Tax News Daily
The latest tax news from around the world, summarised and tagged for tax professionals. Updated twice daily.
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New AD/CVD Case Filed Against Glyphosate from China
A new Antidumping and Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) petition has been filed against glyphosate imports from China. The case targets the popular herbicide, alleging unfair pricing and subsidization by Chinese producers. If duties are imposed, importers of glyphosate from China face significantly higher costs. Companies relying on Chinese-sourced glyphosate should monitor the investigation timeline, assess supply chain exposure, and consider sourcing alternatives. AD/CVD proceedings can result in retroactive duty liability, making early compliance review critical for affected importers and downstream agricultural and chemical industry buyers.
The U.S. Declined to Renew USMCA – What Importers Must Do Now
The U.S. has declined to renew USMCA preferential trade provisions, creating significant compliance risks for importers relying on duty-free treatment under the agreement. Importers must urgently review origin determinations, tariff classifications, and supply chain documentation to assess exposure. Goods that previously qualified for USMCA benefits may now face standard MFN tariff rates, increasing landed costs substantially. Companies should audit existing certificates of origin, reassess sourcing strategies, and prepare for potential duty liability on non-compliant shipments. Legal and trade compliance teams should act immediately to mitigate financial and operational disruption.
EAPA Update: CBP Finds Evasion Despite Full Cooperation
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued an Enforce and Protect Act (EAPA) ruling finding country-of-origin evasion in a solar panel import case, despite the importer's full cooperation during the investigation. The case highlights that cooperation alone does not shield importers from evasion findings if underlying supply chain facts indicate circumvention of antidumping or countervailing duties. Solar importers face heightened scrutiny and must ensure robust origin documentation and transshipment controls. The ruling underscores CBP's aggressive enforcement posture and the serious duty liability consequences of EAPA determinations.
Guidance: Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme registered businesses list
HMRC publishes and maintains the list of businesses registered under the Fulfilment House Due Diligence Scheme (FHDDS), which targets overseas sellers storing goods in UK fulfilment houses. The scheme requires fulfilment houses to conduct due diligence on their overseas clients to combat VAT fraud and customs duty evasion by non-UK e-commerce sellers. This registered businesses list supports compliance monitoring and transparency in cross-border e-commerce supply chains, forming part of HMRC's broader strategy to protect UK VAT and customs revenues from offshore marketplace sellers.
Pakistan Customs posts 33pc increase in revenue collection
Pakistan Customs has recorded a 33% increase in revenue collection, signaling stronger enforcement and trade activity at the border. The surge reflects improved customs administration, potentially driven by enhanced monitoring, updated duty structures, or increased import volumes. This performance boost is significant for Pakistan's fiscal position, as customs duties represent a key component of federal tax receipts. The increase may also reflect stricter compliance measures and reduced smuggling. Strong customs revenue helps offset broader fiscal pressures and supports the government's revenue mobilization targets under ongoing economic reform programs.
Lululemon Targeted In New Shopper Tariff Refund Lawsuit
Lululemon is facing a lawsuit from shoppers seeking refunds on tariffs paid on imported goods. The case targets the retailer over tariff charges passed on to consumers, raising questions about customs duty collection practices and whether retailers can lawfully pass tariff costs to customers. This lawsuit reflects growing consumer pushback against tariff-related price increases, particularly as US trade policy has imposed elevated import duties on goods from various countries. The case could have broader implications for how retailers handle and disclose tariff costs to end consumers.
Tariff Refunds May Reshape Loan Covenant Calculations
Tariff refunds arising from customs duty drawbacks or reclassifications may have significant implications for loan covenant calculations. When companies receive unexpected tariff refunds, these cash inflows and balance sheet adjustments can affect financial ratios embedded in debt covenants, such as EBITDA, leverage ratios, and liquidity metrics. Lenders and borrowers need to carefully assess how such refunds are recognized and classified under accounting standards, as misclassification could trigger covenant breaches or require renegotiation. This intersection of customs/trade policy and corporate finance presents both opportunities and compliance risks for businesses navigating volatile tariff environments.
UK Government Launches Call for Evidence on Modernising the Customs Regime
The UK government has launched a formal call for evidence seeking input on modernising its customs regime. This initiative aims to gather views from businesses, customs intermediaries, and trade stakeholders on how the current customs framework can be reformed to reduce administrative burdens, improve efficiency, and better support post-Brexit trade. The consultation reflects broader efforts to streamline import and export procedures and update legacy customs rules, with potential implications for duty treatment, customs declarations, and compliance obligations for traders operating across UK borders.
Mandatory Registration for Customs Intermediaries
New regulations are being introduced requiring mandatory registration for customs intermediaries, such as customs agents and brokers who act on behalf of importers and exporters. This measure aims to improve oversight and professionalism within the customs intermediary sector, ensuring that those facilitating customs declarations and trade compliance meet defined standards. The registration requirement has direct implications for businesses relying on third-party customs agents, as unregistered intermediaries may no longer be permitted to operate, potentially disrupting supply chains and customs clearance processes.
Apply to import goods temporarily to the UK
UK government guidance on the Temporary Admission relief allows businesses and individuals to import goods into the UK without paying customs duties or VAT, provided the goods are re-exported within a specified period. The scheme covers items such as exhibition goods, professional equipment, and samples. Applicants must use an ATA Carnet or apply through HMRC's CHIEF or CDS systems. This customs relief is significant for businesses engaged in international trade, reducing the cost burden of temporary cross-border movement of goods.
