U.S., Morocco Sign New Container Security Initiative - U.S.  Customs & Border Protection

RABAT, Morocco —The United States entered a new bilateral Container Security Initiative arrangement today with the Kingdom of Morocco that will help facilitate the high volume of cargo transiting between both countries.

Donald Conroy, CBP’s Executive Director of the Office of Field Operations International Operations and Advisory Directorate and Abdellatif Amrani, the General Director of the Customs and Excise Administration in Morocco took part in the signing, which took place in Rabat. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Aimee Cutrona also participated in the event.

“Today’s signing marks not just the expansion of the CSI program, but the strengthening of a partnership rooted in trust, innovation, and a shared responsibility to protect our global community,” Mr. Conroy said.

CBP’s Container Security Initiative expands law enforcement effort between the U.S. and Morocco, enhancing targeting and information sharing in order to identify and counter customs violations and other threats in the cargo environment. Casablanca and Tanger Med are vital ports for the country's trade and economic development in Morocco, with Casablanca being a vital commercial hub and Tanger Med being the largest in Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.

“With this accession, we reaffirm our commitment to harmonizing security with the seamless flow of trade, thereby consolidating Tanger Med’s standing as a secure, world-class maritime hub,” Mr. Amrani said.

Operating under the principle that the first line of defense is beyond U.S. borders, CSI reflects a forward-deployed, risk-based security model that has become a cornerstone of global supply chain security. The program partners with foreign customs administrations and other agencies in key international ports to pre-screen, evaluate, and target cargo that pose a potential threat, using advanced technology, intelligence, and shared protocols.

CBP developed the CSI as a proactive and strategic security program to enhance global cargo security while facilitating legitimate trade. Launched in 2002 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the CSI aims to identify and inspect high-risk maritime cargo containers at foreign ports before being shipped to the United States.

In 2013, CBP and Morocco Customs entered into a binding, government-to-government agreement, known as a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement, that provides the legal framework for the exchange of information and evidence to assist in enforcement (prevention, detection, and investigation) of customs offenses.

“Today's signing of the new Container Security Initiative arrangement between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnership. This agreement not only strengthens our collaborative efforts to secure global supply chains but also underscores our shared commitment to innovation, security, and economic prosperity,” said Chargé d’Affaires Cutrona.
 

Federal Register Notices:

• Implementation of Duties on Steel Pursuant to Proclamation 10896 Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Wood Mouldings and Millwork Products From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Rescission, in Part, of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
• Stainless Steel Flanges From India: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023; Correction
• Certain Steel Nails From the People's Republic of China: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review and Final Rescission of Review, In Part; 2022-2023
• Ripe Olives From Spain: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Hardwood and Decorative Plywood From the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigations
• Utility Scale Wind Towers From Malaysia: Final Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2022
• Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube From Mexico: Final Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2022-2023
• Malleable Cast Iron Pipe Fittings From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping Duty Order
• Ceramic Tile From India: Countervailing Duty Order
• Sales at Less Than Fair Value; Determinations, Investigations, etc.: Slag Pots From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Determination of Sales at Less Than Fair Value
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: High Chrome Cast Iron Grinding Media From India
• Thermoformed Molded Fiber Products From China and Vietnam; Revised Schedule for the Subject Investigations
• Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof I; Notice of Institution of Investigation
• Certain Ink Cartridges and Components Thereof II Institution of Investigation; Notice of Institution of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Organic Soybean Meal From India: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Countervailing Duty Administrative Review; 2023
• Certain High Chrome Cast Iron Grinding Media From India: Amended Final Affirmative Antidumping Duty Determination and Antidumping Duty Order; Countervailing Duty Order
• Certain Brake Drums From the People's Republic of China: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duy Determination
• Aluminum Wire and Cable From the People's Republic of China: Continuation of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Orders
• Certain Brake Drums From the Republic of Türkiye: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Fresh Tomatoes From Mexico; Request for Comments Regarding the Institution of a Section 751(b) Review Concerning the Commission's Affirmative Determination and Continued Antidumping Duty Investigation
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Certain Dryer Wall Exhaust Vent Assemblies and Components Thereof; Notice of a Commission Determination To Issue Remedial Orders Against the Defaulting Respondent; Termination of Investigation
• Certain Boiler Protection for Absorption Refrigeration Systems and Components Thereof; Institution of Investigation
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Temporary Steel Fencing From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, Preliminary Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determination, in Part, and Alignment of Final Determination With the Final Antidumping Determination
• Tapered Roller Bearings and Parts Thereof, Finished and Unfinished, From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Administrative Review, Rescission, in Part, and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments; 2023-2024
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand
• Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews: Temporary Steel Fencing From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination, Preliminary Affirmative Critical Circumstances Determination, in Part, and Alignment of Final Determination With the Final Antidumping Determination
• Tapered Roller Bearings and Parts Thereof, Finished and Unfinished, From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Administrative Review, Rescission, in Part, and Preliminary Determination of No Shipments; 2023-2024
• Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.: Carbon and Alloy Steel Threaded Rod From China, India, Taiwan, and Thailand
   

