26-0806: Thursday's "Export/Import Daily Bugle"

1. Commerce/BIS Seeks Comments on Increased Duties on Additional Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Derivatives Under Section 232

(Source: 91 FR 50756, 6 Aug 2026)

2. Commerce/BIS Temporary Final Rule and Request for Comments on Restricting Exportation of Black Mass and Tungsten Waste and Scrap Without License

(Source: 91 FR 50701, 6 Aug 2026)

3. Future Federal Register (No items of interest.)

(Source: Future Federal Register)

4. CBP Cargo Systems Messages

(Source: DHS/CBP/CSMS)

5. CBP Events in August 2026

(Source: OTR Webinars)

6. CBP: Customs Broker Continuing Education

(Source: CBP.gov Trade Programs)

     To maintain an active license, individually licensed brokers must earn 20 CE credits from qualifying educational activities that occur beginning January 1, 2025 through January 31, 2027. January 31, 2027, is the end of the current triennial period.
     The Continuing Education (CE) program aims to ensure all CBP licensed brokers remain up to date on evolving customs rules and relevant U.S. trade laws to facilitate compliant trade in the modern environment, while acting as an additional layer of security against illegal trade from entering the U.S. commerce.
     A variety of CE credit-eligible educational activities will be offered by CBP, partner government agencies, and private entities, including industry or trade-related conferences, seminars, webinars (both live and recorded), the Trade Summit and the Trade Forum, company trainings (internally developed or offered by an outside vendor), port tours and trade days sponsored by CBP and local associations.
     Individual brokers who receive their broker's license during a current triennial period will not need to comply with the rule until the start of the next Triennial Status Reporting period.
     CBP partnered with five entities to develop and implement accreditation standards for the Customs Broker Continuing Education (CE) program for the private sector.
     All accredited educational activities will present two visible signifiers: the logo of the accrediting entity and a unique CBP Continuing Education logo. There will also be a CE code displayed at the end of a CE activity.

7. Commerce/BIS (Nothing new.)

(Source: Commerce/BIS)

8. DoD/DSCA Policy on "Return and Closure Procedures on Direct Commercial Contracts"

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency, 6 Aug 2026)

     DSCA has posted Policy Memo 26-63, "Return and Closure Procedures on Direct Commercial Contracts Approved in Fiscal Year 2017 and Prior".
     This memorandum establishes policy and provides direction to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) to cease all payment and disbursement activity to vendors in support of Direct Commercial Contracts (DCCs) that were initially approved for financing in Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 and all prior fiscal years.
     There is no SAMM change associated with this memo.

9. OMB/OIRA BIS Reviews: Proposed Revisions to Rules of Practice Before PTAB

(Source: OMB/OIRA, 6 Oct 2026)

10. State/DDTC DECCS System Maintenance 7-8 Aug 2026

(Source: State/DDTC)

     The Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) will undergo system maintenance on Friday, August 7th, 2026, from 23:00 to Saturday August 8th, 17:00 (EST).
     Industry users may experience service degradation, interruptions, or limited application functionality within DECCS. If you experience any issues, please log back in after the maintenance window.

11. Treasury/OFAC: Cuba Designations and FAQs

(Source: Treasury/OFAC, 6 Aug 2026)

     The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing a new Cuba-related Frequently Asked Question, FAQ 1264.
     OFAC has also updated the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.

12. White House Executive Actions: (No items of interest.)

(Source: The White House)

13. Expeditors News: "BIS Streamlines Sound Suppressor Export Controls"

(Source: Expeditors News) [Excerpts]

     In a press release published on July 27, 2026, the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced that, effective November 20, 2026, exports of "certain silencers, mufflers, and sound suppressors is subject to BIS's Export Administration Regulations, rather than the State Departments U.S. Munitions List."
     According to BIS, this regulatory change aligns export controls for suppressors with those that already apply to firearms. As part of the transition, suppressors, silencers, and mufflers will be added to the Commerce Control List (CCL) and will require a BIS license for "certain exports, reexports, or in-country transfers of the newly controlled suppressors, including releases of related software and technology to foreign persons."
     BIS also noted that license exceptions currently available for firearms will be available for eligible suppressor transactions.
     This change in export regulations will go into effect on November 20, 2026.
     The BIS press release and links to Federal Register notices published by both BIS and the Department of State is HERE.

