Earlier last week the Trump Administration set into motion a process that could see more tariffs placed on a host of goods. On April 15, 2025, by executive order (the “Executive Order”), President Trump ordered an investigation pursuant to Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into “critical [...]
Read MoreOn April 17, 2025 the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) announced sanctions against the Chinese shipping and maritime industry, including logistics and shipbuilding. These actions come at the end of a year-long investigation initiated by the Biden Administration. Here's what we know, based on the press release. THE INVESTIGATION In the [...]
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A surprising number of our clients have received subpoenas in civil suits or from Federal agencies lately, and there tends to be a bit of confusion about what exactly the implied responsibilities are regarding subpoenas. As such, it seemed only appropriate to author a blog on the topic this week. To start, let’s review what a subpoena is. Officially, a […]
It is always important to ensure that you are completing international shipping documentation accurately. One of the documents required for each single commodity exported having a value exceeding $2,500 is a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED). SEDs essentially allow the Census Bureau to keep track of what is being exported from the United States. Back when I started, in the Bronze […]
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the entity responsible for monitoring and assuring that all foods sold within the United States are “safe, wholesome, and properly labeled.” Because we get so many inquiries on the subject, I thought a blog on it would be appropriate. There are various guidelines governing the way to properly label food products, and it […]
It is crucial to understand the type of relationship you have with someone, i.e. the duties and/or responsibilities owed to a party based on their interaction. Today we are taking a look at the fiduciary relationship, questions regarding which arise during Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) audits. A fiduciary relationship is defined as, “a legal duty to act solely in another […]
On September 18, 2015, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a final rule regarding the disclosure of information on goods suspected of bearing counterfeit trademarks or trade names. This new rule allows Customs to share more information with trademark owners about suspect goods. The most notable change is that Customs will share information was protected by the Trade Secrets […]
Traditionally, Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers (NVOCCs) compete for shippers’ business by publishing the amount they charge in rate tariffs that are made available to the public. However, as of April 18th, 2011, the Federal Maritime Commission approved the use of Negotiated Rate Arrangements (NRAs) as a new method for NVOCCs to establish rates. We constantly receive inquiries from NVOCCs seeking guidance […]
On September 21st, 2015 the Obama administration implemented numerous regulatory changes aimed at loosening U.S. business and travel restrictions relating to Cuba. Americans can now open business locations and bank accounts in Cuba, and it is now easier for cruise ships and other vessels to travel to the island. Efforts such as these to promote commerce are merely one step […]
It is common practice today for companies to post their Terms and Conditions (T&C) online, but the key to enforceability is ensuring that these terms are accessible by the customer. In the shipping industry, you are responsible for making customers aware of Terms and Conditions by either publishing access to them in the bill of lading or in an e-mail […]
In 2000, the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act (CAFRA) was signed into law. This act was passed as a response to a seizure system that had become rife with abuse as law enforcement agencies seized personal property from citizens, putting to their own use. CAFRA relieves individuals who have had their property wrongly seized by enacting a variety of reforms. […]
When entering the United States, it is required that all passengers report any amount of money with them that is in excess of or equivalent to $10,000. If there is a failure to correctly report, this money can be seized. This reporting requirement is a worldwide standard that the U.S. abides by. It is important to note that this $10,000 […]