26-0820: Thursday's "Export/Import Daily Bugle"

1. USDA Codex Committee on Food Import and Export Inspection and Certification Systems to Meet 12-17 Oct 2026

(Source: 91 FR 53837, 20 Aug 2026)

     CCFICS28 will be held in Perth, Australia, from October 12-17, 2026. The U.S. Manager for Codex Alimentarius and the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs recognize the importance of providing interested parties the opportunity to obtain background information on the 28th Session of the CCFICS and to address items on the agenda.

2. President Increases Duty Rates for Imports of Unmanned Aircraft

(Source: 91 FR 53699, 19 Aug 2026) [Published in 13 Aug 2026 Daily Bugle's White House executive items.]

     . . . Sec. 3. The Secretary found that import penetration from foreign producers of UAS is substantial and that the United States is too reliant on foreign sources of UAS and UAS components. . . .
     (1) Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on September 3, 2026, . . . subchapter III of chapter 99 of the HTSUS is modified as provided in Annex IV to this proclamation and the applicable ad valorem rate of duty for the imports of UAS and UAS components listed in Annex I and Annex II to this proclamation shall be:
     (a) 100 percent for the UAS and UAS docking stations and critical components listed in Annex I to this proclamation, unless a lower rate of duty applies pursuant to clause (4) or (6) of this proclamation; and
     (b) 25 percent for the UAS listed in Annex II to this proclamation, unless a lower rate of duty applies pursuant to clause (4) or (6) of this proclamation.
     (2) Effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 9, 2027, for the UAS components listed in Annex III to this proclamation, the applicable ad valorem duty rate imposed pursuant to section 232 shall be 25 percent, unless a lower duty rate applies pursuant to clause (4) or (6) of this proclamation. . . . [Full proclamation]

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

(Source: Future Federal Register)

4. CBP Cargo Systems Messages

(Source: DHS/CBP/CSMS)

5. CBP's Office of Trade Regulation Free Webinars in August-September 2026

(Source: OTR Webinars)

6. CBP's Office of Trade's National Commodity Specialist Division (NCSD) Free Webinars in September 2026

(Source: OTR Webinars)

     These webinars are a part of CBP's Continuing Education program (all times Eastern).

7. Commerce/BIS (Nothing new.)

(Source: Commerce/BIS)

8. Commerce/USCS Signature Events & Programs

(Source: Commerce Dept., US Commercial Service)

9. State/DDTC (Nothing new.)

(Source: State/DDTC)

10. Treasury/OFAC Posts Counter Narcotics, Counter Terrorism, Cuba-related, and Iran-related Designations; Issues Russia-related General License and FAQs

(Source: Treasury/OFAC, 20 Aug 2026)

     The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is issuing Russia-related General License 131I, "Authorizing Certain Transactions for the Negotiation of and Entry Into Contingent Contracts for the Sale of Lukoil International GmbH and Related Maintenance Activities."
     OFAC is amending two associated, Russia-related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs 1224 and 1225) and one Cuba-related Frequently Asked Question (FAQ 1265).
     Lastly, OFAC has updated the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.

11. U.S. National Security Science and Technology Strategy

(Source: NSSTS, 20 Aug 2026) (Released by the White House in August 2026) [Excerpts]

     This document establishes a National Security Science and Technology Strategy (NSSTS) to support and enable the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS). It satisfies the Congressional requirement for a "Strategy on the nation's economic security, science, research, and innovation to support the national security strategy" (42 USC 19221; Sec. 10612 of the CHIPS and Science Act, P.L. 117-167) to be submitted by the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) after the transmission of each National Security Strategy.
     The NSSTS describes how the United States will leverage its science and technology (S&T) enterprise to support and enable the objectives of the 2025 NSS. In doing so, it highlights and connects directly to many of those objectives.
     The NSS recognizes the integral role for S&T in achieving the vision it lays out, so much so that S&T leadership is itself a national security objective. This strategy focuses on S&T competition as it relates to military capabilities, homeland defense and resilience, and other direct intersections with national security.
     Similarly, this strategy complements and is consistent with National Science and Technology Memorandum 5 (NSTM-5) on Fiscal Year 2028 Administration Research and Development Budget Priorities.
     NSTM-5 sets Fiscal Year 2028 research and development (R&D) budget priorities; this strategy provides detailed guidance for organizing Federally-funded R&D and S&T efforts to support national security objectives. . . .
     [Full document]

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

(Source: The White House)

13. Expeditors News: "White House Temporarily Suspends Section 338 Tariffs on Canada"

(Source: Expeditors News, 19 Aug 2026)

     In a Presidential Proclamation published on August 18, 2026, the White House announced that it was pausing the 50% Section 338 tariffs on certain Canadian dairy, alcoholic beverages, and motor vehicle products.
     These tariffs were originally scheduled to go into effect on August 19, 2026, but are now delayed to August 22, 2026, due to ongoing negotiations with Canada to "remove the discriminations" against U.S. dairy, alcoholic beverages, and motor vehicle products.
     The "Temporary Suspension of Additional Duties to Offset Canadian Discrimination Against the Commerce of the United States with Respect to Alcoholic Beverages, Dairy, and Motor Vehicles" Presidential Proclamation is HERE. The original announcement of the Canadian Section 338 Tariffs was covered by Expeditors HERE.

