C-TPAT Update - C-Air
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published their updated Trade Compliance Handbook (version 4). This manual, published in September 2023, may be viewed from the C-TPAT button located within the C-Air webpage.
The handbook updates changes made within the importer/CBP partnership including improved industry benefits. The modifications to the program cover applications to CTPAT and yearly review requirements. Also covered are importer’s requirements for mergers, acquisitions and company buyouts.
From the C-Air website’s C-TPAT button, importers can also view CBP’s links to their risk assessment process, supply chain and seal security, along with the C-TPAT resource library.
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CBP Champions Trade Modernization Through Global Interoperability Standards Testing - U.S. Customs Border & Protection
WASHINGTON – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the agency’s 2024-2025 plan to accelerate testing and adoption of global interoperability standards, kicking off a new testing phase for innovative trade technology. The agency will work with private and public sector partners during the 2024 testing phase this fall, leading up to international testing in 2025.
Interoperability is the ability of different computer systems and software to communicate with each other. Interoperability standards are detailed guidelines for software development that enable different systems to connect and exchange data. CBP is focusing its efforts on select standards established through the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). These standards will increase supply chain transparency and set the stage for faster, more secure data sharing by enabling federal agencies to safely exchange data with traditional and non-traditional trade entities worldwide, in near real-time. The agency believes better quality data earlier in the import process will lead to speedier admissibility determinations to the benefit of the government and the private sector. Facilitating the screening and release of compliant goods enables CBP to focus more resources on identifying and acting on non-compliant goods and entities. The agency’s approach also aims to allow businesses to maintain technology choice while communicating with CBP.
“Modernizing our trade processes and authorities is essential if we are going to keep pace with the volume and speed of today’s trading environment,” said AnnMarie R. Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade. “Global interoperability standards established by CBP and its partners through the W3C will usher in a new era of supply chain transparency and data system flexibility.”
Two data standards groups, GS1 US and Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation, or GLEIF, and one federal agency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have agreed to participate in CBP’s 2024 testing phase. Testing will include data exchange and credential verification abilities in the e-commerce, food safety and natural gas sectors. Additionally, representatives of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will observe the technical demonstration to evaluate data collection related to APHIS requirements. The 2025 testing phase will involve three tests of data exchange between CBP and select foreign customs authorities to confirm the agency can issue and exchange information in a globally interoperable manner.
CBP and the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) have been collaborating to explore new technologies. Through S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP), and working with a group of private sector companies − Mesur.io, Transmute, and Neoflow – CBP completed the first global interoperability standards tests in 2023. The tests were a technological success, opening the door for the 2024 and 2025 testing. The adoption of interoperability standards will be critical to the agency’s modernization of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), often called ACE 2.0.
"Partnering with private sector companies is crucial for the success of our first global interoperability standard tests,” said Melissa Oh, SVIP Managing Director. “By leveraging the expertise and cutting-edge technologies of industry leaders, we can ensure that these standards are robust, widely adopted and capable of addressing the complex challenges as we work toward a more secure, connected and resilient digital ecosystem.”
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Final Results of the Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Silicomanganese From India, Kazakhstan, and Venezuela: Final Results of the Expedited Fourth Sunset Reviews of the Antidumping Duty Orders
• Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, Partial Rescission of Administrative Review, and Final Determination of No Shipments; 2022
• Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From the People's Republic of China: Final Results and Final Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; and Final Determination of No Shipments; 2021-2022; Correction
• Forged Steel Fluid End Blocks From Germany: Final Results of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Steel Wheels From China; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
• 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 Determination of No Shipments in the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Large Diameter Welded Pipe From the Republic of Türkiye: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Narrow Woven Ribbons With Woven Selvedge From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid From India and the People's Republic of China: Postponement of Preliminary Determinations in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Robotic Floor Cleaning Devices and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Decision To Vacate the Portion of Its Final Determination Relating to an Expired Patent, To Institute a Rescission Proceeding, and To Rescind the Remedial Orders Based Thereon; Termination of the Rescission Proceeding
• Certain Graphics Systems, Components Thereof, and Digital Televisions Containing the Same; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting a Joint Motion to Termination a Modification Proceeding Based on a Settlement Agreement; Termination of the Modification Proceeding
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Xanthan Gum From the People's Republic of China: Notice of Court Decision Not in Harmony With the Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; Notice of Amended Final Results
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Truck and Bus Tires From China
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Large Residential Washers From Mexico; Scheduling of an Expedited Five-Year Review
• Certain Pea Protein From China
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Passenger Vehicles and Light Truck Tires From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Refillable Stainless Steel Kegs From the People's Republic of China: Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Wireless Front-End Modules and Devices Containing the Same; Notice of Institution of Investigation
• Certain Fiber-Optic Connectors, Adapters, Jump Cables, Patch Cords, Products Containing the Same, and Components Thereof; Notice of Commission Determination Not To Review an Initial Determination Granting Leave To Amend the Complaint and Notice of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Xanthan Gum From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review, Rescission, in Part, and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments; 2022-2023
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Cast Iron Soil Pipe From China; Scheduling of Expedited Five-Year Reviews
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Chocolate Milk Powder and Packaging Thereof; Notice of Request for Submissions on the Public Interest
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USITC Makes Determination in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Plastic Decorative Ribbon from China - US International Trade Commission
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on plastic decorative ribbon from China would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time.
