Manufacturer’s “Made in U.S.A.” Claim Challenged as False by FTC
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Manufacturer’s “Made in U.S.A.” Claim Challenged as False by FTC

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a Federal District Court complaint alleging that Chemence, Inc. committed unfair trade practices by claiming its merchandise, glue, is “Made in the U.S.A.” The FTC is charged with enforcement of statutes prohibiting the use of “unfair or deceptive acts or practices” in commerce.  Its lawsuit seeks an injunction against…

More Apparent OFAC Violations Involving Foreign Subsidiary Companies
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More Apparent OFAC Violations Involving Foreign Subsidiary Companies

Parenting can be such a chore.  Minding wayward little ones, cleaning up after them, and getting hit with six-figure Treasury Department penalties for their misbehavior can offset the joy of beholding the smiles on their cherubic faces. Did I say Treasury Department penalties? Yes, they can arise when the parent is a U.S.-based company and…

“Made in USA” Rules — The Federal Trade Commission Wants to Hear from You
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“Made in USA” Rules — The Federal Trade Commission Wants to Hear from You

The Federal Trade Commission’s rules governing assertions that a product is “Made in the U.S.” can be confusing. As we’ve discussed on various occasions, that agency has strict standards on when claims of United States origin are permissible. I won’t repeat the Made In/Assembled In and qualified and unqualified claim distinctions here, except to note that they…

Trade Customs Rulings & Decisions – The iHome SmartPlugs
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Trade Customs Rulings & Decisions – The iHome SmartPlugs

Maybe you already have one. Or ten. Perhaps you command them with a steady voice – “Alexa?” “Hey, Google!” – or you could be old school and just reach out and actually turn something on or off by hand. Whichever is your style, smart plugs and bulbs have invaded our homes, and they won’t be going away.   iHome SmartPlugs plug into an…

Is Trade Compliance the Lone Ranger?
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Is Trade Compliance the Lone Ranger?

Is Trade Compliance the Lone Ranger?  There are companies, surely not yours, where various departments are viewed as spokes around the hub of the trade compliance department. Each department operates as if trade compliance is accomplished “out there somewhere” rather than taking an active part in making sure the company meets its import and/or export…

Where Is Brexit?
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Where Is Brexit?

What Is Brexit?  Over time, the UK has given us many interesting tales – from Camelot to Hogwarts. But there hasn’t been a more mystical story from the UK in decades as the tale of Brexit. If you have left aside the Harry/Meghan saga to keep up with the Brexit (British exit) story, then you must know that the United Kingdom (UK) officially severed…

Part 3: CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds
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Part 3: CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1582843779409{border-radius: 2px !important;}”]Part 3 of 3: “CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds”   AD/CVD Consequences: Real Live American Disasters  Inflated AD/CVD and high tariffs have real world consequences. One of the hardest-hit industries by high tariffs and AD/CVD besides the steel and aluminum industries is the hardwood industry and those companies who depend upon an inexpensive supply of…

Part 2: CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds
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Part 2: CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds

Part 2 of 3: “CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds”   How the Past Defines Today Thomas Prusa, Professor of Economics at Rutgers University, says that antidumping laws can be traced back to 1916 when the real concern was antitrust law – not allowing large corporations a monopoly in their industries. Both antitrust and antidumping laws were…

CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds 
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CBP Wants YOU! Increased AD/CVD Scrutiny Abounds 

Why we are Where we are  Honestly, antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) sound more like terms from a dating app than cosponsors of the serious consequences they can bring to American industry. So, just what do these antiquated-sounding terms mean? Swipe right and we’ll take a look at their definitions; but first, let’s catch a…

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Incoterms® on Your Terms

Incoterms® – an abbreviation for International Commercial Terms – are the rules first issued by the International Chamber of Commerce in 1936 as a way of unifying the shipping practices and legal interpretations between those involved in global trade around the world. As international trade has grown over the decades, so have Incoterms® rules evolved to meet the needs of sellers and buyers.  What Are Incoterms®?   Incoterms® rules have…

Trade Customs Rulings & Decisions – The “Peeps” Bunny Plush Toy in a Mug
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Trade Customs Rulings & Decisions – The “Peeps” Bunny Plush Toy in a Mug

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a state’s body. Vested with the power and authority to issue custom legal rulings. It also deals with other legal decisions that relate to the importation of merchandise.  The rulings enable the international trade community to understand how the CPB will treat a prospective carrier transaction or import….