14. ST&R Trade Report: "Import Restrictions on Quartz Surface Products Take Effect Aug. 15"

(Source: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]. Contact: [email protected], 1-305-894-1035

     President Trump issued July 31 a proclamation imposing a tariff-rate quota on quartz surface products following a Section 201 determination that these products are being imported in such increased quantities as to be a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry producing a like or directly competitive article.
     Product Coverage. For purposes of this TRQ, QSP means slabs and other surfaces created from a mixture of materials that includes predominately silica (e.g., quartz, quartz powder, cristobalite, glass powder) as well as a resin binder (e.g., an unsaturated polyester). QSP is typically sold as rectangular slabs but the TRQ covers other surfaces as well, such as countertops, backsplashes, vanity tops, bar tops, work tops, tabletops, flooring, wall facing, shower surrounds, fireplace surrounds, mantels, and tiles. QSP covered by this TRQ is provided for under HTSUS subheadings 6810.99.0020, 6810.99.0040, and 7020.00.6000.
     Import Restrictions. The proclamation imposes a TRQ on QSP imports for a four-year period beginning Aug. 15, 2026. The in-quota tariff rate will be 25 percent in the first year, 23 percent in the second year, 21 percent in the third year, and 19 percent in the fourth year. The above-quota tariff rate will be 50 percent in the first year, 49 percent in the second year, 48 percent in the third year, and 47 percent in the fourth year. . . .
     Exceptions: . . . [Full article]

15. Streamline: "UK Customs Bans Eight Food Categories for International Travelers"

(Source: Streamline (UK), 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

     The United Kingdom government has implemented sweeping new customs regulations that explicitly prohibit international travellers from bringing eight distinct categories of food into Great Britain. The stringent controls, which took effect amid escalating concerns over European outbreaks of Foot and Mouth disease, represent a significant operational shift for border security personnel at Heathrow, Gatwick, and other major entry points. . . . [Full article]

16. Tech Republic: "China Tightens Drone Exports and Sanctions US Firms"

(Source: Tech Republic, 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

     China has tightened drone exports, sanctioned U.S. entities, and expanded regulatory scrutiny as its technology conflict with Washington. The U.S.-China technology conflict is spreading deeper into the systems that determine which products can be exported, certified, and sold.
     China's Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday announced new restrictions covering drone exports to the United States, product-certification work involving American organizations, imported office equipment, and business dealings with seven U.S. entities. Beijing presented the measures as a response to recent U.S. restrictions on Chinese companies and technology products.
     For multinational businesses, the immediate concern is not another tariff increase. It is the growing risk that licensing, certification, and sourcing rules can change with little warning across two of the world's largest markets. . . . [Full article]

17. Baker/McKenzie: "South Africa Increases Customs Duty on Peanut Butter Imports"

(Source: Global Sanctions and Export Controls Blog, 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

* Principal Author: Virusha Subban (South Africa), Baker Mckenzie

     The South African government has implemented a substantial increase in customs duties on specified peanut butter tariff lines, raising the general rate from 0.99 cents per kilogram to 20% ad valorem.
     The decision follows an ITAC investigation which concluded that domestic peanut butter producers were experiencing declining production, reduced sales volumes, increased competition from lower-priced imports, and rising operational costs.
     While duty-free treatment remains available for imports from certain jurisdictions, including the European Union, United Kingdom, EFTA and SADC member states, imports qualifying under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement are now subject to an 8% duty.
     The amendment is expected to increase import costs and may require businesses to reassess procurement strategies, supply agreements, customs valuation models and transfer pricing arrangements where there are imports between related parties.
     Importers should also evaluate whether preferential trade agreement benefits are available and monitor future developments, including ITAC's future plans to support local peanut butter manufacturing. . . . [Full article]

18. Hogan Lovells: "The U.S. FCC adds foreign-produced power inverters and advanced robotic devices to the Covered List, with cross-industry impacts"

(Source: Hogan Lovells Engage, 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

* Principal Author: Jonathan T. Stoel, Hogan Lovells Cadwalader LLP

     On July 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added foreign-produced "power inverters" and "advanced robotic devices" to its Covered List, pursuant to two Executive Branch National Security Determinations.
     Companies producing these devices in any country outside the United States will not be able to obtain new FCC equipment authorizations needed to sell their products into the U.S. market, absent a "Conditional Approval" from the Department of War (DoW) or, for power inverters only, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
     The update does not prohibit the import, sale, or use of power inverters or advanced robotic devices that have already received FCC authorization. Nor does it affect devices that have already been purchased or deployed. . . . [Full article]

