In the News
• Tariffs are starting to bite consumers and businesses, economists say [CNBC News]
India to cut Russian oil purchases, U.S. to slash tariffs as they near trade deal: Indian media report [CNBC]
• To hit back at the United States in their trade war, China borrows from the US playbook [Yahoo Finance/AP]
• Fall in China's exports of rare earth magnets stokes supply chain fears [Reuters]
• Carney says now is not the time to hit back at U.S. over tariffs [Northshore News]
• California lawsuit says makers of plastic bags lied about products being recyclable [ABC News/AP]
• Businesses that depend on the Port of Houston are threatened by Trump’s tariffs and the government shutdown [Houston Public Media]
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Import Alerts (FDA):
• [10/22/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination of Certain Regulated Tobacco Products Lacking Labeling Requirements Specified in Section 903(a)(2) of the FD&C Act
• [10/22/2025]" Detention Without Physical Examination of New Tobacco Products, Other Than ENDS, Without Required Marketing Authorization"
• [10/22/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination Of Foods Containing Undeclared Major Food Allergens Or Foods That Fail To Properly Label Major Food Allergens
• [10/22/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination of Produce Due to Contamination With Human Pathogens
• [10/22/2025] "Detention without Physical Examination of Processed Human and Animal Foods for Pesticides"
• [10/22/2025] "Detention Without Physical Examination of Devices without Approved PMA's or IDE's and Other Devices Not Substantially Equivalent or Without a 510(k)"
• [10/22/2025] DETENTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF ***FOOD FOR ANIMALS*** DUE TO THE PRESENCE OF SALMONELLA
• [10/22/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination of Unapproved New Drugs Promoted In The U.S.
• [10/22/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination of ***Mini-cup Gel and Jelly Candies of Firm Consistency that Present Risk of Choking***
• [10/21/2025] "Detention without Physical Examination of Processed Human and Animal Foods for Pesticides"
• [10/21/2025] "Detention Without Physical Examination Of Raw Agricultural Products for Pesticides"
• [10/21/2025] "Detention Without Physical Examination of Drugs From Foreign Establishments Refusing FDA Inspection"
• [10/21/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination of Human and Animal Food Products from Foreign Establishments Refusing FDA Inspection
• [10/21/2025] "Detention Without Physical Examination and Guidance of Foods Containing Ille gal and/or Undeclared Colors."
• [10/21/2025] Detention Without Physical Examination of ***Mini-cup Gel and Jelly Candies of Firm Consistency that Present Risk of Choking***
• [10/21/2025] "Detention Without Physical Examination of New Tobacco Products, Other Than ENDS, Without Required Marketing Authorization"
• [10/17/2025] "Detention Without Physical Examination of Food Products Due to the Presence of Salmonella"
• [10/17]2025[ "Detention Without Physical Examination of Electronic Products that Fail to Comply with Performance Standards or to Have Required Certification"
• ]10/17/2025[ "Detention Without Physical Examination of Devices without Approved PMA's or IDE's and Other Devices Not Substantially Equivalent or Without a 510(k)"
• ]10/17/2025[ "Detention Without Physical Examination of Devices from Firms that Have not met Device Quality System Requirements"
• ]10/17/2025[ Detention Without Physical Examination Of Medical Instruments from Pakistan
• ]10/17/2025[ Detention Without Physical Examination of Unapproved New Drugs Promoted In The U.S.
• ]10/17/2025[ "Detention Without Physical Examination and Guidance of Foods Containing Illegal and/or Undeclared Colors."
• ]10/17/2025[ Detention Without Physical Examination of Uneviscerated Fish or Partially Eviscerated Fish that are either Salt-Cured, Dried, Smoked, Pickled, Fermented or Brined (i.e., excluding LACF and Acidified Products Filed Under 21 CFR 108/113 or 114)"
• ]10/17/2025[ DETENTION WITHOUT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF REFRIGERATED (NOT FROZEN WITH PROPER LABELING) RAW FISH AND FISHERY PRODUCTS IN REDUCED OXYGEN PACKAGING DUE TO THE POTENTIAL FOR CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM TOXIN PRODUCTION"
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USTR Section 301 Determination on Nicaragua’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Relating to Labor Rights, Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the Rule of Law - U.S. Trade Representative
]October 20, 2025[
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Trade Representative determined under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices related to abuses of labor rights, abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and dismantling of the rule of law are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
As a result of the determination that Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices are actionable, the U.S. Trade Representative has proposed a range of responsive actions.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a report today which details evidence and findings supporting the Section 301 determination. The Report is available here.
Background
Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (Trade Act), is designed to address unfair foreign practices affecting U.S. commerce. Section 301 may be used to respond to unjustifiable, unreasonable, or discriminatory foreign government practices that burden or restrict U.S. commerce. A Section 301(b) investigation examines whether the acts, policies, or practices are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.
On December 10, 2024, pursuant to Section 302(b)(1) of the Trade Act, after receiving the advice of the Section 301 Committee and advisory committees, the United States Trade Representative determined to initiate an investigation regarding Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices related to labor rights, human rights, and the rule of law.
Pursuant to Section 304(b)(1)(A) of the Trade Act, USTR provided the public and interested persons with opportunities to present their views through a public comment process and through a public hearing. USTR received witness testimony and more than 160 comments and rebuttal comments. The investigation also elicited testimony evidencing certain gross violations of human rights which USTR is referring to the U.S. Department of State for further investigation, action, and advocacy on those issues.
