11/01/2024
Department of Homeland Security Adds Additional Textile Companies to UFLPA Entity List
Check out this week's Customs Corner to read about additions to the UFLPA entity list, requirements for licensed customs brokers, and more.
1) Department of Homeland Security Adds Additional Textile Companies to UFLPA Entity List
This notice is a recent update to the UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) Entity List, which designates entities connected to forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China. The update, which will be published officially in the Federal Register, involves the following adjustments to the list:
- Addition of Four Entities to the Section 2(d)(2)(B)(v) list, which includes entities that source materials from XUAR or collaborate with the Xinjiang government or related entities in labor programs tied to forced labor concerns. The newly added entities are:
- Changji Esquel Textile Co., Ltd. (also known as Changji Yida Textile Co., Ltd.)
- Esquel Group (also known as Esquel China Holdings Limited)
- Guangdong Esquel Textile Co., Ltd.
- Turpan Esquel Textile Co., Ltd.
These entities reportedly source materials from XUAR, specifically engaging in various stages of cotton and textile production, which raises concerns about their labor practices under UFLPA guidelines.
- Removal of One Entity from the Section 2(d)(2)(B)(i) list, which previously identified entities in XUAR engaged in mining, production, or manufacturing using forced labor. Changji Esquel Textile Co. Ltd. (including the alias Changji Yida Textile) is removed due to the U.S. Government’s determination that it no longer meets the criteria set under UFLPA for forced labor association in this specific context.
2) Continuing Education Requirement for Licensed Customs Brokers
CBP released a notice on October 31, 2024, which outlines the launch and implementation of a continuing education requirement for individual customs brokers, established by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Tariff Act of 1930.
- Compliance Date and Credit Requirement: Starting January 1, 2025, customs brokers must begin fulfilling continuing education requirements. For the initial triennial period (February 1, 2024, to January 31, 2027), brokers are required to complete 20 credits instead of the usual 36, due to the prorated timeline.
- Accreditor Selection: CBP has selected five accreditors to oversee additional educational offerings from non-government providers. This selection was based on specific qualifications, such as expertise in customs and international trade, a robust online system for managing accreditation requests, and the ability to complete accreditation processes within four business days.
- Implementation and Access: The final rule (published June 23, 2023) set forth a framework for CBP’s continuing education program, including free training options via CBP.gov. Brokers are required to comply with these continuing education credits to maintain their licenses, ensuring they stay informed on evolving customs laws and practices.
Additional information can be found in the Federal Register.
For full regulatory context, CBP plans to publish ongoing updates and course opportunities in the Federal Register and online, facilitating brokers’ access to both required and supplementary educational materials.
3) USITC Announces Aluminum Extrusions from Various Countries Do Not Injure US Industry
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has ruled that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened by imports of aluminum extrusions from multiple countries, including China, India, and Vietnam. Despite findings by the U.S. Department of Commerce that these imports were being sold at less than fair value and were subsidized by the governments of certain countries, the Commission's decision means that no antidumping or countervailing duty orders will be issued.
This decision resulted from a vote in which Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted against issuing such orders, while Chair Amy A. Karpel voted in favor. Commissioner Rhonda K. Schmidtlein did not participate in the decision.
The Commission’s full public report, which will provide detailed views and findings from the investigation, is scheduled for release by December 10, 2024, and will be accessible on the USITC website http://pubapps.usitc.gov/applications/publogs/qry_publication_loglist.asp.
Further details and documents can be found in the Commission’s Investigations Database System (DIS).
4) CBP Webinar: UFLPA 101 for the Seafood Sector
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Trade, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Policy, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State, is hosting a three-part webinar series titled "UFLPA 101 for the Seafood Sector" from Tuesday, November 12 to Thursday, November 14, 2024. This series will provide a comprehensive overview of the Uyghur Forced Labor Protection Act (UFLPA), including enforcement processes and best practices for due diligence in seafood supply chains.
Day 1: November 12, 1:00 p.m. ET
Topic: “The UFLPA and the UFLPA Entity List”
Description: DHS’s Office of Policy will discuss the UFLPA and the interagency Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force’s role in implementing the UFLPA Strategy. Key sectors for enforcement and the UFLPA Entity List will be reviewed.
Day 2: November 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
Topic: “CBP’s Enforcement of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act”
Description: CBP will cover the global forced labor landscape, UFLPA enforcement processes, and modifications to Withhold Release Orders (WROs). There will also be a focus on CBP’s role in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and forced labor in the seafood supply chain.
Day 3: November 14, 1:00 p.m. ET
Topic: “Shoring Up Seafood Supply Chains through Due Diligence”
Description: Experts from the Departments of Labor and State will address forced labor concerns, risk management resources, and practical steps to strengthen due diligence in seafood supply chains.
To register for the free webinars, click here. All registrants will receive the access link for the webinar the day before the event, but entry into the webinar is on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are limited. This webinar series will not be recorded.
5) CBP Webinar: Marking of Prescription Medications
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Pharmaceuticals, Health & Chemicals Center of Excellence is hosting a free webinar titled "Marking of Prescription Medications" on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET. This session will provide guidance on the recent decision requiring country-of-origin marking for prescription medications sold at retail in the U.S.
Registration Information:
- Click here to register:
- Note: Registrants will receive the access link one day before the event. Entry is first-come, first-served, as seats are limited.
- Replay Access: After the live webinar, a recording will be available on the Trade Outreach Webinars page at cbp.gov.
This is a great opportunity to stay informed on regulatory updates affecting prescription medications and compliance requirements for retail sales in the U.S.
6) CBP Webinar: Trade Violation Reporting
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Trade is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. ET titled Trade Violation Reporting (TVR). The webinar will provide an overview of the TVR portal and how to file a trade violation with CBP.
To register for this free webinar, click here. All registrants will receive the access link for the webinar the day before the event, but entry into the webinar is on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are limited. After the live event, this and other previously recorded webinars will be available for replay at Trade Outreach Webinars | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).
7) CBP Webinar: Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Trade is hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET titled Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA). The webinar will provide an overview of the EAPA process and how to file an EAPA allegation with CBP.
To register for this free webinar, click here. All registrants will receive the access link for the webinar the day before the event, but entry into the webinar is on a first-come, first-served basis as seats are limited. After the live event, this and other previously recorded webinars will be available for replay at Trade Outreach Webinars | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov).
EVENT: 2025 Trade Facilitation and Cargo Security Summit
May 6 - 8, 2025 | Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Two Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70130
This event will be hosted in person and webcasted. Event and registration details will be available soon and posted to the TFCS Summit web page.
Click here for more information.
Get expert advice on customs and foreign trade, direct from our comprehensive customs brokerage and trade services teams.