02/06/2026

House Passes Spending Bill Restoring Key Trade Preferences for Africa and Haiti

Check out this week's Customs Corner to read about the restoration of AGOA and Haiti HELP trade preferences, NOAA's new seafood import certification requirements, and more.

Trade and Customs Updates

1) House Passes Spending Bill Restoring Key Trade Preferences for Africa and Haiti

On February 3, the United States House of Representatives approved a sweeping spending package designed to end the partial federal government shutdown and secure funding for several agencies. The legislation, which was signed into law later that day, also reauthorizes two crucial trade preference programs: the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Haiti Economic Lift Program Extension Act (Haiti HELP). Both initiatives are now extended through December 31, 2026.

 

It has been noted that importers whose goods would have qualified for these benefits but entered the U.S. during the lapse period may request duty refunds. Geodis has reached out to CBP Headquarters to obtain further guidance on the post entry filing process. We will provide updates once received.

 

The Quota Bulletins for both AGOA and Haiti HELP can be found below:

 

 

2) NOAA Clarifies New Certification Requirement for Seafood Imports Under Marine Mammal Protection Act

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has issued additional guidance regarding seafood import restrictions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), following up on Customs and Border Protection's earlier communication (CSMS # 67055632).

 

Effective January 1, 2026, importers of certain fish and fish products must provide a Certification of Admissibility (COA) to confirm that their shipments are not subject to MMPA-related import restrictions. This requirement is part of NOAA's ongoing efforts to ensure that imported seafood meets U.S. conservation standards related to marine mammal protection.

Importers are advised to review the updated requirements and ensure that all applicable shipments are accompanied by the necessary certification to avoid delays or refusals at entry.

 

Instructions on how to complete the Certificate of Admissibility (COA) can be found here.

 

Reference:

CSMS # 67590021 - FOLLOW-UP: NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) Import Restrictions and Certification of Admissibility (COA) Requirements

 

3) Registration Dates Announced for April 2026 Customs Broker License Exam

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced that registration for the upcoming Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE), scheduled for April 22, 2026, will open on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. ET and will close on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. ET.

 

Interested candidates can access the registration links and find additional exam information and resources on the "Customs Broker License Exam Information" section of the Customs Brokers Webpage at CBP.gov.

 

Reference:

CSMS # 67593748 - Customs Broker License Exam (CBLE) Spring 2026 Registration Information

 

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:

 

EVENT: Wood Packaging Materials (WPM): Navigating Compliance Webinar

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM ET | Online

 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Office of Field Operations is hosting a webinar titled Wood Packaging Materials (WPM): Navigating Compliance. This webinar will take a deeper dive into the steps stakeholders should follow when they receive an Emergency Action Notification (EAN). CBP and APHIS experts will walk participants through each phase of the response and resolution process, from initial notification to final outcomes.

 

Wood Packaging Materials (WPM): Navigating Compliance Webinar - Website

 

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