New US Sanctions on Iran's Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors

On May 8, 2019, the Trump administration issued an Executive Order (EO)(1) establishing new sanctions on Iran’s iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors. A few key points from the EO include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • “All property and interests in property that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of any United States person(2) of the following persons are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State”:

    • to be operating in the iron, steel, aluminum, or copper sector of Iran, or to be a person that owns, controls, or operates an entity that is part of the iron, steel, aluminum, or copper sector of Iran;

    • to have knowingly engaged, on or after the date of this order, in a significant transaction for the sale, supply, or transfer to Iran of significant goods or services used in connection with the iron, steel, aluminum, or copper sectors of Iran;

    • to have knowingly engaged, on or after the date of this order, in a significant transaction for the purchase, acquisition, sale, transport, or marketing of iron, iron products, aluminum, aluminum products, steel, steel products, copper, or copper products from Iran;….

In addition to the above, there are additional prohibitions on financial institutions and financial transactions (occurring with the noted sectors). The prohibitions included in the EO include:

  • the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked; and

  • the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

Contact your GCSG Trade Compliance professionals for assistance in understanding how to reduce your risk and how this EO may affect your business.

References

(1) Executive Order (EO) on “Imposing Sanctions with Respect to the Iron, Steel, Aluminum, and Copper Sectors of Iran” - May 8, 2019

(2) United States person - means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.(1)

(3) Knowingly - with respect to conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the circumstance, or the result.(1)

(4) Entity - means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization.(1)

EU - Japan trade agreement effective on Feb 1, 2019

On February 1, 2019 the European Union (EU) - Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) becomes effective. The EPA creates a trading area that covers 600 million people and close to a third of global gross domestic product.

The EPA is the biggest trade agreement concluded to date by the EU. 99% of the tariffs applied on EU exports to Japan which currently amount to €1 billion, will be removed.”(1)

The EU exports more than 58 billion in goods and 28 billion in services to Japan each year.(2)

References

  1. European Council Press Release - “EU-Japan trade agreement will enter into force on 1 February 2019” - 21/12/2018

  2. European Commission - “EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement” - Official Page

  3. European Commission - “Fact sheets about the agreement” - News archive

Weekly Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Weekly Compliance News feature is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

EU and Japan to Recognize the Other’s Persona Data Protection System | JDSupra - K&L Gates LLP

"On 17 July 2018, the EU and Japan reached an agreement to recognize each other’s data protections systems as “equivalent”, and each commits to complete internal procedures by fall 2018 (the “Data Agreement”). Once adopted, this will allow businesses to transfer personal data from the European Economic Area to Japan and vice versa without being required to provide further additional safeguards for each transfer." (Click here for the article) - EU, Japan

Chinese Intelligence Officer Charged with Economic Espionage | US DOJ

"A Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) operative, Yanjun Xu, aka Qu Hui, aka Zhang Hui, has been arrested and charged with conspiring and attempting to commit economic espionage and steal trade secrets from multiple U.S. aviation and aerospace companies.  Xu was extradited to the United States yesterday." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

Cyber Tests Showed ‘Nearly All’ New Pentagon Weapons Vulnerable to Attack | NPR

"Passwords that took seconds to guess, or were never changed from their factory settings. Cyber vulnerabilities that were known, but never fixed. Those are two common problems plaguing some of the Department of Defense's newest weapons systems, according to the Government Accountability Office." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

Security firm uncovers new cyber group targeting government and military sectors | The Hill

"A new cyber group appears to have been targeting government and military organizations this past year as part of an espionage campaign, a security firm said on Wednesday." (Click here for the article) - Eastern Europe, Middle East

Oil Industry snubs EU effort to defy US sanctions on Iran | Financial Times

"Big European oil companies are spurning the EU’s attempt to shield Iranian crude from US sanctions because of fears the effort would leave businesses exposed to harsh penalties from the Trump administration." (Click here for the article) - Europe, Iran, USA

Mitigating Compliance Pitfalls in Manufacturing | Manufacturing.net

"The U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission have stepped up efforts recently to enforce the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). For manufacturers, this involves regulations surrounding exports and international conduct, including those related to U.S. economic sanctions and export control laws." (Click here for the article) - USA

French ports planning for ‘No-Deal’ Brexit | freightweek

"Norlink Ports, an association of 25 ports and inland gateways in the northern Hauts-de-France region, is planning measures to reduce the commercial impact of Britain leaving the European Union without a trade agreement." (Click here for the article) - UK, France, EU

