USITC Begins Process to Modify the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to Reflect Changes to the Harmonized System - International Trade Commission
The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) today instituted an investigation, Recommended Modifications in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 2028, that will lead to recommendations to the President on necessary changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS) to align it with amendments to the global Harmonized System (HS).
The HS, maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO), is an international product naming system used to categorize and monitor global trade in goods. The classification systems of 212 countries, territories, or customs and economic unions, including the HTS, are based on the HS.
The USITC, an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency, is responsible for maintaining the HTS. By statute, the USITC is required to recommend modifications to the HTS to the President to align the HTS with adjustments made to the HS by the WCO. Modifications must be consistent with HS amendments; consistent with sound nomenclature principles; and ensure substantial rate neutrality.
As part of this process, the USITC expects to issue preliminary draft modifications to the HTS for public comment in February 2026. Following the public comment period, the agency will finalize the necessary modifications to the HTS and submit a report to the President in September 2026.
The notice of investigation, dated August 12, 2025, contains more information about the investigation and can be downloaded from the USITC website.
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Commerce Department Announces Final Results of Softwood Lumber from Canada Countervailing Duty Administrative Review- International Trade Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today (8/8/2025), the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its final decision in the sixth administrative review of the countervailing duty order on softwood lumber from Canada. Administrative reviews are conducted once a year at the request of an interested party after an antidumping duty or countervailing duty order is put into effect. This review covers imports of softwood lumber from Canada that entered into the United States during the period of January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.
Commerce determined that softwood lumber from Canada was being unfairly subsidized at rates ranging from 12.12 percent to 16.82 percent. These final rates are, on average, larger than the final subsidy rates determined in the previous administrative review but in line with Commerce’s preliminary results from April 2025. Notably, the final rate for non-selected companies, which applies to most Canadian companies, increased to 14.63 percent, up from 6.74 percent determined in the previous administrative review.
Commerce will now instruct U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin collecting duties at the rates outlined in Commerce’s final results. Commerce recently announced the final decision in the administrative review of the antidumping duty order, finding rates ranging from 9.65 percent to 35.53 percent.
More information about these proceedings can be found by referring to case numbers A-122-857 and C-122-858 in Commerce’s Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Centralized Electronic Service System (ACCESS) at access.trade.gov for the antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders, respectively.
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Federal Register Notices:
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From India: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From Taiwan: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Wearable Electroencephalogram Devices and Systems and Components Thereof; Notice of Institution of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Steel Wire Garment Hangers From the People's Republic of China and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Circumvention Inquiries of the Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Certain Superabsorbent Polymers From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Wooden Cabinets and Vanities and Components Thereof From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Recission, in Part, of the Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Certain Brake Drums From the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Türkiye: Antidumping Duty Orders
• Certain Carbon and Alloy Steel Cut-to-Length Plate From the Federal Republic of Germany: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From the Republic of Türkiye: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From India, Indonesia, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube From Mexico: Amended Final Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Certain Brake Drums From the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Türkiye: Countervailing Duty Orders
• Certain Softwood Lumber Products From Canada: Final Results and Rescission, in Part, of the Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Certain Low-Speed Personal Transportation Vehicles From the People's Republic of China: Amended Final Antidumping Duty Determination and Antidumping Duty Order; Amended Final Determination of Countervailing Duty Investigation and Countervailing Duty Order
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Fiberglass Door Panels From the People's Republic of China: Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
• Polypropylene Corrugated Boxes From the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Postponement of Preliminary Determination in the Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigation
• Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled Into Modules, From India, Indonesia, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Women's Flats With Colored Outsoles Thereof; Notice of Request for Submission on the Public Interest
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Common Alloy Aluminum Sheet From South Africa: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Float Glass Products From China and Malaysia; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
• Active Anode Material From China; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products From the Republic of Korea: Final Results of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Sol Gel Alumina-Based Ceramic Abrasive Grains From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
• Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Flat Products From Japan: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Overhead Door Counterbalance Torsion Springs From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination and Final Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determination in Part
• Certain Activated Carbon From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Recommended Modifications in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Overhead Door Counterbalance Torsion Springs From China and India; Cancellation of Hearing for Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations
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CBP Seized One-Quarter of a Million Dollars of Counterfeit Luxury High-End Watches - USCBP
LEWISTON, N.Y. — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Buffalo port of entry seized a variety of designer items for bearing counterfeit trademarks.
