New Tool Offers Centralized Oversight for Wood Packaging Material
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has released a new digital dashboard to improve oversight of wood packaging material (WPM) used in global trade. This interactive tool provides a centralized view of compliance trends, inspection outcomes, treatment facility certifications, and import patterns across U.S. entry points.
Why the Dashboard Matters for Trade Compliance
WPM—including pallets, crates, and dunnage—must meet the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) requirements to prevent the spread of wood-boring pests. Noncompliance can result in cargo delays, rejections, and regulatory penalties. The new APHIS wood packing material dashboard gives logistics providers, customs brokers, and importers access to actionable data that can inform procurement strategies and ensure shipments meet U.S. and international phytosanitary regulations.
What the Dashboard Delivers
Drawing from multiple APHIS data sources, the dashboard displays up-to-date metrics on treatment status, compliance rates, and inspection findings. Users can also see which treatment providers and entry points are performing well, allowing them to make more informed sourcing decisions and identify potential areas of risk in their supply chains.
Webinar Scheduled to Support User Adoption
To help users get the most out of the new tool, APHIS will host a live instructional webinar on Thursday, July 10 at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The session will cover navigating the dashboard, customizing data views, and applying the information to operational planning and reporting. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer questions.
CEU Credit Available for Licensed Brokers
Licensed customs brokers who attend the webinar will be eligible for Continuing Education Credit (CEU), offering added value for professionals maintaining their accreditation. The session is designed to be practical and directly applicable to day-to-day compliance responsibilities.
Strategic Benefits for Shippers and Brokers
Increased regulatory pressure and pest risk management make tools like the APHIS dashboard a vital asset for any organization involved in international freight. With greater visibility into compliance performance, businesses can strengthen their risk management efforts, ensure smoother cargo movement, and build stronger relationships with certified WPM providers.
The dashboard and webinar registration are now available through the APHIS Wood Packing Material portal.
European port congestion has shown signs of easing in early June, bringing temporary relief to shippers and logistics providers. However, systemic pressures suggest the situation remains fragile, with the potential for renewed disruption as the summer peak season approaches.
According to Flexport, ports such as Hamburg, Antwerp, and Bremerhaven have begun clearing long-dwelling containers, and vessel delays have temporarily declined. This marks a notable shift from earlier in the year, when widespread congestion across Northern Europe caused ripple effects throughout the supply chain.
The recent improvement can be attributed to several short-term factors, including faster container movement, adjustments in carrier rotations, and slightly improved terminal efficiency. However, underlying issues—including constrained barge capacity, inland rail bottlenecks, and continued labor disruptions—still threaten operational stability.
Carrier alliances have also contributed to shifting dynamics. As networks are reshuffled and some services diverted or consolidated, ports like Rotterdam remain at risk of renewed pressure. Ongoing labor negotiations in Germany and other regions introduce additional uncertainty for port operators and logistics planners.
Shippers are advised to remain vigilant. While European port congestion may be easing now, the industry is heading into the high-volume summer season. As more cargo moves through constrained infrastructure, the potential for delays will increase. Proactive planning, close coordination with logistics providers, and ongoing visibility into inland transport networks will be essential for mitigating risk in the months ahead.
Moments ago, a federal appeals court temporarily reinstated President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which had been invalidated a day earlier by the U.S. Court of International Trade. The lower court ruled that Trump’s tariffs exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), following a lawsuit filed by five owner-run businesses. The Trump administration quickly appealed the decision and warned that, without a stay, it would seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court. The appeals court’s brief order places the trade court’s judgment on hold while considering the full motion.
A pivotal legal decision is reshaping U.S. trade policy and creating a window of opportunity for importers. On May 28, the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that the Trump administration’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. The court ordered that the executive actions be vacated, directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to stop collecting the affected duties. While the administration has filed an appeal and may seek a stay, this ruling sets the stage for a significant shift in how tariffs can be levied—and what importers should do next.
For now, duties tied to the vacated tariffs may still be collected until a final decision is issued, but importers shouldn’t wait to act. The CIT decision opens the door to potential refunds for duties already paid. However, these refunds will not be automatic. Importers must monitor the liquidation status of affected entries and file formal protests to preserve their rights. Post Summary Corrections remain unavailable for these entries due to system constraints within ACE.