Three Audit Employees Investigated in Probe of Vehicle Certifications | WSJ

"German prosecutors have launched an investigation into three employees of Volkswagen AG’s luxury car unit Audi suspected of falsifying documents to obtain roadworthiness certifications needed for vehicles to be exported to South Korea…" (Click here for the article) - Germany, South Korea

Countries Face Rising Exposure to Money Laundering | WSJ

"More countries are showing heightened risks of exposure to money laundering, according to an annual ranking of countries assessing their money-laundering risk." (Click here for the article) - Global

Weekly Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Weekly Compliance News feature is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

China Tariffs - List 3 Finalized and Taking Effect | Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP

"At the end of the day on September 17, 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative issued notice that List 3 of the China tariffs has been finalized and takes effect with a 10% tariff on September 24, 2018." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

China eases up on winter smog fight as it battles American trade war headwinds  | SCMP

"China will be less severe with its smog curbs this winter as it grapples with slower economic growth and a trade war with the United States, according to a government plan released on Thursday." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

Ferraris, diamond rings: 3 men indicted in massive $364 million Ponzi scheme | USA Today

"Three men have been indicted in an alleged $364 million ponzi scheme that had more than 400 victims who funded their lavish lifestyle, featuring luxury cars, pricey homes and expensive jewelry, federal authorities said." (Click here for the article) - USA

Paris set to triumph as Europe’s post-Brexit trading hub | Financial Times

"Paris is emerging as the favored financial trading hub for continental Europe, as some of the world’s biggest banks and asset managers prepare for life after Brexit by steering their EU operations away from London to the French capital." (Click here for the article) - UK, France, European Union

US reaches trade deal with Canada and Mexico | Politico

"Trade ministers from the U.S., Mexico and Canada have reached a deal to revamp the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Trump administration announced late Sunday night." (Click here for the article) - USA, Mexico, Canada

Rules of Origin are too complicated | FOOD navigator

"Complex rules of origin labelling requirements inhibit trade and SMEs pay a particularly heavy price, trade bodies amfori and EuroCommerce warn. Speaking at a conference on rules of origin in Brussels, the heads of both associations argued that unless rules of origin requirements are reformed, they will continue to discourage European companies from taking advantage of ‘hard won concessions’ in free trade agreements." (Click here for the article) - European Union

North Korean hacking group tried to steal over $1Bn | FireEye

"This new FireEye report reveals a North Korean hacking group tried to steal over $1 billion from banks worldwide." (Click here for the article) - North Korea, Global

USMCA Provision Could Deter Trade Agreements with China | ST&R

"A provision in the updated NAFTA concluded this past weekend could make it more difficult for Canada and Mexico to pursue potential free trade agreements with China. Observers say the Trump administration could look to insert a similar provision in possible FTAs with the European Union and Japan as part of its effort to pressure Beijing to advance economic reforms." (Click here for the article) - USA, Mexico, Canada, China

Dubai enacts changes to anti-money laundering rules | The National

"The Dubai government has enacted changes to the Dubai International Financial Centre's anti-money laundering laws following a self-assessment of the free zone’s capacity to fight financial crime." (Click here for the article) - UAE

Hong Kong Freezes Chairman Assets, Alleges $1.3 Billion Con | Bloomberg

"Hong Kong’s securities regulator froze the assets of an unnamed chairman of a public company on suspicion of fraud totaling $1.3 billion. The person may have conducted two suspicious transactions to make significant profits, the Securities and Futures Commission said in a statement..." (Click here for the article) - Hong Kong, China

Weekly Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Weekly Compliance News feature is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Europe, Russia and China join forces with a new mechanism to dodge Iran sanctions | CNBC

"In the latest sign of the growing divide between Washington and its allies, the European Union's foreign policy chief announced Monday that the bloc was creating a new payment mechanism to allow countries to transact with Iran while avoiding U.S. sanctions." (Click here for the article) - USA, Russia, China, European Union

China says US trying to force it to submit on trade as new tariffs kick in | Reuters

"The United States and China imposed fresh tariffs on each other’s goods on Monday as the world’s biggest economies showed no signs of backing down from an increasingly bitter trade dispute that is expected to hit global economic growth." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

Novartis links bonuses to ethics in bid to rebuild reputation | GAN Integrity Inc.