14. ST&R Trade Report: "U.S. Delays Section 338 Tariff on Imports from Canada"

(Source: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]. Contact: [email protected], 1-305-894-1035

     President Trump has issued a proclamation delaying from Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 the imposition of an additional 50 percent tariff on about $20 billion worth of imports from Canada under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. . . .
     The proclamation implementing the three-day pause asserted that "Canada has expressed a commitment to remove the discriminations or unreasonable and unequal impositions at issue."
     Tariff Details: The new tariff is now slated to take effect for covered goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. EDT on Aug. 22, with no apparent termination date.
     Affected products are set forth in the annexes of the three original proclamations, which are available here, here, and here. These products include wine and other alcoholic beverages, cosmetics, ice skates, hockey sticks, fishing rods, cement, paper and wood items, honey, textiles and apparel, machinery, jewelry, furniture, and other items. . . .
     However, the tariff will not apply to energy, potash, products subject to Section 232 tariffs, articles subject to the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft (except drones), and certain other goods, such as fish or critical minerals.

15. Atlantic Council: "The Global Munitions Crisis Requires Foreign Military Sales Reform"

(Source: Atlantic Council, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

     Global conflict is expanding faster than the United States' capacity to manufacture weapons. But even if US industry can expedite production output, outdated defense sales processes are impeding efforts to get equipment to US allies and partners to protect shared interests and defend themselves.
     The arms delivery crisis became evident after the outbreak of Russia's war on Ukraine in 2022. It escalated to new levels this year as Iran fired barrages of missiles and drones on US partners in the Gulf, in response to US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
     Consumption of advanced munitions during Operation Epic Fury fully exposed the vulnerability in such an extreme burn rate. Further, the threat of conflict in the Indo-Pacific serves as a stark reminder that the worst has yet to occur. It is imperative that Washington take steps now to mitigate this arms crisis.
     A full solution to replenishing the US arms supply, sustainment, and delivery crisis will take years. But there are immediate steps the US can take, under existing law and policy, to speed up defense sales.
     Defense articles are only made-to-order, regardless of whether they are for domestic or foreign sales. New orders from partner countries do not take away from US stocks and only help the efficacy of the domestic defense industrial base. . . . [Full article]

16. Bass Berry Sims: "BIS Settlement Highlights Export Control Risks for Medical and Research Technology"

(Source: Bass Berry Sims, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

* Principal author: Faith Dibble; Bass Berry Sims LLP

Key Takeaways:

     The settlement is a cautionary tale for companies in the medical, life sciences, and research sectors: medical products and technologies are not outside the reach of U.S. export controls. . . . [Full article]

17. Shapiro: "AI Won't Replace Logistics Expertise—But It Will Change How You Use It (An AI Odyssey)"

(Source: Shap Flash, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

Homer's Odyssey suddenly found itself back in the cultural conversation. Fair enough. It's a story about a long journey filled with monsters, questionable advice, impossible detours, and the occasional temptation to believe something that sounds much better than it turns out to be.
     Honestly, that describes buying supply chain software in 2026 pretty well.
     Artificial intelligence has become this year's Siren song. Every demo promises smoother sailing, fewer delays, perfect visibility, flawless compliance, lower costs, happier customers and, if the presentation runs long enough, probably world peace.
     Odysseus knew better than to steer toward every beautiful voice coming from the rocks. Importers should probably adopt the same strategy.
     Before we lash ourselves to the mast of the latest AI platform, it's worth separating a few myths from reality.
     Myth #1: AI Will Replace Logistics Expertise (The Sirens). The Sirens weren't dangerous because they screamed. They were dangerous because they sounded convincing. The idea that artificial intelligence will replace logistics professionals makes for a compelling headline. Like the Sirens, it's persuasive — but that doesn't make it true. . . . The companies seeing the greatest return from AI aren't replacing experienced people. They're giving experienced people better information, faster.
     Myth #2: AI Makes Customs Compliance Simple (Scylla and Charybdis). In the Odyssey, sailors had to choose between two bad options. Customs compliance feels familiar. Few areas of international trade generate more paperwork than customs compliance, which makes it one of AI's most promising applications. Document review, data extraction, classification assistance, and regulatory summaries can all benefit from automation, reducing repetitive work while improving consistency and efficiency. . . . Artificial intelligence can help you read the regulation. Experienced customs professionals help you understand what it actually means for your business.
     Myth #3: Every AI Platform Is Revolutionary (The Lotus Eaters). The Lotus Eaters had a simple strategy: feed travelers something so intoxicating they forgot where they were trying to go. Marketing departments may have discovered a similar plant. Suddenly every platform is "AI-powered." . . . Technology should solve problems—not simply create better marketing copy. And before inviting every shiny new platform inside your organization, remember how the Trojans felt about accepting impressive-looking gifts.
     Myth #4: AI Is the Future of Supply Chains (The Trojan Horse). This myth turns out to be mostly true.
     Artificial intelligence is already transforming global logistics. Demand forecasting is becoming more accurate. Shipment visibility continues to improve. Document processing is becoming faster. Predictive analytics are helping organizations identify potential disruptions before they become operational headaches. These aren't future possibilities. They're happening today. The caution isn't whether AI belongs in the supply chain. It does. The caution is believing that every AI solution belongs in your supply chain.
     The Bottom Line: Keep Your Eyes on Ithaca. Artificial intelligence isn't just another passing technology trend. It will continue reshaping supply chains for years to come, and organizations that embrace it thoughtfully will almost certainly gain efficiencies, improve visibility, and make better-informed decisions.
     In international trade, success has always depended on understanding the details hidden beneath the headlines—whether that's the language in a customs regulation, the terms within a carrier contract, or the fine print on a supplier agreement.
     Odysseus didn't make it home by believing every promise he encountered along the way. He asked questions, trusted experience, and kept his destination in sight.
     Artificial intelligence is no different.

