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Alexander H. Schaefer

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From economic sanctions to import tariffs, the incoming Trump administration has suggested it will seek to implement almost immediately significant changes in international trade policy and enforcement. In addition to these potentially seismic shifts, technological and social developments reshaping international trade rules and global supply chains are gathering speed, from the expanding adoption of blockchain technology to increasing corporate social responsibility requirements. On Wednesday, January 18, 2017, our Crowell & Moring team discussed predictions for the coming year. We stepped into the eye of this perfect storm to identify the international trade risks and opportunities likely to arise for your businesses in the course of 2017.

Please click here to access an on-demand recording of the webinar (note: you must complete the registration form for access).

Key Topics:

  • Sanctions in a Trump Administration: Iran, Cuba, Russia, and beyond
  • AML – “de-risking” and the new normal
  • ECR here to stay? Rollbacks? What’s next?
  • Supply chain risk management: CSR, blockchain, conflict minerals: new actors, and public disclosure – 2017 Issue
  • New tax on imports? Impact of possible border adjustment tax on your business; increased enforcement; ACE update
  • A new sheriff in town? Expedited case decisions, retaliatory tariffs, and China, China, China.

Presenters included members of our international trade team and Crowell & Moring International based in Washington, D.C. and Brussels.

 

Last week, the Department of Justice filed an action against Michaels Stores on behalf of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”).  According to the complaint, between 2006 and 2010 Michaels sold glass vases which were prone to shattering in consumers’ hands and caused multiple injuries.

The complaint alleges that (1) despite receiving injury reports from consumers beginning in 2007, Michaels failed notify the CPSC of the hazard until 2010; and (2) Michaels sought to mislead the CPSC by implying that another company imported the vases, when in fact Michaels was the “importer of record.”  (Under the Consumer Product Safety Act an importer has the same reporting obligations as a manufacturer.)  The CPSC is seeking civil penalties and a permanent injunction to allow for compliance oversight of the retailer.

Click here to read the full article on this case and lessons it can provide for retailers.

Click here to view a three-part video series by Crowell & Moring partner Cheryl Falvey that reviews compliance programs and risk mitigation strategies for consumer products companies.