"Swiss drug maker Novartis has revealed its employees only get a bonus if they meet or exceed expectations for ethical behavior as it seeks to address past shortcomings that have damaged its reputation." (Click here for the article) - Switzerland, USA, South Korea, China

Japan mulls bilateral trade deal with U.S. | Reuters

"Japan is mulling a bilateral trade agreement with the United States that would lower tariffs on U.S. agriculture imports in exchange for avoiding higher tariffs on Japanese autos, the Nikkei newspaper said on Saturday." (Click here for the article) - Japan, USA

Potential NAFTA collapse poses major risk to Canada | Financial Post

"Canada’s economic growth could be pared by about a quarter next year if the North American Free Trade Agreement collapses, and the drag will be extended if an automobile trade war emerges, according to a new Conference Board forecast." (Click here for the article) - Canada, USA

British inquiry intensifies Danske Bank money laundering scandal | Reuters

"Danske Bank’s money laundering scandal spread on Friday to Britain where the National Crime Agency said it is investigating the use of UK-registered companies." (Click here for the article) - Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Russia, UK

BASF commits to complying with US sanctions on Iran | Politico

"German chemical giant BASF has made a firm commitment to comply with all U.S. sanctions against Iran, becoming the latest in a string of large European companies to back away from ambitious plans to invest in the Islamic Republic following Washington’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal." (Click here for the article) - Germany, Iran, USA

US Sanctions Russia and China-based IT companies for connections to DPRK | WorldECR

"The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (‘OFAC’) has sanctioned a Chinese IT company, its Russian counterpart and its North Korean CEO, targeting revenue repatriated to North Korea (‘DPRK’) through overseas IT workers." (Click here for the article) - Russia, China, North Korea, USA

Weekly Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Weekly Compliance News feature is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

US President signs miscellaneous tariff bill - eliminates tariffs | crowell moring

"On September 13, 2018, President Trump signed the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB) Act of 2018, which temporarily reduces or eliminates import duties on specified raw materials and intermediate products used in manufacturing that are not produced or available domestically." (Click here for the article) - USA

Danske Bank CEO quits over $234 billion money laundering scandal | Reuters

"Danske Bank’s chief executive Thomas Borgen resigned on Wednesday after an investigation revealed payments totaling 200 billion euros ($234 billion) through its small Estonian branch, many of which the bank said were suspicious." (Click here for the article) - Estonia, Russia, Denmark, European Union

U.S.’s Ross says China must decide on trade talks | CNBC

"It is up to Beijing to take the next steps on trade talks, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said on Tuesday as China vowed to retaliate after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed initial duties on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods." (Click here for the article) - China, USA

US Legislation Gives BIS Greater Powers | WorldECR

"The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (‘BIS’) has been given statutory authority under the Export Control Reform Act (‘ECRA’), to control certain exports. The act was signed into law by President Trump on 13 August." (Click here for the article) - USA

Europe Moves to Target Money Laundering in Response to Scandals | WSJ

"Europe threw a one-two punch to fight money laundering on Wednesday, with the European Commission proposing enhanced powers for a regulator and lawmakers passing a package of new rules." (Click here for the article) - European Union

Foreign Bribery Rages Unchecked in over half of Global Trade | Transparency International

"Transparency International’s new report, Exporting Corruption, finds that only 11 major exporting countries - accounting for about a third of world exports - have active or moderate law enforcement against companies bribing abroad in order to gain mining rights, contracts for major construction projects, purchases of planes and other deals." (Click here for the article) - Global

Canada returning to NAFTA talks earlier than expected | CBC

"NAFTA talks are resuming at the decision-maker level sooner than expected, with Canada's foreign affairs minister set to return to Washington on Tuesday." (Click here for the article) - Canada, USA, Mexico

US - South Korea Free Trade Agreement Changes Published

Details on the changes made to the US - Korea free trade agreement have now been published.(1)  The renegotiated agreement covers areas such as automobiles, customs processes, and investment, as well as the recent US steel and aluminum tariffs.  Some of the key new outcomes include(2):

  • Korea will extend the phase out of the 25% US tariff on trucks until 2041
  • Korea will double the number of US automobile exports, to 50,000 cars per manufacturer per year, that can meet US safety standards and enter the Korean market without further modification
  • US gasoline engine vehicle exports will be able to show compliance with Korea's emission standards using the same tests they conduct to show compliance with US regulations
  • Korea will recognize US standards for auto parts necessary to service US vehicles and reduce labeling burdens for parts
  • Agreement was reached on conducting verification of origin of exports under KORUS

Click here for the document that provides the KORUS text change details.  