The timeline matters: duties were first collected under these tariffs on February 4, 2025. With liquidation expected around mid-December and a protest deadline extending into June 2026, businesses have time—but not unlimited time—to protect their financial interests.
It’s important to note that this ruling is narrow in scope. It affects only tariffs enacted under IEEPA; other tariffs, such as those under Sections 301, 232, and 122, remain fully intact. As a result, the administration may explore alternate statutory pathways to reinstate similar trade measures.
In the meantime, Future Forwarding advises all importers to closely evaluate their tariff exposure and review their entry data. Staying informed, monitoring liquidation, and preparing to file protests if warranted are critical next steps. If you have questions about how this decision could impact your supply chain or need help assessing your options, our compliance team is here to support you.
Freight Disruptions Expected Between UK and Sweden as the Sweden strike escalates.
Swedish dockworkers launched a nationwide strike today, bringing operations to a standstill across the country’s major ports. The strike began at 12:00 local time and is scheduled to continue until 18:00, marking a major escalation in an ongoing labor dispute.
The Swedish Dockworkers’ Union confirmed the strike is in response to stalled negotiations over collective agreements. Key issues include the protection of elected union representatives and tighter regulations on temporary employment.
All ports where the union has members are affected, leading to widespread disruption in both import and export operations. The impact is particularly significant on UK-Sweden freight routes, with delays expected across several European supply chains.
While the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union had also planned to participate, it reached a last-minute agreement with port employers on May 20, and withdrew its strike notice.
“This action is a direct result of unresolved concerns that have gone ignored for too long,” said a representative from the Dockworkers’ Union. “We are committed to pushing for fair treatment and job security across the sector.”
Further strikes are already scheduled. Targeted actions at specific terminals will take place between May 22 and May 26, with additional disruptions planned from May 30 through June 15 if no resolution is reached.
Future Forwarding urge clients to prepare for continued disruption. Activating contingency plans and exploring alternative routes to maintain delivery schedules.
The Swedish government has not yet intervened but has urged both parties to return to negotiations immediately.
As the Red Sea crisis enters another turbulent chapter, recent announcements by the Houthi militia signal an escalation not just in rhetoric but in perceived threat levels to global trade. For B2B decision-makers, logistics leaders, and risk managers, it’s a critical moment to look beyond the headlines and understand the broader implications for global shipping strategy, supply chain resilience, and geopolitical risk assessment.
Over the weekend, the Houthis issued a new list of 15 companies they’ve declared as legitimate targets—including U.S. aerospace giant Boeing—and extended secondary sanctions to any entity transacting with them. While this announcement has attracted global media attention, industry insiders are treating it more as a symbolic maneuver than an operational threat.
Why? Because major shipping lines like Maersk and CMA CGM, reportedly linked to some of these sanctioned companies, are already avoiding Red Sea routes. These diversions are not new. They’ve been part of a broader strategic pivot since late 2023, when risk exposure in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Gulf of Aden spiked due to recurring maritime attacks.
In this context, the Houthis’ latest statement may be more about maintaining political relevance than exercising new military capability.
While the practical impact on container flows may be minimal today, the long-term implications of such declarations are far from negligible. Every publicized threat introduces layers of uncertainty that ripple across supply chains—from insurance premiums and carrier route planning to procurement timelines and inventory positioning.
For companies with exposure in sensitive geopolitical corridors, this means that geopolitical intelligence is no longer a “nice to have”—it’s mission-critical. It also underscores the need for adaptive logistics planning and agile partnerships that can respond quickly to evolving risk.
The conversation surrounding the Red Sea and Suez Canal also intersects with a broader geopolitical recalibration. U.S. leadership has been increasingly vocal about securing passage through key waterways, with former President Trump’s recent social media directive calling for free U.S. passage through both the Panama and Suez Canals.
While this may be more political theater than policy shift, the fact remains: Egypt’s Suez Canal has suffered a 60% drop in revenue and $7 billion in losses year-over-year. Rerouted cargo to longer, more expensive paths around the Cape of Good Hope has downstream effects on freight rates, capacity planning, and emissions targets—particularly for companies aiming to meet strict ESG goals.