Check if you can get import duty relief on goods using Temporary Admission
UK government guidance on Temporary Admission relief, which allows businesses and individuals to import goods into the UK with full or partial relief from import duty. The relief applies to goods brought in temporarily for specific purposes such as exhibitions, professional equipment, or goods for processing, provided they are re-exported within a set timeframe. Eligible users include businesses and private individuals meeting HMRC criteria. The guidance outlines which goods qualify, how to apply, and the conditions that must be met to maintain the relief, making it a practical customs duty planning tool for importers operating across UK borders.
FBR reduces regulatory duty on imported SUVs, ATVs
Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reduced regulatory duties on imported SUVs and ATVs, signaling a policy shift aimed at adjusting the cost of importing larger vehicles. The regulatory duty reduction is part of FBR's broader customs and trade management efforts, potentially impacting consumer prices and import volumes. Such changes to regulatory duties on vehicles reflect ongoing calibration of Pakistan's import tariff structure, balancing revenue collection with economic and consumer considerations. The move may also affect domestic automobile manufacturers competing with imported vehicles.
Customs Valuation revises import values for perfumes & colognes vide VR No2094/2026
Pakistan's Customs Valuation department has issued Valuation Ruling No. 2094/2026, revising the customs import values for perfumes and colognes. This update adjusts the reference values used to assess customs duties on these cosmetic imports, ensuring more accurate duty collection and reducing potential under-invoicing. Such valuation rulings are a standard tool used by Pakistan's customs authorities to maintain current and market-reflective import valuations, directly impacting the customs duty liability for importers of fragrances and related products.
Lithuania – European Commission Extends Import Duty Relief and VAT Exemption for Humanitarian Goods
The European Commission has extended import duty relief and VAT exemption for humanitarian goods entering Lithuania. This measure ensures that goods imported for humanitarian purposes continue to benefit from customs duty waivers and VAT relief, supporting relief organizations operating in the region. The extension reflects the EU's ongoing commitment to facilitating the flow of humanitarian aid, particularly in the context of regional crises. Importers and NGOs dealing with humanitarian shipments into Lithuania should be aware of the continued applicability of these reliefs.
Petition Summary: Certain Choline Salts from the People’s Republic of China
A petition has been filed concerning certain choline salts imported from the People's Republic of China, likely seeking the imposition of antidumping and/or countervailing duties. Such petitions trigger investigations by relevant trade authorities into whether imported goods are being sold below fair value or benefiting from foreign government subsidies, potentially leading to additional customs duties on the subject merchandise. The case highlights ongoing US-China trade tensions and the use of trade remedy mechanisms to protect domestic chemical manufacturers from unfairly traded imports.
$30 Million in Tariff Relief Is Now Available for New York Farmers
$30 million in tariff relief funding is now available for New York State farmers affected by retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports. The program, administered through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, aims to offset financial losses incurred by farmers due to trade-related tariff impacts. Eligible agricultural producers can apply for grants to compensate for reduced revenues or increased costs stemming from tariff exposure. This initiative reflects state-level efforts to cushion the agricultural sector from the broader economic consequences of ongoing trade disputes and federal tariff policies affecting farm income and export competitiveness.
Statutory guidance: Reference document for authorised use: eligible goods and authorised uses
UK statutory guidance detailing eligible goods and their authorised uses under customs relief provisions. This reference document supports traders and importers in identifying which goods qualify for reduced or relieved import duty rates when used for specific authorised purposes under UK customs law. It is essential for businesses managing customs compliance post-Brexit, helping them determine eligibility conditions and ensure correct duty treatment. The guidance is maintained by HMRC and forms part of the broader UK Global Tariff framework governing customs reliefs.
Statutory guidance: Reference documents for The Customs (Reliefs from a Liability to Import Duty and Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
UK statutory reference documents for the Customs (Reliefs from a Liability to Import Duty and Miscellaneous Amendments) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020. These documents outline the legal framework under which businesses and individuals may claim relief from import duty liability following the UK's departure from the EU. The guidance covers various relief categories, conditions for eligibility, and procedural requirements. It is a key compliance resource for importers navigating the post-Brexit UK customs regime and claiming applicable duty reliefs.
Statutory guidance: Reference Documents for The Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020
UK statutory reference documents for the Customs (Tariff Quotas) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, covering the administration of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) following Brexit. These documents provide importers with detailed information on quota allocations, eligible goods, reduced duty rates applicable within quota limits, and procedural requirements for claiming quota-based relief. Managing TRQs is critical for businesses importing goods at preferential duty rates, and these references form a core part of the UK's post-EU customs tariff architecture.
CBP Publishes Guidance on Section 232 Duty Offsets for Automobile and Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Parts and ACE Filing Requirements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has published guidance on Section 232 duty offsets applicable to automobiles and medium and heavy-duty vehicle parts, along with updated Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) filing requirements. Section 232 tariffs, imposed on national security grounds, affect imported automotive components. The guidance clarifies how importers can apply duty offsets—credits against Section 232 duties for U.S.-content value in qualifying vehicles and parts. ACE filing instructions outline the specific codes and documentation required for compliance. This is significant for automotive manufacturers and importers managing cost exposure under ongoing U.S. trade tariff measures.
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