References

US Trade Representative Issues Trade Fact Sheet on US-MX Trade Agreement

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) recently published a fact sheet detailing the key components of the recently agreed upon US-Mexico Trade Agreement.  Some of the key changes proposed in the rule include:

  • Auto sector: At least 75% of a vehicle must have been built in either the US or Mexico in order for the vehicle to sell in the US without tariffs.  The original NAFTA agreement only required 62.5%.
  • Intellectual property: The agreement extends US copyright protection into Mexico and strengthens the patent protections in the pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.  It also addresses digital trade, something that was not covered under NAFTA.
  • Labor and Environmental: The agreement requires companies to "prohibit the importation of goods produced by forced labor, to address violence against workers exercising their labor rights, and to ensure that migrant workers are protected under labor laws.".  It also addresses air quality issues.
  • Duty free limits: The agreement raises the "de minimis" level from $50 to $100 for duty free entry from the US into Mexico for Mexican citizens.  U.S. citizens are allowed to import up to $800 worth of goods duty free.
  • Sunset Clause: The pact, if agreed upon would run for 16 years.  After 6 years both sides would met and decide if they wanted to renew for another 16 years.      

The deal requires approval from the US Congress before it can become law.  The Administration intends to submit the paperwork to get the process started in Congress as early as Friday.  This timeline potentially gives Canada only a week to sign-on to the deal.  

Click here for the full Fact Sheet.  

Key Link(s):

Freight forwarding and logistics firms to withdraw from business with Iran

According to Lloyd's Loading List, some logistics service providers have decided to halt business in Iran as a result of the re-imposition of US sanctions.  Others are taking a wait and see approach.  In addition, several major container lines such as CMA, CGM, Maersk, and MSC have withdrawn from Iran.(2)  

"Thomas Cullen, a senior analyst at logistics consulting firm Transport Intelligence, said the re-imposition of US sanctions “seems likely to be at least as brutal as the sanctions pursued for the decade prior to the JCPOA, with the US now pressing for Iran to be excluded from the SWIFT banking transaction system”."(1)

Cullen noted: “With the announcement last week that Renault was ceasing operations, something that Peugeot-Citroen decided last month, the CKD related container traffic will fall heavily. Possibly the Chinese VMs may increase inputs to compensate, but they are much weaker in this market.”(1)

Cullen added: “The leading western container lines have effectively withdrawn from services into Iran, presumably leaving shippers to arrange their own feeder services from Dubai. Once again, the Chinese carriers may be the only option.”(1)

References:

Weekly Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Weekly Compliance News feature is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Sanctions Busters Smuggled North Korean Coal, Iron to the South via Russia | WSJ

"Three South Koreans illegally imported North Korean coal and iron via Russia in violation of sanctions, South Korean customs officials said, exposing a crack in the US-led campaign to cut off trade with the Pyongyang regime." (Click here for the article) - North Korea, South Korea, Russia, USA

Iran Sanctions Wind-Down Period Ends and New Iran Executive Order | Baker McKenzie

"In conjunction with the New Iran EO, the US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control issued extensive new guidance on the New Iran EO..." (Click here for the article) - Iran, USA, European Union

FIFA eliminates "corruption" from Code of Ethics | NBC Sports

"FIFA eliminated the word "corruption" from its revised code of ethics during "secret meetings"..." (Click here for the article) - Global

Petrobras recovers $274 million from corruption scandal | Yahoo News

"Brazil's state-owned oil major Petrobras said Thursday that it has recovered 1.034 billion reais ($274 million) in funds embezzled during a giant corruption scandal that badly damaged the company and upended Brazilian politics." (Click here for the article) - Brazil

Customs of Ukraine and Serbia will work together to fight corruption | The Bobr Times

"Ukraine and Serbia signed a document that concerns data interchange between the customs authorities of the two countries and should increase the efficiency of the fight against corruption." (Click here for the article) - Serbia, Ukraine

The Long-Term Impact of Brexit on the European Union | Seeking Alpha

"When the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, higher barriers to trade, capital flows, and labor mobility will affect output and jobs not only in the UK but also in the remaining 27 EU member states." (Click here for the article) - UK, European Union

There's a good chance to reach a NAFTA deal this month | BDP International

"The U.S., Mexico and Canada have a good opportunity to reach a NAFTA agreement this month, and getting there will depend on the political flexibility of the Trump administration, according to the top representative for Mexico's private sector." (Click here for the article) - Mexico, Canada, USA

