26-1029: Thursday's "Export/Import Daily Bugle"

1. Today’s Federal Register (No relevant items.)
(Source: Federal Register, 29 Oct 2026)

2. Future Federal Register (Two items.)
(Source: Future Federal Register)

3. CBP Cargo Systems Messages
(Source: DHS/CBP/CSMS)

4. CBP Reminder: Licensed Customs Brokers Must Complete Continuing Education by 31 Jan 2027
(Source: CBP Continuing Education, 1 Oct 2026)

     To maintain your Customs Broker license, you are required to complete 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) by January 31, 2027. Don’t wait until the last minute. Failure to meet these requirements will result in the revocation of your customs broker’s license.
     If you have not yet done so, start your CE training today. Visit the Customs Broker Triennial Status Report (TSR) and Continuing Education (CE) Requirements | U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Customs Broker Continuing Education | U.S. Customs and Border Protection webpages.
     CE Requirements: Individual brokers are required to complete 20 hours of CE credits to maintain their license for the current triennial. . . .
     CBP recommends that brokers file their TSR as soon as their CE credits are complete. The deadline to complete the 20 hours of CE credits is January 31, 2027.
     [Full requirements]

5. Commerce/BIS (Nothing new.)
(Source: Commerce/BIS)

6. Congress: House Bill Would Amend the AECA to Ease Transfer of U.S. Origin “High-Volume, Low-Tech Munitions” to Ukraine.
(Source: H.R. 10912, 26 Oct 2026)

     A bipartisan supported bill, H.R. 10912, “The Fast Tracking European Investment in Ukraine's Defense Act,” with the stated purpose of amending the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) “to address third party transfers of certain defense articles for Ukraine, and for other purposes” was introduced on Oct. 26.
     The Act would amend the AECA to preapprove certain third-party transfers of U.S.-origin munitions to Ukraine, eliminating the need for case-by-case AECA approvals otherwise required for retransfers. The items are limited to:
     155mm artillery shells, 155mm Excalibur shells, HIMARS munitions, or GMLRS munitions.
     Eligible transferors include NATO members plus Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel, and New Zealand. Covered items are limited to 155mm artillery shells, 155mm Excalibur shells, HIMARS munitions, and GMLRS munitions.
     Ukraine must provide written assurances that it will not retransfer the articles without U.S. consent. Congress would receive notice before transfers occur.
     The authority would apply to transfers completed by December 31, 2030, with annual extensions through December 31, 2035, permitted if Russia's invasion continues.
     For allies and defense contractors, the bill would reduce administrative delays and accelerate the movement of high-volume, lower-technology munitions needed for Ukraine's defense while preserving congressional notification and end-use controls.

7. State/DDTC: DECCS System Maintenance
(Source: Directorate of Defense Trade Controls)

     The Defense Export Control and Compliance System (DECCS) will undergo system maintenance on Thursday, November 5th, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00pm (ET).
     Industry users may experience service degradation, interruptions, or limited application functionality within DECCS during this maintenance window. If you experience any issues, please log back in after the maintenance window.

8. Treasury/OFAC Issues Amended Iran-related General License
(Source: Treasury/OFAC, 29 Oct 2026)

     The Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issuing Iran General License FF-1, "Authorizing the Wind Down of Transactions Involving International Development Bank for Investment and Finance." For more information, visit our Recent Actions page.

9. White House Actions (No new items of Ex/Im interest.)
(Source: The White House)

10. Breaking Defense: “Navy Faces ‘Years-Long’ Maintenance Crunch Amid Record-Breaking, Extended Deployments”
(Source: Breaking Defense News, 28 Oct 2026) [Excerpts]

     The US Navy expects it will take years for its fleet to recover from recent drawn out deployments, with leaders bracing for a surge in maintenance work that could strain shipyard capacity and force trade-offs between repairs and modernization.
     Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle said Monday that the service is bracing for maintenance availabilities — particularly impacting the destroyer fleet — to snowball as some of its aircraft carriers and surface vessels return from more than 300-day long periods at sea.
     As a result, the Navy is weighing how to prioritize repairs, shorten some timelines and defer larger projects without pushing the service’s schedule further behind.
     “You’re talking hundreds of availabilities and millions of dollars. Hundreds of millions of dollars have to be applied to that problem as we start retrograding these destroyers back into their maintenance period,” Caudle said at the United States Navy Memorial. “But this is a years-long recovery. There is no workaround on that.” . . . [Full article]