Starting in July, CBP officers and Import Specialists at the Port of Buffalo inspected several shipments that contained multiple “designer” watches. After a thorough examination of the merchandise, fourteen watches were determined to be inauthentic and were seized for bearing counterfeit trademarks. These specific watches had identical or substantially indistinguishable marks that are registered and recorded by Rolex. Had these items been genuine, the total Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) would be approximately $257,000.
“CBP plays a critical role in protecting businesses and consumers from fraudulent items,” said Acting Buffalo Port Director Sharon Swiatek. “Our officers and import specialists do an outstanding job working diligently for the American consumer by preventing this illegitimate merchandise from entering our commerce. Their knowledge and skillset in identifying fraudulent products protects U.S. workers and our overall economy.”
CBP has the authority to detain, seize, forfeit, and ultimately destroy imported merchandise if it bears an infringing trademark or copyright that has been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office and has subsequently been recorded with CBP through the e-Recordation program. https://iprr.cbp.gov/s/.Other violations can include misclassification of merchandise, false country-of-origin markings, health and safety issues, and valuation issues.
Trade in counterfeit and pirated goods threatens America’s innovation economy, the competitiveness of our businesses, the livelihoods of U.S. workers, and, in some cases, national security and the health and safety of consumers. It is also against the law to import counterfeit or pirated merchandise and individual consumers may be liable for a fine even if they did not intend to import counterfeit or pirated merchandise.
If you have information about counterfeit merchandise being illegally imported into the U.S., CBP encourages you to submit an E-Allegation. The E-Allegation reporting tool provides a means for the public to anonymously report to CBP any suspected violations of trade laws or regulations related to the importation of goods into the U.S.
CBP has established an educational initiative to raise consumer awareness about the consequences and dangers that can be associated with the purchase of counterfeit and pirated goods. Information about the Truth Behind Counterfeits campaign can be found on The Truth Behind Counterfeits page.
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Treasury Announces Federal Government Will Phase Out Paper Checks on September 30th - U.S. Department of Treasury
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most federal payments on September 30, 2025. If you are one of the few people who still receives a federal benefit check, it’s time to switch to an electronic payment method.
“Reducing paper checks has been a longstanding bipartisan goal that our administration is finally putting into action. Thanks to President Trump, this will help reduce fraud and theft. It will also remove delays that prevent hardworking Americans from receiving their vital payments,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.
No action is required for the vast majority of Americans who already receive federal benefit payments electronically.
If you are still receiving a paper check for Social Security, Veterans benefits, or any other Federal benefit, enroll in direct deposit using one of the following options:
• Call the Federal agency that pays your benefits and follow their instructions for enrolling in direct deposit. A list of the paying agencies’ contact information can be found here.
• Enrolling online at GoDirect.gov
• Call the Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857, Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. ET
If you do not have a bank account to receive direct deposit you can safely access resources to open an account at FDIC: GetBanked or MyCreditUnion.gov.
You can also sign up for a Direct Express® Debit Mastercard®. Direct Express® is a Treasury-sponsored debit card where you can receive your monthly benefit payments electronically. Individuals without a bank account can sign up by calling Treasury’s Electronic Payment Solution Center at 800-967-6857 or by contacting their paying agency directly.
Always beware of government impersonation scams. Before responding to a request, check it out and, verify it by contacting the agency using a website or phone number you know is real. If you’re unsure, ask a trusted source, like your bank, a friend or family member for help.
Direct deposit is a safer, faster, more convenient way of receiving benefits. Don’t delay—make the switch to an electronic payment method today!
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Treasury Sanctions Entities Linked to Violence and Illegal Mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - U.S. Department of Treasury
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) imposed sanctions on entities linked to armed group violence and the sale of critical minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Eastern DRC has experienced thousands of civilian deaths and a mass displacement crisis due to ongoing instability, which has been exacerbated recently by the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement’s (M23) territorial control and reprisal attacks from DRC-aligned militias. M23, a U.S.- and United Nations-designated armed group, has rapidly expanded its territorial control in eastern DRC and is responsible for human rights abuses.