US, China to resume Trade Talks as Tariffs Bite | WSJ

"The US and China reached a modest breakthrough in their trade dispute, saying they would hold lower-level talks later this month on the spiraling dispute." (Click here for the article) - China, USA

Venezuelan President implicated in US investigation of money laundering | Malta Independent

"Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been implicated in an American investigation for having laundered some 160 million euros through an unnamed Maltese private investment firm..." (Click here for the article) - Malta, Venezuela, USA

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Malaysia proposes amendments to Anti-Corruption Act | GCSG

"On March 26, 2018 the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Amendment Bill 2018 passed its first reading.  The amendments propose several changes to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act of 2009." (Click here for the article) - Malaysia

EU Targets US Products in Retaliation of US Section 232 Tariffs | SIDLEY

"The EU has published its response to the US section 232 tariffs on EU steel and aluminum products." (Click here for the article) - USA, European Union

Europe faces limited options on US threat on Iran sanctions | Financial Times

"The EU faces a tough call on whether to hit back against a US squeeze on European companies' dealings with Iran - but history offers the bloc only small comfort that it can prevail." (Click here for the article) - USA, European Union

Russia Remains Chief Sanctions Risk for Companies, Banks | WSJ

"The risk of breaching Russian sanctions remains a top concern for European banks, corporations and wealthy individuals despite market tensions surrounding the US withdrawal from the Iran deal..." (Click here for the article) - USA, European Union, Russia

Novartis investigating $85 million bribery allegations in Turkey | Reuters

"An anonymous whistleblower has accused Swiss drugmaker Novartis of paying bribes in Turkey through a consulting firm to secure business advantages worth an estimated $85 million..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Turkey, UK, Switzerland

 

US CBP Expands ISF Importer Definition

On April 12, 2018, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a final rule that expands the definition of an Importer Security Filing (ISF) Importer.  The final rule adopts the proposed rule published in the Federal Register on July 6, 2016 (1).

"The changes are necessary to ensure that the definition of ISF Importer includes parties that have a commercial interest in the cargo and the best access to the required information." (2)  

Background

The ISF Importer is required to submit an ISF to CBP before the cargo is loaded on a vessel that is destined to the United States.  Except for foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), the ISF must be filed no later than 24 hours before any cargo is laden aboard a vessel.  For FROB cargo the ISF is required any time prior to lading.   

ISF Importers (or their agents) are required to submit to CBP (3):

  • 10 data elements for goods intended to be entered into the U.S. or to be delivered to a foreign trade zone (FTZ)
  • 5 data elements for shipments that consist solely of FROB, immediate exportation (IE), and Transportation and Exportation (T&E) in-bond shipments  

What is Changing?

The existing definition of an ISF Importer is generally defined (4):

  • As the party causing goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel and is generally the goods owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent
    • However, the definition is limited to just certain named parties for FROB, IE and T&E in-bond shipments, and for merchandise being entered into an FTZ
  • To designate the Carrier as the ISF Importer for FROB cargo
  • To designate the party filing the IE, T&E, or FTZ documentation as the ISF Importer for IE and T&E in-bond shipments, and for goods to be delivered to an FTZ

Based on feedback from the trade community, CBP determined that the definition did not always reflect commercial realities.  The updated definition of an ISF Importer now generally (2):

  • Expands the definition for FROB cargo, IE and T&E shipments and for goods to be delivered to an FTZ by:
    • Broadening the definition to include non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs) for FROB shipments
    • Including the goods owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent as a responsible party for IE and T&E in-bond shipments and for goods to be delivered to an FTZ

The vessel operating carrier is the ISF Importer for FROB shipments under the current definition.  In many cases, the carrier does not have access to all the data elements.  As a result, often the NVOCC files the information with CBP (even though legal responsibility remains with the carrier).  In addition, under the current definition, the ISF Importer is the filer of the IE or T&E documentation, but this documentation is often not created until the cargo arrives in the US. 

The expansion of the definition shifts the responsibility to file the ISF, in the instances noted above, to the party that actually has the data.  In many instances this was already occurring so the change is not expected to have a significant impact on the trade community.

What do we need to do?

If your imports into the U.S. require an ISF to be filed:

  • Evaluate if you are currently relying on any carrier's to file your ISF
  • Recognize that in the event you were relying on the carrier to file the ISF, the responsibility to file may now have shifted to your own operation       

The rule becomes effective on May 14, 2018.

Contact the experts at GCSG for more information, assistance with evaluating how the ISF definition change may affect your business, and/or assistance with facilitating the change within your supply chain.    