11. Expeditors News: “Mexico Amends Customs Law to Combat Undervalued Imports”
(Source: Expeditors News, 28 Oct 2026)

     In a decree published in the Diario Oficial by the Presidency of the Republic on October 23, 2026, Mexico announced that it was amending its customs laws and removing the 50% undervaluation threshold that could trigger the detention and seizure of goods.
     The amendment now allows customs authorities to take enforcement action whenever they presume that the declared value of the goods is understated, regardless of the amount of undervaluation; giving Mexican customs broader authority to detain or seize merchandise.
     This amendment will go into effect on January 1, 2027.
     The decree can be found HERE.

12. South China Morning Post: “China Drafts Rules to Protect Trade Secrets from ‘Foreign Entities’”
(Source: South China Morning Post, 29 Oct 2026) [Excerpts]

     China has drafted special rules to protect the country’s trade secrets and is seeking public feedback on the proposed strictures, the Ministry of Commerce said on Monday.
     On October 26, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) released the Special Provisions on Protecting China’s Trade Secrets (Draft for Comment). Despite its title, the Draft does not address general trade secret protection. It is a sanctions-style mechanism aimed at foreign companies, organizations, and individuals.
     Where MOFCOM determines that a foreign entity’s infringement of a Chinese trade secret endangers, or poses an actual threat to, China’s national sovereignty, security, or development interests, MOFCOM may impose trade, investment, entry, residency, and monetary penalties on that entity, following an investigation in which the foreign entity has only limited procedural protections.
     The draft adds a trade secret-specific tool to the set of instruments MOFCOM has built since 2025 for restricting or retaliating against foreign entities in trade disputes.
     [Full article]

13. ST&R Trade Report: “No Section 232 Tariffs on Robotics and Industrial Machinery”
(Source: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, 29 Oct 2026) [Editor’s Summary]. Contact: [email protected], 1-305-894-1035

     Section 232 Robotics/Machinery Investigation. President Trump declined to impose Section 232 tariffs on imported robotics, industrial machinery, and related parts, despite a Commerce Department finding that rising import dependence threatens U.S. national security.
     Commerce cited reliance on foreign suppliers, increasing import volumes, and cybersecurity risks associated with foreign-sourced equipment. Instead of tariffs, the president directed Commerce and USTR to pursue negotiations with trading partners to address these concerns.
     The agencies must report back within 180 days. Depending on the outcome, the administration may later consider measures such as tariffs, quotas, fees, or incentives to expand domestic production.
     Extreme Networks Russia Sanctions Case. Extreme Networks agreed to pay about $2 million to settle OFAC and DOJ investigations into sales of networking equipment, software, and support services to Russia’s Avangard missile factory from 2018-2022. Although Avangard was already blocked through its ownership by sanctioned defense firm Almaz-Antey, employees and distributors concealed its identity, and compliance personnel overlooked multiple warning signs.
     OFAC deemed the violations egregious but reduced penalties because the company self-disclosed shortly before a media investigation was published. DOJ found the disclosure untimely.
     The case highlights the importance of investigating red flags, screening ownership structures, and promptly reporting potential sanctions violations. [Full article]

14. Tomorrow’s Affairs: “The US Company Disclosed the Sale to a Sanctioned Russian Missile Factory Just Before Journalists Exposed It”
(Source: Tomorrow’s Affairs, 29 Oct 2026) [Editor’s summary]

     Extreme Networks reached settlements with OFAC and the U.S. Department of Justice over sales of networking equipment, software, and support services to Russia’s Avangard missile factory between 2018 and 2022. OFAC, the US Treasury Department’s financial sanctions agency, classified the case as an egregious offence.
     Avangard, which produces missiles for the S-300 and S-400 air defense systems, was already a prohibited customer because it was majority-owned by sanctioned defense conglomerate Almaz-Antey. Extreme inherited the business through its 2018 acquisition of Avaya’s networking division.
     Investigators found that Russian employees and distributors concealed Avangard’s identity behind a front company, but compliance staff approved the transactions despite multiple warning signs, including Avangard email addresses and contract references.
     The company disclosed its dealings with Avangard to the US authorities in October 2022, a few days before the publication of the journalistic investigation, although it had received a whistleblower warning six months earlier.
     OFAC recognized the report as voluntary and reduced the penalty as a result, while the Department of Justice determined that it was submitted too late to close the case without a plea deal.
     OFAC deemed the violations “egregious” and cited reckless disregard of sanctions requirements. Extreme self-reported in 2022, but only after a whistleblower complaint and impending media exposure.
     The company agreed to pay about $2.02 million in combined penalties, enhance compliance controls, and cooperate with ongoing investigations.

