In a swift move following the signing of the “Suspending Normal Trade Relations with Russia and Belarus Act,” the US has officially suspended normal trade relations. While this does not preclude a company from importing non-sanctioned goods from these countries, it does apply the significantly higher column two rates of duty. This action was announced by Customs April 11, on CSMS#51575437. While Customs has to update their systems to accommodate the change, the new, higher tariffs will apply to any imports from these two countries on or after April 9, 2022. This announcement can be viewed on the Customs website at this link.
The column two rates are prohibitive and create a situation where goods from Russia and Belarus cannot be competitive in the US market. As we have noted in earlier alerts, the importation of a range of goods from oil to vodka to industrial diamonds have already been sanctioned. This move does not add to that list but it raises significantly the cost of importing any products from Russia or Belarus.
Sam McClure, LCB
Director of Compliance & Customs Services
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Meet one of CVI’s Customs Brokerage & Compliance experts, Sam McClure:
Sam serves as Director, Compliance and Customs Services for CVI. He serves as CVI’s corporate compliance officer and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of our Customs related services, including growth.
Sam started his career in 1977 with Waters Shipping Company in Charlotte, NC. He began as a document runner, soon becoming a leader in operations and customer service for the branch. Sam, along with Linda Masten, founded Central Carolina Shipping Inc. in 1983 as an independent Customs Brokerage firm where he served as Vice President for 26 years. Sam and Linda grew Central Carolina into a successful and highly respected member of the Carolinas trade community. When Charlotte opened their local chapter of the IFFCBA Sam was part of the organizing group and he headed the Customs committee for several years. Sam obtained his Customs Brokers License in 1984 and remained with Central Carolina until the company was acquired by CVI in 2009.
At CVI, Sam has held several positions in both the operations and sales departments. As an expert in U.S. Customs regulations, Sam is often called upon on to provide guidance to importers on Customs compliance issues. He makes regular presentations on matters related to importation and broader regulatory compliance.
– Sam McClure, LCB, Director of Compliance & Customs Services, CVI
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