E  info@globalcompliancesg.com   

References and Definitions:

  • (1) 83 FR 43961-43965 - "Definition of Importer Security Filing Importer"
  • (2) 83 FR 15736-15740 - "CBP Decision No. 18-04; Definition of Importer Security Filing Importer"
  • (3) 19 CFR 149.3 - "Data Elements"
  • (4) 19 CFR 149.1 - "Definitions"
  • ISF Importer (Current) - "means the party causing the goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel.  For shipments other than foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), immediate exportation (IE) and transportation and exportation (T&E) in-bond shipments, and goods to be delivered to a foreign trade zone (FTZ), the ISF Importer will be the goods' owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent such as a licenses customs broker.  For FROB cargo, the ISF importer will be the carrier.  For IE and T&E in-bond shipments, and goods to be delivered to an FTZ, the ISF Importer will be the party filing the IE, T&E, or FTZ documentation." (4)
  • ISF Importer (New) - "means the party causing goods to arrive within the limits of a port in the United States by vessel. For shipments other than foreign cargo remaining on board (FROB), the ISF Importer will be the goods' owner, purchaser, consignee, or agent such as a licensed customs broker. For immediate exportation (IE) and transportation and exportation (T&E) in-bond shipments, and goods to be delivered to a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), the ISF Importer may also be the party filing the IE, T&E, or FTZ documentation. For FROB cargo, the ISF Importer will be the carrier or the non-vessel operating common carrier." (2)
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Procurement Leaders: Risk Management Ranks Among Top Concerns  | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"Reducing costs ranks as the biggest priority for chief procurement officers (CPOs) around the world, but risk management, technology, and talent are also top of mind..." (Click here for the article) - North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa

Compliance Officers Less Worried About Liability | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"Concerns about personal liability have lessened somewhat for compliance professionals but a survey shows they continue to be a big worry for those tasked with handling compliance for their organization." (Click here for the article) - Global

The Emergence of Compliance - A new profession? | Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession

"What do compliance officers, social media marketers, and 3-D designers have in common?  They are all members of relatively new specialties, attempting to carve out areas of expertise to meet the evolving demands brought on by economic, technological, business, and social change." (Click here for the article) - Global

UN expands North Korea blacklist in first U.S., China sanction deal under Trump | Reuters

"The U.N. Security Council on Friday expanded targeted sanctions against North Korea after its repeated missile tests..." (Click here for the article) - China, North Korea, USA

Federal Contractors Face New Training Requirements | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"New rules that took effect Wednesday require cleared U.S. government contractors to have in place insider-threat awareness training programs before they can handle classified information." (Click here for the article) - USA

SEC Bars Former PetroTiger GC Convicted in Bribery Case | Corporate Counsel

"Former general counsel Gregory Weisman has been suspended from practicing before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission more than three years after his guilty plea in the PetroTiger Ltd. bribery case." (Click here for the article) - USA

Compliance Boosts Foothold in C-Suite, Boardrooms | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"Chief compliance and ethics officers are increasingly being included in senior-level discussions about corporate strategy, showing compliance is gaining favor in boardrooms worldwide but also pointing out the challenges the function continues to face, according to a survey..." (Click here for the article) - Global

General Motors Accused of Rigging Diesel Pickup Truck Emissions | Road and Track

"A class-action lawsuit accuses General Motors of rigging emission-control systems on 2011-2016 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups with GM's Duramax turbo-diesel 6.6-liter V-8 engine." (Click here for the article) - USA

Exports and End-Use | RealClear Defense

"In a report this week, Amnesty International expresses its annoyance that the US Army failed to keep tabs on more than $1 billion worth of arms and other military equipment in Iraq and Kuwait." (Click here for the article) - Iraq, Kuwait, USA

Hong Kong and Macau regulators intensity efforts against money laundering, financial crime and terrorist funding | South China Morning Post

"Hong Kong and Macau have launched simultaneous shake-ups of the systems they have in place to tackle the growing menace of money laundering, financial crime and the funding of terrorist groups." (Click here for the article) - China, Hong Kong, Macau

China's Cyber Security Law: The Impossibility of Compliance? | Forbes

"China's much-anticipated Cyber Security Law (CSL) will come into effect on 1 June 2017.  The new law is the first comprehensive law to address cyber security concerns at the national level and to some extent consolidates cyber activities captured in other laws and regulations." (Click here for the article) - China

