CBP seizes ancient mummy linens.

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Image of the seized mummy linens, source: CBP.gov

The Port Huron, Michigan U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Office of Field Operations (OFO) seized ancient Egyptian mummy linens earlier in May.

CBP randomly examined a Canadian mail truck and an inspection revealed five jars containing ancient Egyptian mummy lien. Working with an archeological organization in DC, CBP believes the antiques are from the Ptolemaic Dynasty 305-30 BC and the importer was unable to prove that the artifacts were removed from Egypt prior to April 2016. Imports after April 2016 are subject to the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act.

The seized items will likely be turned over to the State Department for repatriation.

If you import any antiques and want to ensure you are in compliance, contact experienced trade attorney David Hsu BEFORE you import by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com, dh@gjatradelaw.com.

CBP seizes fur coats for lack of documentation.

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Image of the seized furs, source: CBP.gov

U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers working seized a shipment of fur coats valued at $76,736. The fur coats were seized because they did not have the required documentation as required under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. As the US is a party to CITES, the trade of items listed in CITES such as whale teeth, ivory, tortoise shell, reptile, fur skins, coral and birds all need to be authorized by a permit.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined the seized furs were garments from mink, fox, chinchilla and sable – species covered under CITES.

If you plan on shipping goods covered under CITES, contact experienced import attorney David Hsu before hand to ensure you are in compliance with the multitude of regulations enforced by CBP. David can be reached by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com, dh@gjatradelaw.com.

CBP seizes Chinese tires for NHTSA violations.

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Image of sized tires. Source: cbp.gov

According to a CBP media release, CBP officers in Philadelphia seized tires for violating federal motor vehicle safety standards and regulations. Specifically, the tires were for trailer and mobile home applications and did not contain the mandatory markings that tell important safety information and use for customers. The tires also lacked brand identification that is needed in case a recall occurs.

The media release also further highlights CBP’s function of enforcing the rules and regulations of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) in order to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

If you or anyone you know has had a Customs seizure for violations of any type or if you want to ensure your imports are in compliance with the alphabet soup of federal agencies and their endless rules and regulations; contact experienced seizure attorney David Hsu by text/mobile at 832-896-6288 or by email at dh@gjatradelaw.com, attorney.dave@yahoo.com.

Micron resumes Huawei shipments.

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Micron Technology Inc. based in Idaho manufactures chips for smartphones and other devices. Following the inclusion of Huawei on the entity list, Micron has determined they could resume shipment of their products to China as the products are not subject to EAR or entity list restrictions.

News of the continued shipment caused Micron stock to rise as high as 10%. Besides Micron, the New York Times has reported that Intel also started to resume shipments of their chips to Huawei.

China may blacklist FedEx after Huawei delivery mistakes.

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According to a recent Bloomberg article, China is considering blacklisting US-based FedEx Crop.

The blacklist was created this past May to single out firms China believes to be unreliable entities that damage the interests of domestic Chinese companies.

In addition to FedEx not delivering a package containing a Huawei smartphone from the UK to the US. Huawei previously diverted documents to be shipped from Japan to China to the United States instead without authorization.

 

Head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection resigns.

John Sanders

John Sanders, source: cbp.gov

Acting head of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, John P. Sanders, announced his resignation in a message to CBP. Customs and Border Protection operates the overall 400 ports of entry, border patrol and the controversy surrounding the processing of illegal immigrants in the recent news.

The resignation by John Sanders comes at a time where Customs is being heavily criticized by the Democrat party for the detention facility conditions. It is unclear whether the resignation is a response to the current reports of poor conditions at processing facilities.

FedEx sues Commerce Department.

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On Monday June 24th, FedEx filed a lawsuit against the the U.S. Department of Commerce to avoid having to follow the BIS entity list restrictions the government imposed back in May against doing business with Huawei.

A FedEx statement said “FedEx is a transportation company, not a law enforcement agency,” and that the EAR violates a shipping company’s rights to due process under the Fifth Amendment because all shipping companies are strictly liable for shipments that violate the Export Administration Regulations; without requiring evidence the shippers had knowledge of any violations.

In short, FedEx claims compliance with the new EAR regulations is impossible because FedEx cannot know the origin and technological make-up of all the contents of the shipments it handles.

Will post updates as soon as they are available.

China wants answers why FedEx refused to ship Huawei phone.

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As a follow-up to yesterday’s article about Huawei returning the shipment of a Huawei smartphone from the UK to the US, China’s Foreign Ministry has requested to know why FedEx refused to deliver the phone to the US.

While FedEx issued a statement already blaming an “operational error”, FedEx has said it will continue to ship all Huawei products to any address other than those of Huawei and its affiliates.

This is the second such instance where FedEx did not deliver Huawei equipment. Earlier this year, Huawei redirected a shipment of Huawei equipment.

Huawei has shipped 100 million smartphones YTD.

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According to Reuters, Huawei smartphone sales in Western Europe are increasing despite Huawei’s inclusion on the BIS entity list. While Huawei expects a $30 billion loss in revenue due to this new ban, existing phones sold before the end of the 90-day reprieve will not be affected by a future ban. Huawei has guaranteed current users of phones and apps would be supported even though Google support for future Huawei phones would end in August.

As the second largest smartphone maker behind Samsung, Huawei has shipped 100 million smartphones as of May 30th this year.

Despite the large number of phones shipped, the ban against Huawei may result in the delay of future phones – such as their foldable 5G Mate X phone.

If you have questions how the Huawei ban may impact your company, contact David Hsu by phone/text at 832-896-6288 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com, dh@gjatradelaw.com.

Huawei may use Aurora or HongMeng OS for future smartphones.

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After Huawei’s inclusion on the BIS entity list, US companies such as Google have to withdraw the Android license from Huawei and therefore future smartphones by Huawei will not be able to use Google’s Play Store, and access to popular apps like Google Maps, YouTube and more.

Because of the potential to lose the Android OS, GizmoChina has reported that Huawei is looking into use of the Aurora Operating system in addition to Huawei’s inhouse “HongMeng” operating system, also called ArkOS.

Even though Huawei is already on the entity list, there is a 90-day period in which the ban will take effect.