EU concludes FTA with Mexico, while the US tightens restrictions - What's in the PLM this week

27 April 2020 - 03 May 2020

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Here are the highlights of WEEK 18

EU moves ahead with Free Trade Agreement with Mexico

The EU-Mexico concluded negotiations for a new trade agreement, with this agreement, all trade in goods between the two parties will be duty-free, meaning up to 100 million euros a year in customs duties can be saved, easy customs procedures making it easier for EU exporters to sell their products in Mexico.

US tightens export controls

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) proposes to amend the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by modifying license Exception Additional Permissive Reexports (APR). Specifically, BIS is proposing to remove provisions that authorize re-exports of certain national security-controlled items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to gain better visibility into transactions of national security or foreign policy interest to the US.

The US tightens restrictions on exports to China, Russia, and Venezuela

The US Department of Commerce is tightening its export controls concerning China, Russia, and Venezuela to acquire US technology that could be used in the development of weapons, military aircraft, or surveillance technology through civilian supply chains, or under civilian-use pretenses, for military end uses and military end-users.

Other customs, global trade and export control changes covered in this edition (Advanced and Pro version contain direct links to the legislation)

Coronavirus impact on Global Trade

• COVID-19: The US temporarily suspend immigration over coronavirus concerns

• US continues to lead the response to COVID-19 according to State Department

• EU Commission informs WTO on a new set of coronavirus measures

• WCO updates reference for COVID-19 medical supplies in ES, PT and RU

• WCO presents list of priority medicines for customs during COVID-19

• WCO lists temporary import support measures by Members

• WCO issues 2nd edition of its members’ practices to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

• WTO members eliminate duties on over 84% of medical products for 2020 under various agreements

+ Access to Customs Manager’s COVID-19 Customs & Global Trade Resource Center

EU & US Customs

• CBP issues detention order on hair products manufactured with forced labor in China

• CBP Seized 1147 prohibited test kits in 45 days

• CROSS Update

• Harmonized System Update (HSU)

• CBP Seized 1147 prohibited test kits in 45 days

• GUIDANCE: Section 301 Tranche 3 - $200B: Twelfth Round of Product Exclusions from China (9903.88.45)

• Section 232 and Section 301 – Extensions Requests, PSCs, and Protests : Application Approvals for TFTEA General Rulings Under 1313(b)

• May 7 Quota opening: Large Residential Washing Machines 2020 Period 2

• TCG meeting with DG TAXUD

• EU modifies the additional import duties against the US

• EU amends ADD on imports of ceramic tableware and kitchenware from China

• EU exempts the extension of ADD on certain bicycle parts from China

• EU fixes the import duties for cereals applicable from 27 April 2020

Trade Agreements & Global Trade

• EU-Mexico conclude negotiations for a new trade agreement

• Brexit: Outcome of the first meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland

Export Controls

• Treasury Designates IRGC-Qods Force Front Company and Owner

• Finding of Violation issued to AMEX by OFAC

• EU amends restrictive measures against the Central African Republic

• Five men charged with breaching EU sanctions on Libya.

International

• Interim appeal arrangement for WTO disputes becomes effective

About Professional Legislative Monitoring, referred to as PLM. This is a weekly edition that looks back at the law and legislation changes for the past seven days. It covers three (3) topics, notably customs, trade agreements and export controls. It focuses on only two (2) jurisdictions, the EU and the US (with some limited references to other countries and global organizations).

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