CVS's Omnicare to pay $23 million to resolve U.S. kickback case | Reuters

"CVS Health Corp's Omnicare unit has agreed to pay $23 million to resolve a whistleblower lawsuit alleging that it took kickbacks from a drugmaker..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Unaoil Probe Threatens Oil-Sector Merger | Risk & Compliance Journal - WSJ

"An oil merger is in danger after revelations of ties to Unaoil, which is under U.K. investigation for bribery and money laundering." (Click here for the article) - UK, USA

Japan's METI Issues Updated End User List | METI

(Click here for the post) - Japan

Bank's slapped with fines for weak anti-money laundering controls | Mail & Guardian

"Several local and international banks have been slapped with administrative fines by the South African Reserve Bank, for weak anti-money laundering and combating of financing of terrorism controls." (Click here for the article) - South Africa

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Chief Compliance Officer Fined, Barred from Work  - Corporate Counsel

"Once again, the federal government has held a chief compliance officer personally liable for failing to stop a company's misconduct." (Click here for the article) - USA

Why Me?  What Triggers a US Customs Inspection? - More Than Shipping

"Even today, it remains a mystery - how import shipments are selected to be inspected by U.S. CBP (Customs and Border Protection)..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Industries ranked by open FCPA related investigations - The FCPA Blog

"Here are industries ranked by the number of companies that have disclosed open FCPA-related investigations..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Global

Thirty companies name Brazil in connection with FCPA-related probes - The FCPA Blog

"Of the 104 companies that have disclosed open and active FCPA-related investigations, 30 have mentioned Brazil.  Seventeen have mentioned China.  Poland and India each have three mentions..." (Click here for the article) - Brazil, China, Poland, India

New ISO Anti-Bribery Standard Gaining Traction - Forbes

"Bribery and other forms of corruption continue to plague business and society.  According to the World Bank, some $1.5 trillion is paid globally in bribes each year..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Global

DOJ Sheds Some Light on U.K. Prosecutor Assignment - The Wall Street Journal

"A top U.S. Justice Department official spent part of a speech at an anti-corruption conference in Brazil revealing some of the reasons why the department plans to send a prosecutor on a detail to the U.K." (Click here for the article) - USA, UK, Brazil

 

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Police raid BT's Italian offices over £530m accounting scandal  - The Times

"BT's offices in Italy have been raided by police as part of an investigation into a £530 million accounting scandal." (Click here for the article) - Italy

Investigation in Brazil "much bigger" than Watergate, says lead prosecutor - CBS News

"The political corruption investigation in Brazil known as Operation Car Wash is 'much bigger' than the Watergate scandal in the U.S., the lead prosecutor tells correspondent Anderson Cooper..." (Click here for the article) - Brazil

Trump administration formally launches NAFTA renegotiation - Washington Post

"The Trump administration on Thursday formally notified Congress of its intent to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, a step forward on a campaign promise that was widely popular among voters..." (Click here for the article) - USA, Mexico, Canada

Brazil's corruption scandals may be the best thing to happen to Latin America - Miami Herald

"If you think that the corruption scandal swirling around Brazilian President Michel Temer is the only one that will shake Latin America in coming weeks, mark your calendar..." (Click here for the article) - Brazil, Latin America

FIFA audit official admits bribery in US federal probe - USA Today

"The sprawling American investigation of bribery and corruption in international soccer has reached into Asia and claimed the first guilty plea from a senior official in the new FIFA leadership." (Click here for the article) - Switzerland, USA, Guam, Kuwait, Philippines, Germany, France

FDA launches new webpage to promote use of symbols in medical device labeling (Imports) - Customs & International Trade Law

"If you think that the corruption scandal swirling around Brazilian President Michel Temer is the only one that will shake Latin America in coming weeks, mark your calendar..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Economic Espionage and Theft of a Trade Secret from US Company - The US Department of Justice

"Today, Xu Jiaqiang, 31, formerly of Beijing, China, pleaded guilty to economic espionage and theft of a trade secret, in connection with Xu's theft of proprietary source code from Xu's former employer..." (Click here for the article) - USA, China

Big data driving SEC focus on disclosures, recommendations and security - OnWallStreet

"Advisers will see SEC regulators employ new methods to investigate a firm's staff training, the suitability of its investment recommendations, conflicts of interest disclosures and cybersecurity safeguards..." (Click here for the article) - USA

UK Plans to Fold Serious Fraud Office into NCA Meet Skepticism - The Wall Street Journal

