MEMO TO CLIENTS ISSUE 20-006 – June 18, 2020

Revised USMCA Interim Implementation Instructions U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published revised Interim Implementation Instructions for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). It provides various updates to instructions, many of which were based on questions CBP received in the webinars they hosted. The instructions are guidelines and the final regulations are expected near the date of implementation; however, the guidelines are a very good explanation on how USMCA works. The new instructions can be found on CBP’s website.

ILWU One Day Stoppage at West Coast Terminals The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) will have a work stoppage on Friday, June 19, 2020. It will last for 8 hours in observance of Juneteenth and as a show of support to end racism and police brutality. Juneteenth is the date in 1865 when black slaves in Texas first learned of their emancipation. All 29 Terminals on the West Coast will be closed during the 8-hour day shift on Friday.

USTR Lighthizer Tells Congress, Entry De Minimis Too High U.S. Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer testified before Congress on June 16. While discussing several trade issues, he called for a reduction in the dollar amount allowed by the United States for duty and exemption. The United States allows up to $800.00 in merchandise on an imported shipment. This amount is far higher than the allowance granted by our trading partners for imports to their country. He commented that the high amount is costing U.S. jobs while other countries keep a low entry de minimis to protect their economy.

USTR Announces New Exclusions Notices The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) issued a few Federal Register Notices (FRN) on new exclusions to China 301 duty. The most recent was issued on June 12, 2020 for List 4. This list of exclusions can be found on the Federal Register site by clicking here. On June 8, 2020 the Office of the USTR issued a notice for new exclusions to List 4 that can be found on the USTR’s website. In the past, exclusions have been granted for one year; however, these exclusions and any other newer exclusions for all lists will expire at the end of the year on December 31, 2020.