Your November Insights

The U.S. Court of International Trade is considering challenges to the Section 301 forced-labor tariffs imposed on goods from 60 trading partners in July. Plaintiffs question the government's authority and procedures, but the September 30 hearing did not suspend duty collection or establish refund rights. Coppersmith explains what importers should review now, including affected entries, exemptions, duties paid, and documentation, while consulting customs counsel about potential legal options.

CBP's FY2027 Merchandise Processing Fee adjustments took effect October 1 — and while the underlying rate of 0.3464% hasn't moved, the minimum and maximum have. The new floor is $34.58; the new ceiling is $670.86. For importers whose shipments regularly hit those limits, the difference accumulates. Several other CBP user fees increased as well. And it's worth remembering: qualifying goods under USMCA and other trade agreements may be exempt from MPF entirely — but only if the claim is made correctly on entry. We broke down what changed, what it means for landed costs, and what to check now.

IEEPA Tariff Refunds: New Court Ruling Opens a Door

A federal trade court has certified a class action that could help certain importers recover IEEPA tariffs, including businesses that haven't filed individual lawsuits. However, class certification does not automatically guarantee refunds. CBP's CAPE Phase 3 currently serves qualifying litigants with court-ordered relief. Importers should review affected entries, understand their eligibility, and consult customs counsel about preserving refund rights. The ruling offers potential relief, but important procedural and legal questions remain unresolved for many businesses.

November 9 Deadline: Two Section 301 Changes to Watch

November 9 brings two potential changes affecting import costs: expiration of the suspension of Section 301 port fees on certain Chinese vessels and the scheduled end of 178 China product exclusions. As of October 20, no formal extensions had been published. Importers should review affected HTS classifications, assess potential duty increases, and ask carriers about possible port fee surcharges. Monitoring official notices and preparing alternative landed-cost scenarios can help businesses avoid unexpected expenses during November shipments.

Transpacific Space Situation

Upcoming Public Holidays

Cambodia Branch Office

Independence Day

November 9

Water Festival Ceremony

November 23-25

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No Public Holiday

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Diwali

November 9

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Deepavali

November 8

Deepavali Holiday

November 9

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All Saints’ Day

November 1

All Souls’ Day

November 2

Bonifacio Day

November 30

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Deepavali

November 8

Deepavali Holiday

November 9

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No Public Holiday

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Thanksgiving Day

November 26

Thanksgiving Day Holiday

November 27

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Vietnam Culture Day

November 24

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