"UK Prime Minister Theresa May promised to fold the Serious Fraud Office into the National Crime Agency if her Conservative Party wins the general election next month..." (Click here for the article) - UK

More CEOs are getting forced out for ethics violations - Washington Post

"If it seems like more CEOs are getting cast aside amid ethical blunders or corporate scandals, they are." (Click here for the article) - USA

US Presses China to impose sanctions on DPRK - worldecr.com

"The US has indicated that it believes that China will agree to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea..." (Click here for the article) - USA, China, North Korea

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

Global Trade Growth is About to Slow, Morgan Stanley Says - MH&L

"Signs are pointing to a looming slowdown in global trade growth according to Morgan Stanley.  Each component of the bank's proprietary global trade leading indicator -- save for the U.S. dollar -- declined in April to mark back-to-back drops for the index, which is used to forecast real activity with a one-month lead." (Click here for the article) - Global

Qualcomm settles FCPA charges in hiring case for $7.5 million - The FCPA Blog

"The Securities and Exchange Commission said Tuesday that Qualcomm Incorporated agreed to pay $7.5 million to settle charges that it violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act by hiring relatives of Chinese government officials." (Click here for the article) - China, USA

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

GCSG's Monday Compliance News is a compilation of some of the previous weeks interesting trade compliance, anti-bribery/corruption, fraud, and due diligence news bites, from around the world.

US President Issues Executive Order Addressing Trade Agreement Violations and Abuses - The White House (Click here for the EO) - USA

India bans all trade with North Korea - CNN Money

"North Korea has lost one of its biggest trading partners after India banned most dealings with the country." (Click here for the article) - India, North Korea

Huawei's Plano office responds to NYT report about investigation into smartphone maker's sales to Iran, Syria, others - The Dallas Morning News

"American officials are investigating whether the company violated American trade controls on Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria, according to an administrative subpoena..." (Click here for the article) - China, USA

UK Serious Fraud Office (SFO) confirmed investigation opened into KBR, Inc. - SFO News Releases (Click here for the news release) - UK, USA

FBI agents raid offices, government buildings across Texas in statewide corruption probe - Hearst Newspapers, LLC

"The FBI descended on a host of city and county government buildings...across Texas, executing search warrants as part of a public corruption probe..." (Click here for the article) - USA

Monday Compliance News - Around the World

Barclays CEO pay slashed after he tried to identify whistleblower - CNN Money

"The American boss of one of Britain's top banks will have his pay slashed after he admitted trying to unmask a whistleblower" (Click here for the article) 

Top 50 Airfreight Forwarders - Transport Topics (Click here for the article)

Swedish defense industry uneasy over proposed export controls - Defense News

"A Swedish government plan to introduce a new legislative bill that would restrict arms exports to so-called non-democracies is causing disquiet.." (Click here for the article)

Japan orders Yusen Logistics to shut down customs operations - JOC.com

"Japanese authorities have ordered Yusen Logistics Co. to completely suspend its customs clearance operations in the country for more than two months for violating the Customs Brokerage Act by making false declarations." (Click here for the article)

 

WTO Trade Agreement enters into force

On February 22, 2017, the first multi-lateral trade agreement in the history of the World Trade Organization (WTO) was entered into force.  The 110 nation ratification threshold for triggering the Trade Facilitation Agreement ("Agreement") was reached with the ratification and submission of instruments of acceptance by Rwanda, Oman, Chad and Jordan.

While this is an important milestone, the hard work of implementation is just beginning.  Developed countries have in principle agreed to implement the Agreement immediately, while developing countries have a longer timetable to implement the provisions of the Agreement. 

The following members have accepted the TFA: Hong Kong, Singapore, the United States, Mauritius, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, Botswana, Trinidad and Tobago, the Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Niger, Belize, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, China, Liechtenstein, Lao PDR, New Zealand, Togo, Thailand, the European Union, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Pakistan,  Panama,  Guyana, Cote d'Ivoire, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Kenya, Myanmar, Norway, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Ukraine, Zambia, Lesotho, Georgia, Seychelles, Jamaica, Mali, Cambodia, Paraguay, Turkey, Brazil, Macao China, the United Arab Emirates, Samoa, India, the Russian Federation, Montenegro, Albania, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, Madagascar, the Republic of Moldova, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Senegal, Uruguay, Bahrain, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Iceland, Chile, Swaziland, Dominica, Mongolia, Gabon, the Kyrgyz Republic, Canada, Ghana, Mozambique, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Nigeria, Nepal, Rwanda, Oman, Chad and Jordan.

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