CBP Announces New CBP Link Mobile App - U.S.  Customs & Border Protection

New app will focus on border entry; CBP Home will focus on self-deportation

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that travelers entering the United States can now use CBP Link, a new user-friendly mobile application designed to reduce data requirements. The new app will contain the functions that were formerly included on the CBP Home mobile application, which will now solely be used for self-deportation.

CBP Link will allow travelers, businesses, and other stakeholders to access a single digital solution that includes:

• Visa Waiver Program travelers applying and paying for an I-94 up to seven days before arriving in the United States
• Travelers requesting inspections for perishable cargo entering the United States
• Checking border wait times
• Bus operators submitting a manifest

Anyone who previously used CBP Home for these functions won’t need to make any changes. The new CBP Link app, once downloaded, will automatically update with the traveler’s previous information.

Unlawfully present aliens who want to submit their intent to depart will continue using CBP Home. Those who use the CBP Home mobile app to self-deport receive cost-free travel, forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States, and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app.  If they already submitted their intent to depart using previous versions of CBP Home, they will not need to resubmit.

Both CBP Home and CBP Link are available for free on Google Play and Apple’s App Store, or from the CBP website.
 

OTEXA: Announcements - ITA/OTEXA

[06/18/2025] - Determination to Deny CAFTA-DR Commercial Availability Request for Certain 100% Man-Made Fiber High Pile Fleece. File Number: CA2025002.
 

USITC Makes Determinations in Five-Year (Sunset) Reviews Concerning Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India - U.S. International Trade Commission

The U.S. International Trade Commission (Commission or USITC) today determined that revoking the existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders on polyester textured yarn from China and India would likely lead to continuation or recurrence of material injury within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

As a result of the Commission’s affirmative determinations, the existing orders on imports of these products from China and India will remain in place. 

Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative. 

Today’s action comes under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. See the attached page for background on these five-year (sunset) reviews.

The Commission’s public report Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India (Inv. Nos. 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430 (Review), USITC Publication 5640, June 2025) will contain the views of the Commission and information developed during the reviews.

The report will be available by July 18,2025; when available, it may be accessed on the USITC website.

BACKGROUND

The Uruguay Round Agreements Act requires the Department of Commerce to revoke an antidumping or countervailing duty order, or terminate a suspension agreement, after five years unless the Department of Commerce and the USITC determine that revoking the order or terminating the suspension agreement would be likely to lead to continuation or recurrence of dumping or subsidies (Commerce) and of material injury (USITC) within a reasonably foreseeable time. 