19. ST&R Trade Report: "More Drones Could be Subject to FCC Import Ban"

(Source: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]. Contact: [email protected], 1-305-894-1035

     The Federal Communications Commission is accepting comments through Aug. 31 on separate proposals to prohibit the importation and marketing of certain previously-authorized foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (drones) and UAS critical components as well as certain communications and video surveillance equipment.
     The FCC maintains a list of equipment and services that have been determined to pose an unacceptable risk to U.S. national security or the security and safety of U.S. persons (Covered List). Products on this list are effectively prohibited from being imported for use or sale in the U.S., although this prohibition does not cover the import, sale, or use of any existing listed items previously authorized by the FCC.
     Drones, drone components, communications, and video surveillance equipment were added to the Covered List in December 2025. The FCC is now proposing to add specific items to these listings, including (1) foreign-produced drones and drone components and white-labeled devices produced by specified entities (see the FCC notice for details), and (2) communications and video equipment produced by one specified entity. . . . [Full article]

20. Volkov: "Has DOJ Enforcement Shifted Rather Than Slowed Down?"

(Source: Volkov Law, 6 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

* Principal Author: Michael Volkov, Volkov Law Group LLC

     Everyone's talking about the DOJ going soft on crime. I want to push back on that narrative because I think it's incomplete and, honestly, a little dangerous if compliance officers believe it.
     Yes, traditional FCPA and bribery prosecutions have slowed, but look at where the resources actually went. Trade enforcement is exploding. Sanctions enforcement is aggressive and getting more aggressive by the month.
     And here's the one that should really get your attention: the False Claims Act is now being used aggressively against companies for tariff circumvention and customs fraud, with qui tam relators lining up to bring those cases.
     This isn't a retreat. It's a reallocation. DOJ has simply moved its firepower to where the current priorities sit: trade, tariffs, sanctions, export controls, and national security.
     If your compliance program is still built entirely around FCPA risk and you haven't retooled for trade and sanctions exposure, you are exposed right now, today. Update your risk assessment. This is not the moment to stand down. [Hear podcast on this article HERE.]

21. Export Compliance Solutions Presents: "9th Annual ITAR/EAR Symposium" Seminar, 15-16 Sep 2026 in Annapolis

(Source: Marie Nicolo)

22. List of Export/Import Job Openings

(Source: Editor)

24. Bartlett's Unfamiliar Quotations

(Source: Brainy Quotes)

* Alfred Lord Tennyson (Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson FRS; 6 Aug 1809 – 6 Oct 1892; was an English poet. He was the Poet Laureate during much of Queen Victoria's reign. A number of phrases from Tennyson's work have become commonplace in the English language, including "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all," and "Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die." He is the ninth most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.)

- "He makes no friends who never made a foe."

- "Who is wise in love, love most, say least."

- "Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers."

- "If I had a flower for every time I thought of you...I could walk through my garden forever."

* Andy Warhol (born Andrew Warhola Jr.; 6 Aug 1928 – 22 Feb 1987; was an American artist and filmmaker. Widely regarded as the most important artist of the second half of the 20th century, Warhol's practice included painting, filmmaking, photography, publishing, and performance art. He is also credited with popularizing the expression "15 minutes of fame.")

- "They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself."

- "Making money is art and working is art and good business is the best art."

- "An artist is somebody who produces things that people don't need to have."

- "Fantasy love is much better than reality love."

* Lucile Ball (Lucille Désirée Ball; 6 Aug 1911 – 26 Apr 1989; was an American actress, comedienne, model and studio executive, and producer. She was the star and producer of sitcoms "I Love Lucy," "The Lucy Show," "Here's Lucy," and "Life with Lucy," as well as comedy television specials aired under the title "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour.")

- "I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done."

- "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it."

- "The more things you do, the more you can do."

25. Today in History (Source: History Channel)

1945: Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. On August 6, 1945, the United States becomes the first and only nation to use atomic weapons during wartime when it dropped an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Approximately 80,000 people were killed as a direct result of the blast, and some 35,000 were seriously injured. At least another 60,000 were dead by the end of the year from the effects of the radioactive fallout.

26. Do You Need to Update Your Daily Bugle Profile?

(Source: Editor)

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27. Are Your Copies of Export/Import Regulations Current?

(Source: Editor)

The official versions of the following regulations are published annually in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) but are updated as amended in the Federal Register. The latest amendments are listed below.