Saturday’s explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaei container terminal is another stark reminder of the fragility of port infrastructure. Whether accidental or deliberate, such incidents highlight the operational and reputational risks ports face in volatile regions. Industrial safety, emergency response readiness, and cyber-physical security must now be core components of any serious logistics or maritime risk management plan.
For businesses reliant on predictable global trade lanes, the call to action is clear:
While the immediate fallout from the Houthi sanctions may seem limited, the larger narrative is one of increasing unpredictability in the maritime shipping landscape. From political posturing to real security threats, today’s headlines are tomorrow’s bottlenecks—or worse.
For those in the freight, logistics, and supply chain space, staying informed is no longer sufficient. Strategic adaptation, resilient planning, and a proactive mindset are now the new cornerstones of competitive advantage. To learn more, get in touch with us today.
On April 2, 2025, a new Executive Order titled “Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits” was issued. In response, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided official guidance for actions effective as of April 5, 2025. Importers must act quickly to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
Beginning April 5, 2025, all imports must include a secondary Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) Chapter 99 classification. This applies whether the product is subject to the reciprocal tariff or qualifies for an exemption. This additional classification ensures CBP can track and apply the new duty structure properly.
The baseline reciprocal tariff imposes a 10 percent additional ad valorem duty on most imported goods. This applies to all items entered for consumption or withdrawn from the warehouse for consumption on or after 1201 a.m. EDT, April 5, 2025.
This 10 percent duty is in addition to all other applicable duties, taxes, and fees.
There are several key exceptions. If the tariff under 9903.01.25 does not apply, importers must declare an alternative HTSUS code to indicate the exemption. These include:
Reach out to your Future Forwarding representative or traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov.
In the ever-evolving world of cosmetics, ensuring consumer safety and regulatory compliance is of paramount importance. Recognizing the need for modernization, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) has ushered in significant changes to the regulatory landscape governing cosmetic products in the United States. Aimed at enhancing safety, transparency, and oversight, MoCRA replaces outdated regulations from 1938 and introduces a range of new requirements that impact manufacturers and importers alike. In this blog, we will delve into the key updates brought about by MoCRA, providing valuable insights to beauty manufacturers and importers regarding compliance and industry best practices.
Under MoCRA, cosmetic facilities must register with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and renew their registrations every two years. The registration requirement applies to establishments involved in manufacturing or processing cosmetic products distributed in the United States. Existing facilities have until December 29, 2023, to complete their registrations, while new facilities must register within 60 days of commencing manufacturing operations. It is crucial for facilities to initiate the registration process early to account for any unforeseen issues or potential delays from the FDA.
The FDA holds the authority to suspend a facility’s registration if it determines that a product manufactured or processed by the facility poses a reasonable probability of causing severe adverse health consequences or death. Moreover, if the agency believes that other products in the facility may be similarly affected due to an inability to isolate the failure or a pervasive failure concern, registration suspension is also applicable. In such cases, the facility is prohibited from selling or distributing cosmetics products in the United States.
Additionally, responsible persons, such as manufacturers, distributors, or packers whose names appear on the label, are required to list each cosmetic product with the FDA. This step promotes transparency and facilitates efficient monitoring of products in the market.
The Voluntary Cosmetic Regulations Program (VRCP), which allowed voluntary submission of product information to the FDA, is no longer accepting submissions. MoCRA mandates a more extensive volume of submissions, necessitating the development of a new program by the FDA to handle facility registrations and product listings. This change enables the FDA to manage regulatory oversight effectively, ensuring greater transparency and safety within the industry.
MoCRA places a strong emphasis on consumer safety by mandating cosmetic manufacturers to submit safety information about their products to the FDA. This includes reporting any adverse reactions experienced by consumers and disclosing information regarding potentially harmful ingredients used in the products. The FDA utilizes this data to evaluate product safety and take appropriate actions to protect consumers.
Furthermore, manufacturers must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), which encompass guidelines ensuring the quality and safety of cosmetic products. Compliance with GMPs involves using clean equipment, proper handling and storage of ingredients, and implementing robust quality control measures.
