federally funded EV charging infrastructure projects, and the implementation plan for President Biden’s EV charging Build America, Buy America requirements positions all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico with every tool needed to build EV charging stations pursuant to their approved state charging plans developed under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. These standards will help to ensure that chargers operated by different networks will operate similarly and provide the traveling public with a predictable EV charging experience – no matter what car you drive or what state you charge in. These standards will also require that chargers have consistent plug types and charging speeds, common payment systems, and accessible pricing information, locations, and availability. In addition, these standards establish strong workforce training provisions, and will create and support good-paying, highly skilled jobs in communities across the country.
“The national standards we are announcing today will give EV users confidence that they will be able to find available, safe and reliable EV charging stations across the country,” said Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt. “This is a critical step in building a seamless national network with common requirements for EV charging that will support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, help build a clean energy, and ensure those technologies and products are made here in America. We look forward to opening applications for community-based charging grants soon.”
Additionally, the new Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide $2.5 billion over five years to a full range of applicants, including cities, counties, local governments, and Tribes. This round of funding will open soon, making $700 million from Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023 funding available to strategically deploy EV charging infrastructure and other fueling infrastructure projects in urban and rural communities in publicly accessible locations, including downtown areas and local neighborhoods, particularly in underserved and disadvantaged communities.
“The Joint Office in its first year has worked closely with DOT, FHWA, and DOE, as well as states, communities, and stakeholders across the country to make sure that the Biden Administration’s goal to build a network of 500,000 chargers is reliable, equitable, and frictionless for the public to use,” said Joint Office Executive Director Gabe Klein. “We will continue to support the NEVI Formula Program, while also working to support the successful implementation of the $2.5 billion CFI Grant Program, the $5 billion EPA Clean School Bus Program, and the $5.6 billion FTA Low No Vehicle Program so we can create a future where everyone can ride and drive electric.”
To address discrete barriers towards realizing a convenient, affordable, reliable, secure, and equitable electric vehicle (EV) charging network, the Joint Office released a notice of intent to issue a funding opportunity for its Ride and Drive Electric research and development program. The program will seek to accelerate and enhance the development of the nation’s EV charging network through focused investment in EV charging reliability, resiliency, equity, and workforce development.
To ensure the United States is a leader in clean energy technology and manufacturing, the Build America, Buy America implementation plan incentivizes companies to invest in domestic production of EV charging components, while providing a transition period for companies to onshore their supply chains. The implementation plan reflects the success of the Biden-Harris Administration at spurring new investments in EV fast-charging equipment. The rapidly expanding industry is ramping up production to make high-quality, Made-in-America compliant chargers, creating good manufacturing jobs, including union jobs, and helping the United States cement its leadership in clean energy manufacturing.
FHWA, in coordination with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), plan to conduct outreach and provide technical assistance via multiple webinars throughout February and March and will continue to provide direct technical assistance to support states and communities as they build EV charging infrastructure. For more information from FHWA on President Biden’s landmark infrastructure legislation and investments in electric vehicles, please visit Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.