Today’s sanctions specifically target one of these armed groups involved in illegal mining operations and taxation schemes in Rubaya, an expansive mining area rich in critical minerals used in modern electronics. Additionally, today’s action targets companies in the DRC and China that are engaged in trading conflict-linked minerals from the DRC on international markets, often through Rwanda.
“The conflict minerals trade is exacting a deadly toll on Congolese civilians, fueling corruption, and preventing law-abiding businesses from investing in the DRC,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. “The Treasury Department will not hesitate to take action against groups that deny the United States and our allies access to the critical minerals vital for our national defense.”
The United States is focused on securing a resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC, as evidenced by its success in facilitating the DRC-Rwanda peace agreement, signed on June 27, 2025. The United States continues to support the efforts of the DRC and Rwanda to adopt a regional economic integration framework that expands trade and investment, enhances transparency in critical minerals supply chains, and paves the way for responsible and legal investment in the region.
MINERALS SUPPLY CHAINS FUELING CONFLICT
On July 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of State highlighted concerns with the illicit trade and exploitation of certain minerals that contribute to ongoing instability in eastern DRC. The United States remains concerned about the conflict and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, as well as the role that the illicit trade of minerals continues to play in financing the conflict. In many cases, minerals sourced from eastern DRC are smuggled through Rwanda before being transported to major refining and processing countries, such as China. Minerals sourced from conflict-affected areas directly or indirectly benefit armed groups, who raise funds by selling minerals and imposing illegal “taxation” schemes, often in collusion with corrupt local officials. In addition, the mines controlled by armed groups are linked to a wide range of human rights abuses, such as forced labor, child labor, and sexual and gender-based violence.
PARECO-FF: An ArmeD Group at the Center of the Conflict-Minerals Ecosystem
Coalition des Patriotes Résistants Congolais-Force de Frappe (PARECO-FF) is a successor movement to PARECO, an armed group with a long history of destabilizing activities in eastern DRC. PARECO-FF emerged in 2022 as a response to the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed and OFAC-sanctioned M23 armed group. From 2022 to early 2024, PARECO-FF controlled mining sites in Rubaya, a vast mining area containing critical minerals.
During this period, PARECO-FF generated revenue by overseeing mining operations, collecting illegal fees and taxes from miners, and engaging in minerals smuggling. PARECO-FF also imposed forced labor and executed civilians in mining areas under its control. Since its emergence in 2022, PARECO-FF has advanced its interests by forming opportunistic relationships and competing with other armed groups, including M23, thereby contributing to the armed group politics that drive instability in eastern DRC.
PARECO-FF is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13413, as amended, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the DRC.
Mining and Export Companies: Connecting Conflict Minerals to Markets
PARECO-FF’s mining operations, illegal taxation schemes, and smuggling activities in Rubaya were aided by the Cooperative des Artisanaux Miniers du Congo (CDMC), a Congolese mining company that operated on the largest mining concession in Rubaya and sold minerals that were sourced and smuggled from PARECO-FF areas of control. CDMC in turn sold minerals to Hong Kong-based export companies East Rise Corporation Limited (East Rise) and Star Dragon Corporation Limited (Star Dragon). The trade of conflict minerals drives insecurity and instability in the DRC by providing a source of funding to armed groups and depriving the DRC government of revenue.
CDMC is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, actions or policies that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the DRC; for being responsible for or complicit in, or having engaged in, directly or indirectly, support to persons, including armed groups, involved in activities that threaten the peace, security, or stability of the DRC or that undermine democratic processes or institutions in the DRC, through the illicit trade in natural resources of the DRC; and for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, logistical, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, PARECO-FF.
East Rise and Star Dragon are being designated pursuant to E.O. 13413, as amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, logistical, or technological support for, or goods or services in support of, CDMC.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
As a result of today’s action, all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC’s regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons.
Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC’s Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC’s enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.
The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC’s ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC’s guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List.
Click here for more information on the entities designated today.