Another crucial aspect of MoCRA is the requirement for cosmetic manufacturers to disclose the full list of ingredients used in their products on the product label. This shift from previous regulations, which allowed vague terms like “fragrance,” provides consumers with enhanced transparency, enabling them to make informed decisions about the products they use.
Under MoCRA, certain exemptions are granted to cosmetic/drug and cosmetic/device combination products, relieving them from specific requirements including compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), adverse event reporting, registration and listing obligations, safety substantiation, and recordkeeping. These exemptions do not extend to facilities involved in the manufacturing of both combination products and cosmetics.
Small businesses are exempt from GMP and registration and listing requirements. A small business is defined as having average gross annual sales in the U.S. for the previous three-year period of less than $1,000,000, adjusted for inflation. It is important to note that the small business exemption does not apply if the business manufactures products that come into contact with the eyes, are injected, are intended for internal use, or alter appearance for more than twenty-four hours.
The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) represents a crucial leap forward in the regulation of cosmetics in the United States. With its emphasis on safety, transparency, and compliance, MoCRA ensures that the beauty industry aligns with evolving consumer expectations. Manufacturers and importers must familiarize themselves with the updated requirements to ensure they meet the standards set forth by MoCRA.
At Future Forwarding, our expertise in supply chain management and deep understanding of regulatory compliance can help you stay on top of these complex requirements. By leveraging our industry knowledge and network, we ensure that you can effectively navigate the regulatory landscape, maintain compliance, and streamline your operations. With our reliable support, shippers can focus on core business while confidently meeting the obligations imposed by MoCRA. To find out more, reach out to Future Forwarding today.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is an independent agency of the federal government that was created in 1972 through the Consumer Product Safety Act. It’s responsible for protecting consumers from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products. The Commission’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products is central to its mission.
The CPSC’s role in trade compliance is significant. It works closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to identify and examine imported products that may not comply with U.S. safety standards. This collaboration is crucial to prevent non-compliant products from entering the U.S. market.
The CPSC’s role in trade compliance includes:
For businesses involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling consumer products, understanding the CPSC’s role and regulations is essential for trade compliance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties and damage to a company’s reputation.
Importers have specific responsibilities to ensure that the products they bring into the United States comply with CPSC regulations. Here are the main steps an importer should take:
These are general guidelines, and the specific steps may vary depending on the type of product and the applicable regulations. The CPSC has a regulatory robot that can help with simple questions. However, compliance can be complex, so it’s best to have an expert on your side. Future Forwarding is proud to have a team of experts ready to keep your cargo moving and compliant. We’re also on the forefront of new technologies and innovative thinking to improve efficiency.
In that vein, CPSC is launching an e-filing pilot program. If you’d like to participate, contact Corporate Compliance Manager Shannon Whitt at 404-608-0060 ext 127.
Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN) are important in international trade as they determine the level of control that the US government places on the export of certain goods and technologies. ECCNs are codes used to classify products and technologies based on their level of sensitivity and potential for military or terrorist use.
This classification system helps to regulate the export of certain goods to foreign countries and ensures that national security interests are protected.
Finding ECCN numbers for your products is essential if you intend to export them. The first step is to determine if your product or technology is subject to export control regulations. This can be done by reviewing the US Commerce Control List (CCL), which identifies controlled items and their corresponding ECCNs.
Once you have identified the product or technology, the next step is to determine its ECCN. This can be done using several methods, including:
It is essential to ensure that the correct ECCN is assigned to your product or technology before exporting it. Failure to comply with export regulations can result in significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, incorrect classification can lead to delays in the export process, which can impact your business’s bottom line and customer satisfaction.
Finding ECCN numbers is an important step in exporting controlled products and technologies. The US government has a regulatory system in place to control the export of sensitive goods and technologies. It is the responsibility of the exporter to ensure that their products are properly classified before being exported. By utilizing the available resources and tools, exporters can ensure that their products comply with regulations and are shipped smoothly and efficiently. At Future Forwarding, we are dedicated to helping our customers navigate the complex world of international trade and customs regulations. Our team of experts has the knowledge and expertise to help you determine the correct ECCN for your products and technologies, ensuring that your exports are compliant with all relevant regulations. Reach out and see how we can help you keep your cargo compliant and moving.
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