THE VIGILANT VIGIL – 3RD EDITION
Welcome, visitor, to the Vigil. Here you will find a summation of current global trade changes and regulatory updates. We aim to deliver helpful insights in a timely and relevant manner, to help you remain vigilant in an ever-evolving trade environment.
The Editing Director (T.E.D.)’s Foreword:
Welcome to the third edition of the Vigilant Vigil.
If there’s a single theme that continues to rise to the surface week after week, it’s this: complexity is compounding.
We are no longer dealing with isolated regulatory changes or one-off enforcement actions. Instead, we’re operating in a layered environment—Section 301, 232, 201, and now 122 tariffs all interacting at once, against the backdrop of IEEPA refunds, expanding sanctions programs, and a steady drumbeat of CF28s and CF29s. Each of these on its own is manageable. Together, they create a level of operational and strategic pressure that is difficult to ignore.
And if you’re feeling stretched thin right now—you’re not alone.
But here’s the reality: this is not the peak. This is the baseline.
Which means now is the time to step back—yes, even when it feels impossible—and take an honest look at where you stand as a trade compliance leader. Are your policies and procedures built for where trade is today… and where it’s going? Are your processes scalable? Are you still relying on manual workarounds in an environment that increasingly punishes them?
Because the margin for error is shrinking, while the expectation for precision continues to grow.
Technology, automation, and strong partnerships are no longer “nice to have.” They are essential. The right brokers, forwarders, advisors, and tools can make the difference between staying ahead—or constantly reacting.
And from a U.S. perspective, let me be very clear on one point:
ACE and ACH are no longer optional. They are foundational.
With refund processes evolving, enforcement increasing, and CBP systems under strain, waiting to get visibility into your data is simply not a viable strategy. The sooner you understand your entry universe, the better positioned you will be. The current adoption rate is surprisingly low—and that gap will matter.
ACT NOW.
As always, our goal with the Vigil is to help you stay informed without adding to the noise. And if your needs extend beyond information—whether it’s people, process, or technology—please reach out. If we can’t support you directly, we will help connect you with those who can.
We’re all navigating this together. Let’s stay vigilant—and prepared for what’s next.
Jamie Adams, LCB, CCS
Director of Global Compliance Solutions at Vigilant GTS
In this volume, we will explore:
- Celebrating Women’s History Month!
- Updates to the Federal Registry, for both policy and product
- CAN/US focus on country of origin
- Other great information from friends around the web
- Where to find us
- Be sure to check out our weekly edition of Trade Buzz
Let’s veer into it, shall we?
**The following contains links and citations from multiple US government agencies and other credible sources. Vigilant GTS LLC is not the source material but simply compilating the information. **
Giving credit where credit is due:
During Women’s History Month, we feel we would be remiss if we did not validate the visionary and vital contribution of women, now and throughout history, who have played valuable roles in the shaping of this industry!
From OWIT:
Give to Gain: How Women Are Redefining Global Trade
On International Women’s Day 2026, OWIT stands with a clear message: when women lead in global trade, economies grow stronger. https://owit.org/statement-on-international-womens-day-2026/
From the Office of the President: Women’s History Month (Proc. 11017)
| FR Document: 2026-05262 Citation: 91 FR 12913 | PDF Pages 12913-12914 (2 pages) Permalink |
Federal Register Updates
**These are just a sampling of the many updates and changes made by the Federal Register. For a more comprehensive list, or to subscribe to the updates yourself, follow the link below, and never miss a thing.**
https://www.federalregister.gov
Panel Decision:
North American Free Trade Agreement, Article 1904; Binational Panel Review
| FR Document: 2026-04728 Citation: 91 FR 11956 | PDF Page 11956 (1 page) Permalink |
| Abstract: On March 6, 2026, the Binational Panel issued its Decision on the Redetermination on Remand in the matter of Certain Softwood Lumber Products from Canada: Final Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination (Secretariat File Number: USA-CDA-2017-1904-02). The Binational Panel affirmed in part and remanded in part the Department of Commerce’s Redetermination on Remand. | |
Initiation of Section 301 Investigations:
Acts, Policies, and Practices of Certain Economies Relating to Structural Excess Capacity and Production in Manufacturing Sectors
| FR Document: 2026-05214 Citation: 91 FR 12886 | PDF Pages 12886-12891 (6 pages) Permalink |
| Abstract: The United States Trade Representative (Trade Representative) has initiated investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 regarding the acts, policies, and practices of certain economies relating to structural excess capacity and production in certain manufacturing sectors. Key trading partners have developed production capacity untethered from the incentives of domestic and global demand. This excess capacity leads to, among others, overproduction and large or persistent trade… | |
