On August 10, 2020, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) issued a notice that goods produced in Hong Kong will need to be marked as a product of China starting on September 25, 2020. The marking changes are the result of the July 14, 2020 Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization that ended Hong Kong’s special trade status.

CBP is allowing for a 45-day transition period after the date of publication in the Federal Register to implement the requirements due to the “commercial realities.” The notice does not specify how the changes affect tariff treatment of Hong Kong goods.  An administration official has stated that the Executive Order does not “provide for new U.S. tariffs on goods from Hong Kong”, but that the Administration is continuing to evaluate its policies.  Therefore, at this time, it remains unclear whether goods originating in Hong Kong will be subject to the same tariffs as Chinese origin goods, including antidumping duties, countervailing duties and Section 301 duties.  Additional guidance from CBP, USTR and the U.S. Department of Commerce is expected.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide any updates as more information becomes available. Husch Blackwell encourages those who may have questions or concerns on this issue to please contact the International Trade and Supply Chain team.

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Photo of Stephen Brophy Stephen Brophy

Stephen brings more than 20 years of international trade experience to Husch Blackwell. His practice focuses on trade relief and regulation, representing clients in antidumping, countervailing duty and safeguard proceedings. He has assisted clients with these and other related matters before the U.S.

Stephen brings more than 20 years of international trade experience to Husch Blackwell. His practice focuses on trade relief and regulation, representing clients in antidumping, countervailing duty and safeguard proceedings. He has assisted clients with these and other related matters before the U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. International Trade Commission. Stephen is also experienced with customs issues, including tariff classification, valuation and country of origin marking matters.

Photo of Robert Stang Robert Stang

Bob focuses his practice on customs and international trade law. He brings 30 years of experience to a wide range of issues that affect inbound and outbound goods, including tariff classification, valuation, country of origin marking matters, free trade agreements, and special trade…

Bob focuses his practice on customs and international trade law. He brings 30 years of experience to a wide range of issues that affect inbound and outbound goods, including tariff classification, valuation, country of origin marking matters, free trade agreements, and special trade programs. He also has extensive customs compliance experience and regularly assists importers facing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) audits, penalties, seizures, redelivery notices and other agency enforcement activities. Bob works with importers and exporters proactively to achieve cost savings and structure programs that meet CBP “reasonable care” requirements. He also handles supply chain security issues, including Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) enrollment, verification and annual reviews.

Photo of Turner Kim Turner Kim

A trade analyst, Turner conducts industry research and analyzes trade data to assist attorneys with client proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade. He also actively monitors U.S. government and global trade developments…

A trade analyst, Turner conducts industry research and analyzes trade data to assist attorneys with client proceedings at the U.S. International Trade Commission, U.S. Department of Commerce and U.S. Court of International Trade. He also actively monitors U.S. government and global trade developments for issues relating to client’s most critical trade matters.

Photo of Camron Greer Camron Greer

A trade analyst, Camron researches transitions in global trade policy and their impact on client business matters. Camron assists clients, attorneys and legal teams when trade, business and the law intersect.