15. UA News: “Kyiv Customs Officials Intercepted Unusual Packages Containing a Shark's Head and An Elephant's Tusk”
(Source: UA News, 29 Oct 2026) [Excerpts]

     While inspecting international mail shipments, inspectors at the Kyiv Customs Office discovered a shark head, a stuffed buzzard, and a fragment of an elephant tusk. These taxidermy specimens are examples of wildlife, the international trade in which is regulated by the CITES Convention.
     Its requirements apply to both live and dead animals, as well as products made from parts of their bodies.
     The shark head was being shipped from Odesa to Canada, and the buzzard mount was being shipped from Pryluky to the same country. The elephant tusk fragment was en route from Pokrov to the United States. . . .
     [See photos HERE.]
     No export permits were presented during customs clearance. The items involved in the customs violation were seized. This was reported by the State Customs Service of Ukraine. . . .

16. Akin: “Treasury Proposes to Significantly Expand Prohibitions on US Outbound Investment”
(Source: Akin Alerts, 28 Oct 2026) [Editor’s Summary]
• Principal Author: Christian C. Davis, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

     On October 26, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement the outbound investment provisions of the Comprehensive Outbound Investment National Security Act of 2025 (COINS Act).
     This rulemaking would revamp Treasury’s Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP), add significant new barriers for cross-border collaboration with Chinese biotech companies and ban U.S. investment in certain Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) companies.
     Key Takeaways:

     These changes and more are discussed in more detail below. [Full article]

17. Ballard Spahr: “DOJ Announces First ‘Near Miss’ Non-Prosecution Agreement Under Its Corporate Enforcement Policy”
(Source: Ballard Spahr Legal Alert, 29 Oct 2026) [Excerpts]
• Principal Author: Henry E. Hockeimer Jr., Ballard Spahr LLP

     Summary: On October 27, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced its first “near miss” non-prosecution agreement under its 2026 Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy, resolving an investigation into Extreme Networks, Inc.’s sales of networking equipment and services to a Russian weapons manufacturer owned by a sanctioned entity.
     Although Extreme Networks’ self-disclosure was untimely because it came under the imminent threat of a news article, DOJ credited its full cooperation and remediation (i.e. it was a “near miss”), and the company agreed to pay $975,721.84 in criminal penalties, plus $1,529,685 in parallel OFAC administrative penalties. . . .
     The Extreme Networks resolution shows that a company whose self-disclosure falls short of the timeliness standard can still earn a non-prosecution agreement, a reduced fine, and no monitor through genuine cooperation and remediation. . . . [Full article]

18. Baker McKenzie: “UK Introduces New Regulations on Global Human Rights and Humanitarian Law Sanctions”
(Source: Global Sanctions and Export Controls Blog, 29 Oct 2026) [Editor’s Summary]
• Principal Author: Ben Smith (UK); Baker McKenzie

     Effective 15 October 2026, the UK replaced its 2020 human rights sanctions framework with the Global Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law Sanctions Regulations 2026.
     The new regulations expand designation criteria to cover: (1) serious violations of international humanitarian law, (2) obstruction of humanitarian assistance, and (3) conduct amounting to serious violations of an individual's right to liberty and personal security.
     The regulations also allow the UK government to designate persons by description, in addition to designation by name. Existing sanctions authorities remain unchanged, including asset freezes, travel bans, and director disqualification orders. Designations and licenses issued under the 2020 regulations continue in force.
     For businesses, the practical impact is limited. Existing sanctions-screening and compliance procedures should remain effective, although companies should monitor future UK guidance and ensure screening programs capture any new designations made under the expanded criteria. . . .
     [Full article]

19. Miller Canfield: “Proposed Rule on Broad Revisions to ITAR and its U.S. Munitions List”
(Source: Miller Canfield eLerts, 29 Oct 2026) [Editor’s Summary]
• Principal Author: Joseph D. Gustavus, Miller Canfield LLP

