01/23/2026

Supreme Court Delays Decision on President Trump's IEEPA Tariffs Until After Recess

Check out this week's Customs Corner to read about the Supreme Court's delay on IEEPA tariff ruling, the one-year renewal of AGOA and Haiti trade programs, and more.

Trade and Customs Updates

1) Supreme Court Delays Decision on President Trump's IEEPA Tariffs Until After Recess

The Supreme Court has postponed issuing a ruling on President Trump's tariffs enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as no decision was released on the court's final workday before its monthlong recess this week. The earliest possible date for an opinion is now February 20, following the court's return.

2) AGOA and Haitian Trade Program Receive One-Year Renewal

On January 20, the House Appropriations Committee released a government funding package that includes a renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Haiti trade program through December 31, 2026. In a last-minute compromise to secure enough support for the broader package, lawmakers scaled back the proposed three-year extension to a shorter term.

Importers will remain eligible for refunds on duties paid for qualifying goods under AGOA or Haiti HELP from October 1, 2025, until the new legislation is enacted, with tariff relief set to last through the end of 2026. The House is expected to vote on the funding bill this week, with the Senate scheduled to consider the package next week in an effort to avoid a government shutdown before the January 30 deadline.

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3) President Trump Withdraws Tariff Threat Over Greenland Following NATO Talks

President Donald Trump announced in a social media post that he is withdrawing the threat of tariffs against Greenland, citing a productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. According to President Trump, the meeting resulted in a framework for a potential future agreement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region, which he described as beneficial for both the United States and all NATO member nations.

As a result of this understanding, the tariffs that were set to take effect on February 1 will not be imposed. President Trump also noted that further discussions are ongoing regarding The Golden Dome in relation to Greenland.

4) U.S. Customs and Border Protection Launches Forced Labor Portal for Importers

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has officially launched the Forced Labor Portal, a new online platform designed to streamline the review process for shipments detained or excluded due to forced labor enforcement. The portal serves as a centralized hub where importers can submit requests for review, enhancing efficiency and transparency in compliance with U.S. trade regulations.

Effective January 21, 2026, all review submissions related to forced labor enforcement must be processed through the Forced Labor Portal. Mandatory review types include:

Withhold Release Order/Finding admissibility reviews
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act applicability reviews
Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act exception requests
Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act exception requests

Depending on the review type, submissions will be evaluated by CBP personnel from the Forced Labor Division, the relevant Port of Entry, or the Center of Excellence and Expertise.

Importers can access the portal at https://flportal.cbp.gov/s/login/. To support users, CBP has provided a comprehensive set of resources, including a quick reference guide, an instructional video, and a recorded webinar, all available on the official CBP Forced Labor webpage: www.cbp.gov/trade/forced-labor.

Quick Reference Guide
Instructional Video
Recorded webinar: Coming soon

CBP encourages all importers to familiarize themselves with the new portal and resources to ensure compliance with the latest forced labor enforcement requirements.

Reference:

CSMS # 67466320 – Launch of the Forced Labor Portal

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: