Trade Compliance

Italian SMEs Bill Expands Inventory Financing Securitizations

The Italian Senate approved an annual SMEs Bill on March 4, 2026, amending Law 130 to expand structuring options for inventory financing securitizations. The changes allow for foreign originators and multijurisdiction asset pools, enhancing Italy's position in the international ABS market.

CIT Suspends IEEPA Duty Refund Order for CBP ACE Functionality

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) has suspended its order requiring immediate refunds of IEEPA duties. This suspension allows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) time to develop new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) functionality to process these refunds, estimated to be implemented in 45 days. Importers are advised to complete electronic refund setup and consider filing protests.

CNIPA Stops Notifying Local Agents for Madrid Designations

The Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) has ceased notifying local Chinese trademark agents for international trademarks designating China via the Madrid System. CNIPA now only serves the WIPO-recorded representative or the trademark holder directly, requiring proactive monitoring by rights holders and their representatives to avoid missing response deadlines.

EU Ambassadors Conference Speech by President António Costa

President António Costa delivered a speech at the EU Ambassadors Conference on March 10, 2026, emphasizing the importance of a unified EU foreign policy in a multipolar world. He highlighted the need to defend the rules-based international order and address global challenges, including conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Vehicle Parts

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted a Section 337 investigation based on a complaint by General Motors LLC and GM Global Technology Operations LLC. The investigation concerns alleged infringement of patents related to certain vehicle parts and components thereof.

Sanctions: Ordinance against Iran amended

Switzerland's Federal Department of Economic Affairs amended annexes to the ordinance on measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran, effective March 10, 2026. The content of the list of goods in annex 3 was also completed. These amendments update existing sanctions measures.

UK Sanctions Enforcement: Cross-Government Strategic Approach

The UK government has published its strategic approach to sanctions enforcement, outlining key principles and the roles of various departments. This policy paper emphasizes the importance of strong compliance and details potential consequences for non-compliance.

USITC Finds China Erythritol Imports Injure U.S. Industry

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has determined that imports of erythritol from China are injuring the U.S. industry. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders on these imports.

CIT Ruling on IEEPA Duties Impacts Importer Refunds

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States directing CBP to liquidate entries without regard to IEEPA duties. This ruling impacts importers seeking refunds of tariffs previously imposed under IEEPA, following a Supreme Court decision.

Importers Eye IEEPA Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

Following a Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's IEEPA tariffs were unlawful, importers are seeking refunds. The administration plans to complicate the refund process, leaving the Court of International Trade to handle thousands of cases. The CIT has issued an initial order confirming importers' entitlement to refunds.