The Commission’s institution notice in five-year reviews requests that interested parties file responses with the Commission concerning the likely effects of revoking the order under review as well as other information. Generally, within 95 days from institution, the Commission will determine whether the responses it has received reflect an adequate or inadequate level of interest in a full review. If responses to the USITC’s notice of institution are adequate, or if other circumstances warrant a full review, the Commission conducts a full review, which includes a public hearing and issuance of questionnaires.

The Commission generally does not hold a hearing or conduct further investigative activities in expedited reviews. Commissioners base their injury determination in expedited reviews on the facts available, including the Commission’s prior injury and review determinations, responses received to its notice of institution, data collected by staff in connection with the reviews, and information provided by the Department of Commerce.

The five-year (sunset) reviews concerning Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India were instituted on December 2, 2024.

On March 7, 2025, the Commission determined to conduct expedited five-year reviews. Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns concluded that the domestic interested party group response was adequate, and the respondent interested party group responses were inadequate and voted for expedited reviews. 

A record of the Commission’s vote to conduct expedited reviews is available on the investigations page for Polyester Textured Yarn from China and India; Inv. No. 701-TA-612-613 and 731-TA-1429-1430. 
 

Counter Terrorism Designations; The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control Assesses a Civil Monetary Penalty against GVA Capital, Ltd. - U.S. Department of Treasury/OFAC

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has assessed a $215,988,868 civil monetary penalty against GVA Capital Ltd. of San Francisco, California for violations of OFAC's sanctions against Russia and for related reporting obligations. GVA Capital knowingly managed an investment for sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov while aware of his blocked status. GVA Capital also failed to comply with an OFAC subpoena during OFAC's investigation into this matter.

The penalty amount reflects OFAC's determination that GVA Capital's conduct was egregious and not voluntarily self-disclosed.

For more information, please visit the following Enforcement Release.

Additionally, OFAC has updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.

Specially Designated Nationals List Update

The following individual has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

HUTHELE, Nasr Mohsen Ali (a.k.a. AL-SHAMMARI, Nasr), Baghdad, Iraq; DOB 27 Jan 1970; nationality Iraq; Gender Male; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; Passport A10575538 (Iraq) issued 09 Oct 2016 expires 07 Oct 2024; alt. Passport G2667703 (Iraq) issued 21 Feb 2009 expires 20 Feb 2017 (individual) [SDGT] (Linked To: HARAKAT AL-NUJABA).

The following entity has been added to OFAC's SDN List:

KATA'IB AL-IMAM ALI (a.k.a. AL-IMAM ALI BATTALIONS; a.k.a. IMAM ALI BRIGADES; a.k.a. KATAIB ROUH ALLAH ISSA IBN MIRIAM), Iraq; Syria; Secondary sanctions risk: section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224, as amended by Executive Order 13886; Organization Established Date 2014 [SDGT]
 

Scammers Posing as SPCA and Animal Welfare Staff - Federal Trade Commission

Are you the parent of a fur baby? Then you know how tough it is when your cat, dog, or other adorable pet is sick, in pain, or injured. You’d do anything for them. Scammers are using that feeling to steal your hard-earned money.

Here’s how the scam works. You get a call or text from someone who says they’re a staff member at the local SPCA or another animal shelter. They tell you that your pet was hit by a car, and you need to pay $500 right away to save them. Conveniently, they tell you exactly how to pay.

If you’re at home with your pet, you’ll know right away that it’s a scam. If you aren’t at home and you’re worried, here are some steps to help stop the scammers in their tracks.

• Call the shelter yourself. Look up the phone number of the shelter the person says they’re calling from. Call them yourself to see if Boots, Rascal, or Thor is there.
   
• Listen to how they tell you to pay. Scammers will insist you can only pay with cash, a gift card, a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or a payment app. Those are ways that get scammers the money quickly…and make it hard for you to get it back.
   
• Report the scam. If you encounter this, a different version of a pet scam (like fake pet ads), or any other kind of scam, fraud, or bad practice, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

And if you wound up sending money to a scammer, here’s what to do next.