New Section 301 Vessel Fees: What You Need to Know About Implementation
The U.S. Trade Representative has established significant new fees affecting vessels arriving at U.S. ports, set to take effect on October 14, 2025. Here’s what vessel operators, owners, and shipping professionals need to understand about these changes. Overview On April 17, 2025, the USTR published a Federal Register Notice under Section 301 of the Trade […]
Breaking Down the Reciprocal Tariff Executive Order: What Importers Need to Know Now
The Trump administration’s Reciprocal Tariff Executive Order, signed April 2, 2025, represents one of the most sweeping changes to U.S. trade policy in decades. With implementation beginning as early as tomorrow, importers and supply chain professionals need to understand these changes immediately. Core Provisions Taking Effect This Week The new tariff structure implements: We’re currently […]
Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: What Importers Need to Know for 2025
As of March 12, 2025, the United States has implemented expanded Section 232 tariffs, imposing a 25% duty on imported steel and aluminum products. These tariffs represent a significant update to U.S. trade policy and will affect a broad range of industries relying on these materials. Overview of the New Tariffs The Section 232 tariffs […]
USTR’s Proposed Maritime Fees on Chinese Vessels: Breaking Down the Framework
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has unveiled a potentially transformative fee structure targeting Chinese maritime dominance. After investigating China’s targeting of maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, the USTR is proposing several tiers of fees that could fundamentally reshape shipping economics at U.S. ports. The Fee Structure in Detail 1. Fees on Chinese […]
Port Costs are Too Damn High: APHIS Fee Hike is Crushing OCS Operators
The U.S. maritime industry is facing a tidal wave of frustration as a massive fee hike for Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) services comes crashing down. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has implemented a staggering increase to the commercial vessel fee, impacting all vessels […]
Ship Spares in Transit: Ensuring Seamless Delivery for Foreign-Flagged Vessels in the USA
When operating foreign-flagged vessels in the United States, ensuring the timely and duty-free delivery of urgent ship spares can be challenging. Ship spares in transit require careful planning, meticulous documentation, and adherence to customs regulations to avoid unnecessary delays or costs. This is where OCS specializes, offering bonded carrier solutions that ensure your spares reach your vessel […]
US-Flagged Vessels, Foreign Repairs, and the Customs Duty Impact
US-flagged vessels, pivotal to the nation’s maritime economy and defense, are subject to specific regulations when undergoing repairs or modifications abroad. Upon returning to the United States, these vessels may incur customs duties under Section 1466 of the Tariff Act of 1930. This article delves into the intricacies of these taxes and their implications. Overview […]
Watch out for the Harbor Maintenance Fee – It’ll get ya.
The Harbor Maintenance Fund (HMF) is a federal trust fund established by the United States Congress in 1986. The purpose of the HMF is to provide funding for the operation and maintenance of US coastal and Great Lakes harbors and ports. The HMF is funded through a tax on imports and domestic cargo that is […]
Aint no business like Customs Business
Customs business is a broad term that encompasses any activity related to the import, export, or transportation of goods across international borders. This includes customs clearance, tariff classification, valuation, and compliance with various regulations and laws related to international trade. Importing goods requires compliance with a variety of customs regulations, which can vary depending on […]
The role surety companies play in the US
Sureties and bonding companies have a long and rich history in the United States, dating back to colonial times. The concept of a surety bond, which is essentially a guarantee that a party will fulfill its contractual obligations, can be traced back to ancient times. In the context of the United States, however, the history […]