08/15/2025
Reciprocal Duty List Update
Check out this week's Customs Corner to read about the updated reciprocal duty list, the APHIS Paper PPQ 505 form, and more.
Trade and Customs Updates
1) Reciprocal Duty List Update
The Trump administration has introduced reciprocal tariff rates on a wide range of countries, imposing duties between 10% and 41%. This move impacts major global economies, with China facing a 34% tariff, Canada at 35%, and the European Union also affected. For a detailed breakdown of the latest tariffs by country and their effective dates, see below:
References:
Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates – The White House
Addressing Threats to The United States by the Government of Brazil – The White House
Fact Sheet: The United States and Indonesia Reach Historic Trade Deal – The White House
Fact Sheet: The United States and European Union Reach Massive Trade Deal – The White House
2) APHIS Paper PPQ 505 Form No Longer Accepted as of January 1, 2026.
Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will no longer accept paper submissions for the Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) 505 or 505B forms. Filers accustomed to submitting paper declarations must transition to electronic submissions through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or USDA-APHIS’s Lacey Act Web Governance System (LAWGS).
The move to electronic-only submissions is designed to enhance the efficiency and utility of federal information management in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. After the 2026 deadline, paper submissions will only be permitted in emergencies, such as system outages, and will require prior approval from Program Lacey Staff via [email protected]. Unauthorized paper submissions post-deadline will violate the Lacey Act. Filers are encouraged to begin transitioning to electronic filing immediately to ensure compliance and a seamless adjustment to the new system.
3) New Treatment for Non-Compliant Wood Packing Material
On July 25, 2025, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced the addition of a new treatment option, Shredder-Hammermill, to its Treatment Manual. This method provides an emergency solution for the phytosanitary destruction of non-compliant wood products, such as dunnage, pallets, and wood packaging material (WPM). The Shredder-Hammermill process involves a two-step mechanical destruction using a wood shredder followed by a hammermill grinder, ensuring the elimination of potential pests. This treatment is available at APHIS-approved facilities within port locations, contingent upon an existing compliance agreement that authorizes the secure disposal and destruction of violative WPM.
Reference:
T415-d Garbage and Quarantine Material Interceptions for Destruction - Wood Products
4) Tariff Flagging Updates for EPA
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is set to implement updates to the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) codes associated with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with the U.S. International Trade Commission's (USITC) bi-annual 484(f) revisions. These updates will include assigning an EP2 flag to one HTS code, while over 750 other codes will receive PGA flag indicators EP1, EP3, EP5, and EP7. Upon completion of these changes, CBP will issue a Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) notification to inform stakeholders.
Reference:
CSMS # 65868872 - Tariff flagging updates for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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