18. Street Insider: "Supermicro Probe Finds No Senior Management Link to Export Violations"

(Source: Street Insider, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

     Super Micro Computer, Inc., announced the completion of an internal investigation led by independent board members into a March 2026 federal indictment of two employees and a contractor accused of conspiring to commit export-control violations.
     Supermicro was not named as a defendant in the indictment and faces no accusations of wrongdoing. The three individuals involved no longer have any relationship with the company. . . .
     Investigators reviewed customer transactions cited in the federal indictment, as well as transactions with other customers who purchased restricted products. The investigation found no evidence that current senior management had knowledge of the alleged diversion scheme, that the company directly sold export-controlled products to known restricted parties, or that previously issued financial statements were unreliable in connection with the matter.
     The company took personnel actions, including terminations, against employees in sales, technical support, and business development functions for failure to follow company policies or its code of conduct. . . . [Full article]

19. ST&R Trade Report: "Nairobi Protocol Offers Another Way to Mitigate Import Tariffs"

(Source: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]. Contact: [email protected], 1-305-894-1035

     There are established and relatively well-known strategies for avoiding, mitigating, and/or recovering the growing number of tariffs the U.S. imposes on imported goods.
     One that importers may be less familiar with is the Nairobi Protocol covering goods specially designed or adapted for the use or benefit of handicapped persons.
     An international agreement concluded in 1950 provides for duty-free trade among signatory countries in specified categories of articles, including books, works of art, visual and auditory materials, scientific instruments, and articles for the blind.
     A subsequent amendment to that agreement, the Nairobi Protocol, broadened its scope to include duty-free treatment for articles for any handicapped persons without regard to the source of their affliction. The U.S. ratified the Nairobi Protocol in 1982.
     As a result, imports of articles specially designed or adapted for the use or benefit of handicapped persons, as well as specially designed or adapted parts and accessories thereof, are eligible for duty-free treatment under HTSUS subheadings 9817.00.92 through 9817.00.96.
     This means that such goods are exempt from not only regular Column 1 duty rates but also tariffs imposed under Section 301, Section 232, or other statutory authorities. . . .
     [Full article]

20. Troutman: "From Designation to Delisting: Navigating OFAC's New Reconsideration Portal"

(Source: Troutman Pepper Locke, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

* Author: Ryan Last, Troutman Pepper Locke LLP

Key Points:

[Full article]

21. Volkov: "Where Is DOJ Taking False Claims Act Enforcement Next?"

(Source: Volkov Law, 20 Aug 2026) [Excerpts]

* Principal Author: Michael Volkov, Volkov Law Group LLC

     You think you can cheat the government? The False Claims Act says you'll pay for it three times. The 2026 False Claims Act mid-year numbers are out, and the story is clear. DOJ isn't backing down. It's leaning in.
     DOJ is using the False Claims Act (FCA) to drive administration policy priorities. In the first half of this year alone, it notched first-ever settlements in four distinct areas: gender-related care, the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative targeting DEI practices in federal contracting, a Medicare Advantage settlement from the DOJ-HHS Working Group, and trade and customs fraud.
     Four new enforcement lanes, all producing real settlements within a year of being announced. Expect sustained activity in all four. There's a data story too. Qui tam filings by whistleblowers are surging — nearly 1,300 in fiscal year 2025 — and by data miners, who are now filing more than 45% of whistleblower actions.
     DOJ just launched a new initiative to engage with and vet those data miners' methodology. Don't read a quieter news cycle as a quieter DOJ. The FCA is more active than ever, just pointed at new targets. . . . [Listen to podcast HERE.]

22. List of Export/Import Job Openings

(Source: Editor)

24. Bartlett's Unfamiliar Quotations

(Source: Brainy Quotes)

25. Today in History (Source: History Channel)

1619: First enslaved Africans arrive in Jamestown, setting the stage for slavery in North America. On or about August 20, 1619, "20 and odd" Angolans, kidnapped by the Portuguese, arrive in the British colony of Virginia and are then bought by English colonists. The exact date is not definitively known (a letter from the time identified the ship's arrival coming in "the latter part of August"), but this date has been chosen by many to mark the arrival of the enslaved Africans in the New World—beginning two and a half centuries of slavery in North America.

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.