As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determination, the existing orders on imports of these products from China will remain in place.
Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. Chair Amy A. Karpel did not participate in the vote.
Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.
The Commission’s public report Plastic Decorative Ribbon from China (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-592 and 731-TA-1400 (Review), USITC Publication 5541, September 2024) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.
The report will be available by October 4, 2024; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website at: https://www.usitc.gov/commission_publications_library.
BACKGROUND
The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time.
The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.
The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.
The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Plastic Decorative Ribbon from China were instituted on February 1, 2024.
On May 6, 2024, the Commission determined to conduct expedited five-year reviews. Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson, Rhonda K. Schmidtlein, and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic interested party group responses were adequate, and the respondent interested party group responses were inadequate, and voted for expedited reviews.
A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available on the investigations page for Plastic Decorative Ribbon from China, Inv. Nos. 701-TA-592 and 731-TA-1400 (Review).
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CBP and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Urge Back-to-School Shoppers to Beware of Counterfeits - USCBP
Annual Shop Smart campaign educates consumers to keep Americans safe
WASHINGTON — As families welcome a new school year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are sharing tips for consumers to avoid counterfeit school supplies, which can cause real harm to consumers and their families, law-abiding businesses, and the economy.
Illegal actors use the surge in demand for school supplies as an opportunity to peddle counterfeits to unsuspecting consumers looking for a deal. They often use the proceeds of these goods to support terrorism and other violent and illegal activities that can also harm the environment.
Consumers can use the following tips to keep their families safe and to ensure that their hard-earned money does not help fund criminal activity. Following these rules are especially important when shopping on e-commerce sites.
• Trust your instincts: if a deal or product seems off it is best to steer clear.
• Prioritize secure payments: check for a lock symbol in your browser to confirm site safety.
• Examine every detail: pay close attention to labels, packaging, and contents.
• Protect your data: keep all your electronic devices updated with the latest cyber security protections to fend off any potential cyber threats.
• Say something: if you encounter a counterfeit, report it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the Trade Violations Reporting Tool or the National Intellectual Property Rights Center.
“We want to empower students and families with the information they need to make smart and safe choices,” said AnnMarie R. Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, CBP.
“We’re proud to be teaming up again with CBP to provide consumers with tips for safe shopping,” said Tom Quaadman, Executive Vice President at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Innovation Policy Center. “Together, business and law enforcement are empowering consumers and families to stay safe this back-to-school season.”
Counterfeit goods often contain harmful materials like lead and dangerous electronic components. Their inferior quality leads consumers to purchase and re-purchase the same item, generating excessive waste in U.S. landfills. Consumers are better off buying genuine goods from legitimate businesses. They are more likely to last longer and to be made correctly and with safe materials.
In Fiscal Year 2023, CBP seized more than 23 million counterfeit items. Had these items been genuine, they would have been worth more than $2.7 billion, money that could be supporting law-abiding businesses and entrepreneurs that create jobs and contribute to U.S. economic stability.
For more information on how to shop smart, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “Shop Smart” resources, as well as CBP’s Truth Behind Counterfeits website.
