01/09/2026
AMS Lowers Assessment Value for Imported Cotton, Updates Import Assessment Table
Check out this week's Customs Corner to read about AMS lowering assessment values for imported cotton, the House vote on AGOA and Haiti trade extensions, and more.
Trade and Customs Updates
1) AMS Lowers Assessment Value for Imported Cotton, Updates Import Assessment Table
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is amending the Cotton Board Rules and Regulations to decrease the value assigned to imported cotton for calculating supplemental assessments under the Cotton Research and Promotion Program. This annual adjustment ensures that assessments collected on imported cotton and products match those paid on domestically produced cotton. Additionally, AMS is updating the Import Assessment Table to reflect changes since the previous adjustment in 2024.
The direct final rule, effective March 1, 2026, unless significant adverse comments are received by January 30, 2026, revises the assigned value of imported cotton to $0.012388 per kilogram—down from $0.013247 per kilogram—based on the average weighted price received by U.S. farmers for Upland cotton in 2024. The assessment includes a $1-per-bale fee (equivalent to 500 pounds or 226.8 kilograms) and a supplemental assessment of 0.5% of the value of domestically produced cotton. If significant adverse comments are received, AMS will withdraw the amendment and publish a notice in the Federal Register.
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2) House to Vote Next Week on Extension of AGOA and Haiti Trade Preference Programs
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote next week on legislation to renew and extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and Haiti trade preference programs through December 31, 2028. Both bills will be brought forward under the Suspension Calendar, meaning each requires a two-thirds majority for approval. If passed, the measures would ensure continued trade benefits for eligible countries in Africa and Haiti for the next three years.
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3) CBP Upgrades ACE Portal to Allow Importers to Add Notify Parties Online
On January 2, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced a new enhancement to the Automated Commercial Environment Secure Data Portal (ACE Portal), providing importers who are Trade Account Owners (TAO) with the ability to directly add notify parties—also known as "Special Address Notification (CBP Form 4811) notify parties"—using the Notify Parties tab within the Importer sub-account view. This update streamlines the notification process for importers, making it easier to manage shipment communications and compliance through the ACE Portal.
Reference:
CSMS # 67333418 - REMINDER: ACE Portal Feature Now Available for Trade Users to Add Notify Parties
EVENT: ACE Support Calls on Electronic Refunds Final Rule
Beginning February 6, 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will issue all refunds electronically via Automated Clearing House (ACH) (subject to limited exceptions), as announced in the Electronic Refunds Interim Final Rule published January 2, 2026 in the Federal Register (FR Document 2025-24171).
Deadline/Event Date:
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Join via Microsoft Teams
- Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Join via Microsoft Teams
- Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Join via Microsoft Teams
EVENT: Forced Labor Portal Training Webinars
January 13-15, 2026 | Virtual
In preparation for the launch of the Forced Labor Portal in January 2026, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will conduct three webinars to train users on the new Portal’s functionalities for the submission of the following types of review requests:
- Withhold Release Order/Finding admissibility reviews.
- Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act applicability reviews.
- Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act requests for exception; and
- Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act exception requests.
Deadline/Event Dates:
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m. EST | Forced Labor Portal Launch Session 1
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EST | Forced Labor Portal Launch Session 2
- Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1:00 p.m. EST | Forced Labor Portal Launch Session 3
EVENT: Trade Violations Reporting (TVR) Q1 Webinar
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 1:30 pm EST | Virtual
CBP is offering quarterly webinars throughout FY26 on how to report suspected trade violations online. The first round of webinars will be held on January 13 and 15. CBP will be offering free webinars on how anyone can report suspected trade violations online using the Trade Violations Reporting tool, as well as how to file EAPA allegations. Registration is free and available to anyone. You are required to register in order to attend the webinar.
EVENT: Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) Q1 Webinar
Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 1:30 pm EST | Virtual
CBP is offering quarterly webinars throughout FY26 on how to report suspected trade violations online. The first round of webinars will be held on January 13 and 15. CBP will be offering free webinars on how anyone can report suspected trade violations online using the Trade Violations Reporting tool, as well as how to file EAPA allegations. Registration is free and available to anyone. You are required to register in order to attend the webinar.
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