The U.S. Trade Representative today has determined that Nicaragua’s acts, policies, and practices related to labor rights, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are unreasonable and burden or restrict U.S. commerce, and thus are actionable under Section 301(b)(1) of the Trade Act.
The U.S. Trade Representative has also determined to propose responsive action in this investigation. As set out in the Federal Register notice, the public is invited to provide written comments by November 19, 2025, on the proposed action.
A copy of the Federal Register Notice setting out the U.S. Trade Representative’s actionability determination and proposed action is available here.
A copy of the USTR Report is available here.
A docket for comments regarding the investigation will be available here.
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Treasury Sanctions Terrorist Viv Ansanm Affiliates - U.S. Department of the Treasury (October 17, 2025)
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is sanctioning Dimitri Herard (Herard) for his support to the Haitian gang coalition, Viv Ansanm. Also designated today is Kempes Sanon (Sanon), leader of the Bel Air gang, one of the constituent gangs in the Viv Ansanm alliance. Viv Ansanm contributes to the violence and instability within Haiti.
“Today’s action underscores the critical role of gang leaders and facilitators like Herard and Sanon, whose support enables Viv Ansanm’s campaign of violence, extortion, and terrorism in Haiti,” said Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Bradley T. Smith. “The United States is committed to holding accountable the violent terrorist gangs that endanger the Haitian people.”
Viv Ansanm was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) and Foreign Terrorist Organization on May 2, 2025. OFAC is taking today’s action pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224, as amended, which targets terrorist groups, their supporters, and those who aid acts of terrorism.
TARGETING VIOLENT GANG FACILITATORS
Herard is a former Haitian police officer who was connected to, and later imprisoned by Haitian authorities for, the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. Since his escape from prison in 2024, Herard has colluded with the Viv Ansanm alliance and provided support to many of the gang leaders with training and firearms. Herard’s support directly backs the Viv Ansanm’s coordinated attacks against State institutions.
Sanon is the leader of the Bel Air gang, one of the constituent gangs in the Viv Ansanm alliance, and has played a significant role in the consolidation of power of Viv Ansanm. Sanon and his gang have been involved in indiscriminate civilian killings, extortion, illicit taxation, and kidnappings in Haiti.
Herard and Sanon are being sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of Viv Ansanm, an entity whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions. OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.
Click here for more information on the persons designated today.
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EPA Updates Lead Guidance to Accelerate Cleanup of Superfund, Hazardous Waste Sites Across the Nation - EPA
iWASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking decisive action to protect Americans from lead exposure by establishing a new, clear approach to accelerate lead cleanup at contaminated sites. EPA is updating guidance and streamlining processes for investigating and cleaning up lead in residential soil at contaminated sites and emphasizing early collaboration with state and local partners to provide multiple layers of protection for communities.
“Protecting children from harmful lead exposure is a top priority for the Trump EPA. Children can’t wait years for us to put a shovel in the dirt to clean up the areas where they live and play,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “We’re moving as quickly as possible to protect communities by using all of the tools available to us. Our children deserve fast action.”
There is no known safe level of lead in children’s blood, and exposure can severely harm mental and physical development. In adults, lead can cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer.
The Biden Administration’s January 2024 guidance hampered cleanup efforts by creating uncertainty for decision makers and the public at Superfund sites and hazardous waste cleanups. The agency’s new approach addresses inconsistencies and inefficiencies that have led to analysis paralysis slowing down progress to decrease lead exposure in residential neighborhoods at Superfund and hazardous waste sites. Now, EPA site teams will be able to expedite cleanups and effectively reduce lead exposure in affected communities.
The updated guidance establishes the following:
• Regional screening level of 200 parts per million for lead in residential soil.
• Regional removal management level of 600 parts per million for lead in residential soil.
• Target children’s blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter to determine preliminary remediation goals.
Additionally, EPA will be implementing important process improvements to accelerate the reduction of lead exposure in communities and provide more tools to keep families and children safe. These process improvements include tools to support more nationally consistent cleanup decisions, early engagement with state and local partners, sharing best practices through the establishment of a National Center of Excellence for Residential Lead Cleanups, and specialized contracting mechanisms to leverage removal and remedial actions. The new initiative to provide layers of protection uses other tools from education to risk communication to help prevent lead exposure in communities.
EPA will continue to use site-specific factors, including exposure considerations, soil lead background levels and community input, to make informed decisions on how to best address lead exposure at each site.
EPA's program offices have coordinated comprehensive lead reduction initiatives to protect children and communities from exposure across multiple sources. This year, the Office of Water (OW) funded replacement of over 110,000 lead service lines and provided $26 million in grants to 55 states and territories for school and childcare facility testing, while the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) certified over 37,000 renovators and hundreds of specialized technicians nationwide under lead safety regulations. The Office of Air and Radiation (OAR) is advancing air quality protections through progress on lead National Ambient Air Quality Standards review and proposed new emissions standards for secondary lead smelters. Through coordinated enforcement and cleanup efforts, EPA addressed lead contamination at dozens of Superfund and Brownfields sites while ensuring compliance with safety regulations in military housing and drinking water systems. EPA will continue this work to fulfill its core mission of protecting human health and the environment while Powering the Great American Comeback.
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