Customs seizes counterfeit Mercedez parts valued over $1.8 million.

pexels-photo-188022.jpeg

Photo by Ingo Joseph on Pexels.com

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized suspected counterfeit Mercedes Benz auto parts in Philadelphia shipped from China New Jersey. If the parts were authentic, the value of the counterfeit goods retailed at approximately $1,764,126 in value.

The shipment from Yangshan, China was labeled as “other parts and accessories of motor vehicles”. The trademarked Mercedes logo and origin of the shipment raised CBP’s suspicion of the authenticity of the goods.

Without going into detail, the CBP media release says CBP has their own inspection methods and use computer databases to find counterfeit goods that may be imported to the US.

If you had your shipment seized for suspected counterfeit of goods – contact experienced trade attorney David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

 

Honda mulls moving Fit production from Mexico to Japan.

Fit

3rd generation Honda Fit/Jazz. Image by EurovisionNim via Wikipedia

According to a Reuters article, Honda Motor Company is mulling a shift of their U.S. bound Fit Honda production from Mexico to Japan citing two reasons – increased sales of SUV’s and the new USMCA (Trump’s NAFTA replacement trade deal).

According to unnamed sources, the increased USMCA requirement for North American content for duty-free market access from a minimum of 62.5% to 75% is one primary reason. The other reason is US consumer demand for SUV’s instead of compact cars and sedans. Shifting Fit production would allow Honda to manufacture additional SUV’s instead.

A final decision likely will not be made until Honda launches the new Fit model in a few years.

The NAFTA (USMCA) loyalty oath?

green and gray evergreen cargo ship

Photo by David Dibert on Pexels.com

As has been widely reported, the new NAFTA agreement (USMCA) contains what has been branded a “loyalty oath” among the US, Canada and Mexico.

What is this “loyalty oath”?
In short, the oath says that in the event any USMCA member enters into a free trade agreement (FTA) with a non-market country, the other two remaining countries can leave the agreement and form their own bilateral trade pact.

Why is this clause in the USMCA?
This clause is likely an effort by the US Administration to isolate China economically since neither Canada or Mexico would want to leave the USMCA. This clause is also aimed at limiting the imports from China to Mexico/Canada for shipment into the US duty free.

Is a “loyalty oath” found in other trade agreements?
Currently, no, however this inclusion in the USMCA may be an indication of what will occur in future trade agreements to further isolate China from their trading partners.

Is the “loyalty oath” set in stone?
Right now, no, the disclaimer on the current USMCA text states: “Subject to Legal Review for Accuracy, Clarity, and Consistency Subject to Language Authentication“. Only upon ratification by all countries can we know for sure whether this is in the agreement.

What is a market or non-market economy?
This loyalty oath against non-market economies is likely aimed at China while not specifically named in the agreement. Beijing has asked for recognition as a “market economy” within the World Trade Organization (WTO) since their accession agreement expired in December 2016. If China is branded a “market economy”, this would limit trade remedies such as anti-dumping/countervailing duties to be used against Chinese imports.

What are the non-market economies around the world?
According to the European Union, besides China, the other non-market economies include Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Where can I read the full text of the “loyalty oath”
I could not find any news sources that cited the USMCA section.

The exact text of the oath is copied below:

4. Entry by any Party into a free trade agreement with a non-market country, shall allow the other Parties to terminate this Agreement on six-month notice and replace this Agreement with an agreement as between them (bilateral agreement).

The official PDF on the US Trade Representative website can be accessed here: (last accessed October 9, 2018).

https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/agreements/FTA/USMCA/32%20Exceptions%20and%20General%20Provisions.pdf

See Article 32.10 (4)

If you have any questions about NAFTA or the USMCA and how this may impact your business, call experienced trade attorney, David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Brief Summary of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

achievement adult agreement arms

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

After 13 months of negotiations, the United States, Mexico and Canada have concluded the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to replace the 25 year-old NAFTA agreement. This new agreement was reached on September 30th and will not come into force until ratified (estimated to be sometime in early 2019). Below is a brief summary of some of the changes:

Dairy:
Canada to increase US access to Canada’s diary market through an increase in the Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) for US milk ,cream and cheese. Outside quota imports to Canada were previously subject to a 300% tariff. Canada will also take steps to eliminate their “Class 6 and 7” milk pricing structure that had the impact of making domestically produced milk more competitive in price than foreign milk.

Poultry, eggs and sugar:
Canada allowed greater access to the US exporters for poultry, eggs and sugar while the US increased their quotas of Canadian sugar and sugar-containing products.

Notice Requirement for Tariff Changes for Certain Goods:
Canada needs to notify the US of any proposed change to Canada’s tariff schedule.

Grain:
The US and Canada will avoid using discriminatory grain grading standards.

Wine, Spirits and Beer:
The new agreement allows the recognition and protection of geographic indications for goods, such as “Tennessee Whiskey” can only be used by US manufacturers and “Canadian Whiskey” can only be used by Canadian whiskey producers. “Tequila” will also only be allowed to be used by Mexican manufacturers.

Textiles:
The USMCA changed the origin rules, providing for a 10% (by weight) de minimis threshold to tolerate the presence of content from outside the region, subject to limits on elastomeric content.