Antidumping or Countervailing Duty Investigations, Orders, or Reviews:
Certain Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires From the People’s Republic of China
| FR Document: 2026-05206 Citation: 91 FR 12755 | PDF Pages 12755-12757 (3 pages) Permalink |
| Abstract: On March 4, 2026, the U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued its final judgment in YC Rubber v. United States, CIT Court no. 19-00069, sustaining the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce)’s third remand results pertaining to the administrative review of the antidumping duty (AD) order on Certain Passenger Vehicle and Light Truck Tires from the People’s Republic of China (China) covering the period August 1, 2016 through July 31, 2017. Commerce is notifying the public that the CIT’s… | |
Investigations; Determinations, Modifications, and Rulings, etc.:
Certain Vehicle Parts and Components Thereof
| FR Document: 2026-04838 Citation: 91 FR 12218 | PDF Pages 12218-12219 (2 pages) Permalink |
| Abstract: Notice is hereby given that a complaint was filed with the U.S. International Trade Commission on February 5, 2026, under section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, on behalf of General Motors LLC of Detroit, Michigan and GM Global Technology Operations LLC of Detroit, Michigan. The complaint alleges violations of section 337 based upon the importation into the United States, the sale for importation, and the sale within the United States after importation of certain vehicle parts… | |
Scope Rulings
| FR Document: 2026-04942 Citation: 91 FR 12342 | PDF Page 12342 (1 page) Permalink |
| Abstract: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) hereby publishes a list of scope rulings made during the period October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. We intend to publish future lists after the close of the next calendar quarter. | |
CANADA/US focus on “Buy local” and country of origin:
CANADA:
Canada’s food regulator cracks down on grocers making incorrect country-of-origin claims
“…the CFIA had identified 27 violations in 2025 where grocers, mostly national chains, made erroneous country-of-origin claims.” https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/loblaw-fine-canadian-9.7130933
USA:
Products Claiming To Be Made in America; Efforts To Ensure Truthful Advertisement (EO 14392)
| FR Document: 2026-05383 Citation: 91 FR 13201 | PDF Pages 13201-13202 (2 pages) Permalink |
News from friends around the web:
BAKER/MCKENZIE
UK Government publishes policy paper on its approach to sanctions enforcement
03/18/2026 On 10 March 2026, the UK Government published a policy paper outlining the UK’s approach to enforcing sanctions breaches (available here). The policy paper sets out that “[r]obust enforcement of UK sanctions is a priority for this government”. The… Read more…
Ashley Arnold:
Giving insight into liquidation; what it means and when it happens “The most important deadline in Customs compliance isn’t just the entry date, it’s liquidation. Liquidation is when U.S. Customs and Border Protection makes its final determination on duties, taxes, and fees. Once an entry liquidates…
Mario Viegas:
Sharing updates from CBP about IEEPA refunds CBP has recently announced an important update regarding IEEPA tariff refunds… CBP is in progressive of developing a new system called CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) to automate the refunds for unlawful IEEPA tariffs…
Where to find us: Vigilant Visitation Opportunities
We will be out and about at different trade and compliance related conferences around the country! We would love for you to come to say hello, so we can get to know you better!
You can also connect with us at: https://vigilantgts.com/ or through our socials, on Facebook and LinkedIn!
Where we will be:
CBP Trade and Cargo Security Summit, April 28 – 29 Dallas, TX
Jamie Adams will be attending sessions and happy to connect with you.
ICPA Canada Conference, June 7 – 10 Toronto, Ontario Canada
Jamie Adams will be presenting, again, on the importance of US and CA Customs Entry and Broker Audits. The choir will also be singing, and we are looking to increase in number. You do receive a 33% discount for singing with us.
ICPA Global Trade Pathways Conference (Fall), September 13, 2026 Grapevine, TX
Vigilant will be a sponsor and you can visit us at our booth. Jamie Adams will be presenting and leading the choir.
TRADE BUZZ – Powered by Vigilant GTS
Joe Burks has moved on to a new position at a new company, and he has graciously handed the reigns of Trade Buzz to Jamie Adams.
We posted a video this week regarding Ownership Screening under the 50% Rule at:
Check back with us every Tuesday as we will be publishing new quick topic videos every week.
Please also watch for the Newsletter announcements of our 30-to-45-minute Trade Buzz Webinars to be scheduled soon.
You can see the library of all our videos on our website at: https://vigilantgts.com/webinars/