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U.S. Department of the Treasury Announces North Carolina Will Join IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025 - U.S. Department of Treasury
North Carolina to Offer Free Tax Filing Option Next Year Made Possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that North Carolina will be the latest state to join IRS Direct File for Filing Season 2025. IRS Direct File was made possible by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which provided new resources for the IRS to improve customer service and ensure taxpayers claim the benefits and deductions for which they are eligible.
Following a successful Pilot Program in 12 states that saw 140,000 taxpayers claim more than $90 million in refunds and save an estimated $5.6 million in filing costs using the new free online filing tool, Treasury and the IRS announced the expansion of Direct File as a permanent offering. Treasury and the IRS have been working with interested states to offer Direct File to their taxpayers with North Carolina being the latest state to join, following Oregon, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Connecticut. At least 1.25 million North Carolinians will be eligible to use the free online filing tool next Filing Season.
“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, more than 1.25 million North Carolina taxpayers will be able to file their taxes online for free, directly with the IRS this coming Filing Season. Direct File will save North Carolinians time and money and help ensure they receive the tax benefits they are owed,” said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “After a successful pilot this Filing Season, we are pleased to expand the program as a permanent offering and welcome North Carolina as the latest new state to offer this free option to taxpayers.”
“Filing taxes is often stressful, expensive, and time-consuming for North Carolina taxpayers and families. The IRS Direct File tool helps remove unnecessary hurdles and fees by allowing taxpayers to file directly with the IRS for free, keeping more money in their pockets,” said Governor Roy Cooper. “This resource will help ensure qualifying families receive tax credits. We are grateful to the United States Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service for developing this tool and making it available as a no-cost option for North Carolinians for filing season 2025.”
The Treasury Department’s goal in the coming years is to expand the reach and tax scope of Direct File to provide an option for working-and middle-class taxpayers nationwide. Direct File is central to the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to deliver modern, world-class customer service using Inflation Reduction Act resources. Direct File also advances a goal of the IRS’s Strategic Operation Plan (SOP) to ensure that taxpayers receive tax credits that they are eligible for, including the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit. The IRS will continue to improve the product over time and ensure that it remains free, secure, and easy to use.
BACKGROUND ON THE DIRECT FILE PILOT PROGRAM
The average American spends $270 and 13 hours filing their taxes. (Taxpayer Burden Survey) President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act required the IRS to study the potential for an IRS-run Direct e-File System that would allow taxpayers to file taxes for free, directly with the IRS. After reviewing the report, which showed strong taxpayer interest in a free IRS filing option, the Treasury Department initiated a pilot of IRS Direct File during the 2024 Filing Season.
In Filing Season 2024, Direct File was available to taxpayers with simple tax situations in 12 states. The Pilot exceeded expectations with more than 140,000 Americans successfully filing in the five weeks the program was widely available following extensive product testing. These filers claimed more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees on their federal returns alone.
Direct File users also reported a high degree of satisfaction and quick answers to their filing questions. In a GSA Touchpoints survey of more than 11,000 Direct File users, 90 percent of respondents ranked their experience with Direct File as “Excellent” or “Above Average.” A majority of survey respondents who filed taxes in the prior year reported having to pay to prepare their taxes last year. Among survey respondents, 47 percent of users paid to file their taxes last year and 16 percent did not file last year at all.
In Treasury and IRS engagements with Direct File users, taxpayers relayed that Direct File was straightforward to use, and they valued features that allowed them to learn more about different tax situations, credits, and deductions. Taxpayers emphasized their appreciation for the fact that Direct File is always free and there are no hidden fees or attempts to upsell users as they moved through the filing process. Taxpayers also shared that filing directly with the IRS gave them confidence and that they were able to quickly fix mistakes and get their taxes filed accurately.
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Ten Additional States Join Justice Department’s Suit Against Live Nation-Ticketmaster for Monopolizing Markets Across the Live Concert Industry - Department of Justice
Today (8/19/24), the Attorneys General of Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Dakota, Utah and Vermont joined a civil antitrust lawsuit filed by the Justice Department, 29 other states and the District of Columbia against Live Nation-Ticketmaster for monopolization and other unlawful conduct in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act.
The department, and its now-expanded group of 40 co-plaintiffs, filed an amended complaint in the Southern District of New York. The amended complaint also alleges additional details about Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s anticompetitive course of conduct in markets across the live entertainment industry.