Rules of Origin:
The Rules of Origin increases the de minimis threshold from 7% to 10% of FOB adjusted value.

Automotive Developments:
Revised rules of origin for automotive goods require the following (and most provisions phase-in before 2023):

-The USMCA requires a regional (North American) value content of not less than 75%. Automotive parts will also be subject to regional value content requirements of between 65% and 75%.

-At least 70% of an auto producer’s steel and aluminum purchases must be “North America-originating” for that producer’s vehicles to qualify for USMCA duty-free treatment. Auto producers must keep records of steel and aluminum purchases and certify on an annual basis that it is keeping the required records.

=Auto producers must also comply with a new “Labour Value Content” (LVC) provision for their vehicles to qualify for USMCA treatment. The LVC provision requires that workers who earn at least US$16 per hour must carry out 40 to 45% of an auto producer’s activities (i.e., manufacturing, technology, assembly). Auto producers will need to keep records and certify that they meet these requirements.

Section 232:
The USMCA requires the US to give a 60-day notice to Mexico or Canada if the US proposes future section 232 measures. Any new measures would not apply for 60 days and Canada and Mexico can “seek to negotiate an appropriate outcome”.

Intellectual Property (Chapter 20):
Main change requires a minimum of ten years of government-granted marketing exclusivity for biologics. Canada currently provides a term of eight years, whereas the U.S. provides twelve years under the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA) of 2009.

For copyright protection, the USMCA requires that copyright terms last 70 years following the life of the creator for works, and 75 years for performances and sound recordings. Canada’s current copyright terms are “life of the author plus 50 years” and 70 years, respectively.

Another notable provision is on the exclusion of “fair use” exceptions to copyright law. However, Canada is not required to adopt the U.S.-style notice-and-takedown regime for internet service providers.

Anti-Corruption:
USMCA criminalizes supply and demand sides of bribery transactions and facilitation payments.

What’s next?
The USMCA will need to be signed first and then have to be ratified by the respective countries.

If you have any questions how the new USMCA will impact your business or have questions regarding the new country of origin, IP or any other issues in the USMCA, contact David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

CBP stops harmful Asian Gypsy Moth found aboard a vessel.

animal attractive background branch

Photo by icon0.com on Pexels.com

In late April, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists stopped the importation of viable eggs of the Asian Gypsy Moth found aboard a vessel

Once the vessel arrived at the port, CBP agriculture specialists found egg masses which they suspect were to be the Asian Gypsy moth.

The Asian gypsy moth is harmful to US vegetation because it feed on trees and plants. The danger is further highlighted by the fact a female gypsy moth can lay hundreds of eggs that develop into caterpillars.

If you have had a vessel detained by CBP and received a notice from CBP regarding pests – contact experienced customs attorney, David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

$24,000 in unreported currency seized in Massena, NY.

bank notes bills cash currency

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

In late September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers at the Massena Port of Entry (in New York just south of the border with Canada) seized approximately $24,000 from a Cambodian citizen entering the US.

According to the CBP media release, the traveler was taken for a secondary examination and re-questioned whether he had any currency to declare. CBP requires all currency and monetary instruments valued at $10,000 or above be declared before leaving or entering the US.

When the traveler replied no, a vehicle inspection discovered the $24,000 of currency in the center console of the car and in the waistband of the traveler. Customs seized the currency and denied admission for the traveler to enter the US.

If you or anyone you know has had their currency seized by customs at any port of entry, contact experienced customs currency and cash seizure attorney David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com. We can help you regardless of which city, state or country you live – call today.

 

Khapra Beetles intercepted by CBP in Houston.

beige volkswagen beetle

Photo by Jeerayut Rianwed on Pexels.com

Back in August, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists stopped Khapra beetles from entering the US at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). CBP found these invasive pests hidden among travelers arriving from Sudan, India and Turkey. The Khapra beetle and cast skin remains are known to be found in dry fava beans, dried coriander seeds and dried dates.

Khapra beetles are resilient bugs that can live without food for long periods of time and known to be resistant to insect sprays. They typically feed on grain and cereal but can eat other food products to survive – as such the introduction of the Khapra bettle would be damaging to US agriculture.

According to CBP – agricultural specialists intercept over 352 agricultural pests per day. If you have a pest issue or CBP sent you a notice regarding wood packaging materials – contact experienced customs and WPM/wasps attorneys at 832.896.6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Givens and Johnston, PLLC at Breakbulk Americas 2018.

Breakbulk 01.jpg

Earlier this week, Givens and Johnston, PLLC attorneys – James Garland Hurst and David Hsu staffed the G&J booth at Breakbulk Americas 2018.

James and David were on hand to answer questions related to wood packaging materials and cost-effective solutions to deal with a “wood packaging material” notice from Customs. As you are aware, Customs vigorously inspects wood packaging material shipments entering the US for presence of invasive pests that damage the US ecosystem.

James and David also answered questions regarding ftz’s, bonded warehouses, import and export, compliance matters, Section 232 and 301 duties and the whole range related trade matters.

See you at Breakbulk Americas 2019! In the meantime, feel free to contact David Hsu at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com for all your import, export and trade matters.

Breakbulk 02.jpg