Customer Advisory: Trade Agreement Updates

TRADE AGREEMENT UPDATES …...

• United Kingdom – United States of America Framework Agreement Finalized in Executive Order
  Imports of automobiles within the annual tariff-rate quota of 100,000 vehicles will be subject to a 7.5 percent tariff, in addition to the most-favored-nation (MFN) rate for automobiles of 2.5 percent, for a combined tariff of 10 percent. Automotive parts of British origin and intended for use in United Kingdom-manufactured vehicles will be subject to tariffs of 10 percent (including MFN rates). The order also addresses the aerospace industry and eliminates reciprocal tariffs, along with steel and aluminum derivative tariffs on civil aircraft parts, engines, and helicopters. This change will go into effect upon publication of a Federal Register Notice, which will be issued seven days after the issuance of this Executive Order.
• Electronic Payment and Refund Processes with United States Customs and Border Protection
  On March 25, 2025, President Donald J. Trump issued the above Executive Order requiring all payments to, and refunds from, the United States government to be made electronically. The continued use of checks for collection and refund was deemed inefficient, posed risks of lost or stolen checks, and was expensive to process manually. The order sets an effective date of September 30, 2025, to cease issuing refund checks and implement electronic funds transfers. United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun work on this transition. However, there are many challenges, and there will be exceptions to the process. CBP is ahead of many agencies, as it has an automated clearing house (ACH) available for some payment and refund options related to duties, but further development is required for non-duty payments. In this regard, kindly refer to our Customer Advisory: ACH Payments to United States Customs and Border Protection | Kintetsu World Express dated January 20, 2025, which explains this process in greater detail as it relates to duty payments. Please check with your local Kintetsu World Express representative to initiate this process as soon as possible.
• Forced Labor Allegation Portal Rollout – Cargo Systems Messaging Service 65384804
  Allegations may be submitted anonymously, and users will be able to view and upload supporting documents related to their submissions. Quick Reference Guides (QRGs) on how to use the portal, as well as an instructional video, can be found on the United States Customs and Border Protection Forced Labor website. The division will also host three webinars for the general public on how to access and use the Forced Labor Allegation Portal.
• Important – Webinar on Wood Packing Material
  The United States Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture, is hosting a webinar on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This webinar is a timely presentation in light of the increased enforcement on wood packaging materials (WPM) and will provide an overview from United States Customs and Border Protection and United States Department of Agriculture representatives. They will inform participants on WPM regulations, data sets available for public use, and resources for stakeholders, along with United States Customs and Border Protection’s enforcement posture. To register, visit: Wood Packing Material (WPM) Webinar - Website
• United States Senate Confirms Rodney Scott as Commissioner, United States Customs and Border Protection

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