     In response to Executive Order 14268, “Reforming Foreign Defense Sales to Improve Speed and Accountability,” DDTC proposed (91 FR 62361, 1 Oct 2026) major ITAR reforms aimed at focusing controls on technologies that provide a genuine military or intelligence advantage while shifting less sensitive items to EAR jurisdiction.
     The proposal would clarify the distinction between controlled technical data and high-level marketing or system information, create a new exclusion for items permanently stripped of military characteristics, and expand exemptions from the “specially designed” definition for many commercial components.
     The rule would also remove or narrow ITAR controls on certain canister launchers, most radar altimeters, some protective eyewear, and broad categories of military submersible equipment, with many items transferring to the Commerce Control List under the EAR. DDTC further proposes a new license exemption allowing temporary export of foreign-origin defense articles from the United States for repair, servicing, testing, or replacement.
     Companies should review affected ITAR classifications, prepare for possible EAR jurisdiction, reassess technical-data controls, and evaluate repair transactions.
     The proposal signals a broader DDTC effort to reduce ITAR coverage of established technologies. Public comments are due November 30, 2026. [Original article]

20. Shapiro: “Strike Threat at LA/Long Beach Ports”
(Source: Shap Flash, 29 Oct 2026) [Editor’s Summary]

     ILWU Local 26, which represents about 250 terminal security watchmen, has authorized a strike that could begin at 5 p.m. PT Sunday, November 1. They make up only about 2% of the ILWU workforce, but they work at six terminals that handle more than half of the complex’s cargo, including 85% at Long Beach. If longshoremen, clerks and foremen honor the picket lines, much of the work at ports that move over 31% of US containerized cargo could stop, right as holiday peak season builds. Talks have dragged on since July 2025, and the Pacific Maritime Association says significant differences remain.
     What Happened Last Time: In November 2012, a few hundred ILWU clerical workers walked out at the same port complex. About 10,000 ILWU members honored the picket lines, shutting down 10 of the 14 container terminals. Ships sat offshore or diverted to Oakland and Mexico, and the eight-day strike cost the local economy billions.
     What We Recommend: Pick up cargo that’s already discharged before Sunday, flag time-sensitive freight, and plan for possible demurrage, detention and congestion even if a strike is short. We’re watching negotiations closely and will send updates as things develop!

21. ST&R Trade Report: “Forced Labor Import Ban List Expanded”
(Source: Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg Trade Report, 29 Oct 2026) [Editor’s Summary]. Contact: [email protected], 1-305-894-1035

     UFLPA Entity List Expanded to 190 Companies. Effective Oct. 29, imports from goods produced by three China-based affiliated companies are barred from entering the United States after their addition to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) Entity List. DHS said the companies are part of a major gene-sequencing and genetic-material collection enterprise that supports the Xinjiang regional government's mass-surveillance infrastructure.
     Under the UFLPA, goods made wholly or partly in Xinjiang, or by entities on the UFLPA Entity List, are presumed to be produced with forced labor and are prohibited from U.S. importation unless that presumption is rebutted. CBP applies this restriction under 19 U.S.C. § 1307. The Entity List consolidates companies involved in forced-labor production, labor-transfer programs, exports of such goods, and sourcing connected to Xinjiang government labor schemes. The list now contains 190 entities.

22. Skill Dynamics Presents: “Jurisdiction, Classification, & Confidence” Webinar 5 Nov 2026
(Source: Skill Dynamics (previously Content Enablers))

23. FD Associates Presents: “U.S. Canada Joint Certification Program” Webinar, 10 Nov 2026
(Source: Sarah Huffman, [email protected])

24. List of Export/Import Job Openings
(Source: Editor)

RECENT:

FULL LIST (Includes above entries.):

26. Bartlett's Unfamiliar Quotations
(Source: Brainy Quotes)

27. Today in History
(Source: History Channel)

     1929: Black Tuesday Stock Market Crash. On October 29, 1929, Black Tuesday struck Wall Street as more than 16 million shares were traded on the New York Stock Exchange, wiping out billions of dollars and devastating investors. The crash followed months of speculation, inflated stock prices, rising unemployment, heavy debt, weak agricultural markets, and excessive bank lending. Efforts by bankers to stabilize the market failed after Black Thursday and Black Monday. Although stocks briefly recovered, prices continued to fall, and by 1932 they had lost about 80% of their 1929 value, helping trigger the Great Depression.

28. Do You Need to Update Your Daily Bugle Profile?
(Source: Editor)

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29. 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.