THE VIGILANT VIGIL – 9TH 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 ninth edition of the Vigilant Vigil.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed this week… you’re in good company.
It’s not just the volume of updates—it’s the nature of them.
Domestically, we’re tracking continued tariff adjustments, enforcement actions, and evolving compliance expectations. Globally, the picture is even more complex: shifting alliances, new trade measures, environmental regulations like CBAM, expanding data access for enforcement in countries like Mexico, and broader geopolitical instability shaping how trade flows—and how it’s controlled .
It’s a lot to take in. And more importantly—it’s a lot to stay on top of.
What we’re experiencing isn’t just change. It’s constant change, from every direction, all at once.
And when that happens, as humans, we tend to react in predictable ways.
Some of us fight—we dig in, push harder, work longer hours, and try to power through it.
Some of us flee—we avoid the complexity, hoping it settles down or becomes clearer.
And some of us freeze—we focus so intently on the fire directly in front of us that we don’t see the ones quietly starting behind us.
None of these responses are wrong—they’re human.
But none of them, on their own, are sustainable.
Because the truth is, no single person—or even single team—can keep up with all of this, all of the time. Not anymore.
That’s why this week’s message is simple:
It takes a village.
You need strong partners.
A customs broker with real controls—not just transaction processing.
Forwarders who understand compliance—not just logistics.
Technology that actually helps you manage risk—not just move data.
And trusted advisors—consultants, legal counsel, managed services—who can help you see what you might be missing.
And just as importantly—you need your community.
Organizations like NCBFAA, ICPA, AAEI, and others exist for a reason. They are not just networking groups—they are support systems. Places where knowledge is shared, challenges are discussed, and solutions are developed collectively.
Because none of us are meant to do this alone.
And in the middle of all of that complexity, I’ll offer one more piece of advice—something I’m still learning myself:
Slow your role.
Take a breath.
Step back when you need to.
Focus on what you can control today, and trust that you’ll tackle the rest tomorrow.
You don’t have to solve everything at once.
You just have to keep moving forward—thoughtfully, deliberately, and with the right people around you.
We don’t have all the answers. But we will continue to do our best to help you navigate what’s coming—one week at a time.
And together, we’ll get through it.
Let’s stay vigilant.
Jamie Adams, LCB, CCS
Director of Global Compliance Solutions at Vigilant GTS
In this volume, we will explore:
- CSMS updates
- Updates to the Federal Registry, for both policy and product
- Cooperative call outs to other blogs
- 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.**
CSMS Updates
**The following are short summaries of the actual information provided by CSMS. To stay up to date with announcements and news, please subscribe at: https://www.cbp.gov/webform/subscribe-receive-cbp-access-updates **
CSMS # 68448732 – Updated Guidance #3: Implementation of Jones Act Waiver issued to the Department of War, dated March 17, 2026
The waiver will be extended for a period of 90-days commencing on May 18, 2026 at 12 a.m. Thus, CBP has determined that to be compliant with the extended waiver, any covered product must be loaded onboard the relevant vessel before the deadline expires at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time on Sunday, August 16, 2026. With notice of this extension, CBP is also providing an updated list of potentially covered products as of April 24, 2026.
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
Procedures for Submissions by Certain Steel and Aluminum Producers Committing to New U.S. Steel or Aluminum Production to Obtain Tariff Adjustments
| FR Document: 2026-07987 Citation: 91 FR 21790 | PDF Pages 21790-21794 (5 pages) Permalink |
| Abstract: In Presidential Proclamation 10984 of October 17, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles, Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Parts, and Buses Into the United States), the President imposed additional tariffs on imports of specified medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs), medium- and heavy-duty vehicles parts (MHDVPs), and buses to eliminate the threat to national security posed by such imports… | |
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States for Duties Imposed by Presidential Proclamation; Technical Corrections
| FR Document: 2026-08297 Citation: 91 FR 23056 | PDF Pages 23056-23057 (2 pages) Permalink |
| Abstract: The President issued Proclamation 11021 “Strengthening Actions Taken to Adjust Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States,” (Presidential Proclamation) on April 2, 2026, to adjust imports of metal products to address more effectively threats to the national security. In the Presidential Proclamation, the President authorized the Secretary of Commerce (the Secretary) to publish modifications to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) to effectuate or… | |
Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic Cells, Whether or Not Assembled into Modules from India
| FR Document: 2026-08194 Citation: 91 FR 22798 | PDF Pages 22798-22802 (5 pages) Permalink |
| Abstract: The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) preliminarily determines that crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled into modules (solar cells) from India are being, or are likely to be, sold in the United States at less than fair value (LTFV). The period of investigation (POI) is July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Interested parties are invited to comment on this preliminary determination. | |
from Indonesia
| FR Document: 2026-08193 Citation: 91 FR 22802 | PDF Pages 22802-22806 (5 pages) Permalink |
from the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| FR Document: 2026-08192 Citation: 91 FR 22794 | PDF Pages 22794-22798 (5 pages) Permalink |
News from other esteemed sources:
BAKER/MCKENZIE
EU: European Parliament and Council reach agreement on the EU customs reform
On 26 March 2026, the European Parliament and the Council reached an agreement on the most comprehensive and ambitious reform of EU Customs Law since 1968. The agreement finalizes negotiations after three years since the European Commission published…
Milan Trade Day 2026 – Trade, sanctions and national security in a changing global landscape (12 May) Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions and the growing use of economic measures as tools of national security, companies are facing an increasingly complex and fast‑moving regulatory environment. Milan Trade Day 2026 will examine key…
The Mexican government publishes an increase to the General Import Duty applicable to certain goods originating in countries with which Mexico does not have a Free Trade Agreement On April 23, 2026, the office of the President published in the Federal Official Gazette a Decree amending the tariff schedule of the General Import and Export Duties Law and the Decree that establishes diverse Sectoral Promotion Programs (the…
CSIS/TRADE GUYS
| Tariff Refund Process, Trade Over Aid, and USTR Greer Testifies |
| On this episode of the Trade Guys, Bill and Scott give an update on the launch of the tariff refund process. They also discuss the U.S. “Trade Over Aid” initiative and break down U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s congressional testimony on the administration’s trade agenda. |
Tariff Refund Process, Trade Over Aid, and USTR Greer Testifies | The Trade Guys | CSIS Podcasts
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:
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.
CBP Trade and Cargo Security Summit, (Rescheduled to September, 8-10, 2026)
Dallas, TX
Jamie Adams will be attending sessions and happy to connect with you.
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 focusing on the importance of auditing your brokers, particularly related to recordkeeping. https://vigilantgts.com/avoid-costly-fines-audit-broker-records-hb/
Check back with us every Tuesday as we will be publishing new quick topic videos every week.
You can see the library of all our videos on our website at: https://vigilantgts.com/webinars/