$1 Million in Counterfeit Merchandise Seized CBP Chicago

On September 18, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago O’Hare’s International Mail Branch, seized a shipment last night containing 67 pieces of counterfeit designer watches, bracelets, handbags, and scarves. The items were deemed to be counterfeit by CBP’s Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the agency’s trade experts, and if genuine, would have had a combined Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) over $1 million.

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Army and Air Force Coat Contract Awarded

September 22, 2023, American Apparel Inc.,* Selma, Alabama, has been awarded a maximum $20,293,213 modification (P00013) exercising the second one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-21-D-1481) with four one-year option periods for various types of coats. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. The ordering period end date is Sept. 28, 2024. Using military services are Army and Air Force. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

*Small business

3 Season Sleep System and Components Contract Awarded

September 22, 2023, Propper International Inc., Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, has been awarded a maximum $77,227,290 modification (P00075) exercising the third one-year option period of a one-year base contract (SPE1C1-20-D-1351) with four one-year option periods for the 3 season sleep system and components. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/definite-quantity contract. Locations of performance are Nevada and Washington, with a Sept. 27, 2024, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Certain Casual Footwear and Packaging Thereof; Notice of Final Determination of No Violation by Active Respondents; Issuance of Default Remedial Orders; Termination of Investigation

On September 20. 2023, the U.S. International Trade Administration published in the Federal Register (88 FR 64926) Certain Casual Footwear and Packaging Thereof; Notice of Final Determination of No Violation by Active Respondents; Issuance of Default Remedial Orders; Termination of Investigation

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Consumer Products

On September 20, 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published in the Federal Register (88 FR 64890) Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Consumer Products

Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC)

On September 12, 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection published in the Federal Register (88 FR 62583) Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC)

This notice revises the August 30, 2023 notice to reflect the addition of a new working group to the Secure Trade Lanes Subcommittee which will provide proposed recommendations for COAC’s consideration at the September 20, 2023 COAC

China 301 Exclusions Extended through December 31, 2023

On Septembere 11, 2023, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative published in the Federal Register (88 FR 62423) Notice of Extension for Product Exclusions: China’s Acts, Policies, and Practices Related to Technology Transfer, Intellectual Property, and Innovation.

SUMMARY: In prior notices, the U.S. Trade Representative modified the actions in the section 301 investigation of China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation by excluding from additional duties certain products of China, including medical-care products needed to address COVID. In December 2022, the U.S. Trade Representative determined to extend 352 previously reinstated exclusions through September 30, 2023 and in May 2023 determined to extend 77 COVID-related exclusions through September 30, 2023. This notice announces the U.S. Trade Representative's determination to further extend the 352 reinstated exclusions and 77 COVID-related exclusions until December 31, 2023.

To provide a transition period for the expiring exclusions and to allow for further consideration under the four-year review, and pursuant to sections 301(b), 301(c), and 307(a) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, the U.S. Trade Representative has determined that it is appropriate to further extend the 352 reinstated exclusions and the 77 COVID-related exclusions, as set out in the Annex A and Annex B to this notice, until December 31, 2023.

Annex A

The U.S. Trade Representative has determined to extend all exclusions previously extended under heading 9903.88.67 and U.S. notes 20(ttt)(i), 20(ttt)(ii), 20(ttt)(iii), and 20(ttt)(iv) to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). See 87 FR 78187 (December 21, 2022). The extension is effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 1, 2023, and before 11:59 p.m. eastern standard time on December 31, 2023. Effective on October 1, 2023, the article description of heading 9903.88.67 of the HTSUS is modified by deleting ``September 30, 2023,'' and by inserting ``December 31, 2023,'' in lieu thereof.

Annex for COVID-Related Exclusions: Annex B

The U.S. Trade Representative has determined to extend all exclusions previously extended under heading 9903.88.68 and U.S. notes 20(uuu)(i), 20(uuu)(ii), 20(uuu)(iii), and 20(uuu)(iv) to subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). See 88 FR 31580 (May 17, 2023). The extension is effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on October 1, 2023, and before 11:59 p.m. eastern standard time on December 31, 2023. Effective on October 1, 2023, the article description of heading 9903.88.68 of the HTSUS is modified by deleting ``October 1, 2023,'' and by inserting ``January 1, 2024,'' in lieu thereof.