Drug Enforcement Agency Focused on Fentanyl Precursor Imports By John H. Kester Importers working to ensure compliance with swiftly changing tariffs enforced by Customs and Border Protection would be prudent also to keep another arm of government in mind: the Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”). Just as the Trump Administration has pointed to fentanyl as justification […]
U.S. Sanctions President of Colombia and Other Individuals On October 24, 2025 the U.S. Department of Treasury announced that, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), it is imposing individual sanctions against the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, as well as his wife, son, and “a close associate.” As a result of the sanctions, […]
By John H. Kester The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) on Monday announced an interim final rule (“IFR”) stating that any entity that is at least 50 percent owned by one or more entities on the Entity List or the Military End-User List (“MEU List”), directly or indirectly, individually or […]
By GKG Law GKG Law last month was the only law firm member of the Department of Commerce sponsored U.S. Business Delegation to the Middle Corridor, a week-long trade mission to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia that brought together U.S. trade and logistics companies with their regional counterparts and high-ranking government officials. The mission was organized […]
U.S. Trade Representative Proposes Up to $1.5 Million Dollar Vessel Entrance Fee on Chinese Built Vessels Entering U.S. Ports and Phased Requirement to Export Increasing Percentage of U.S. Goods on U.S.-flagged, U.S.-operated and U.S.-built Vessels. Author: Rachel Amster Summary. On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (“USTR”) issued a notice […]
GKG Law Wins Major Victory for NVO Against Shipper Who Refused to Pay Detention and Demurrage Charges By John H. Kester GKG Law recently prevailed in an action brought against a non-vessel operating common carrier (“NVO”) before the Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC” or the “Commission”) by a shipper alleging violations of the Shipping Act of […]
Trump Administration Telegraphs Sweeping Trade Policy Changes Affecting Shippers NVOs By John H. Kester The President signed 26 Executive Orders (“E.O.s”) on Monday relating, inter alia, to immigration, gang violence, and foreign aid. In addition, however, the Administration issued an America First Trade Policy memorandum, referencing numerous potential trade policy changes. Those potential changes would […]
DOL Seeks Comment on Proposed Rule for Classifying Contractors and Employees The Department of Labor (DOL) is seeking comments regarding a proposed rulemaking that would make it more difficult for corporations and associations to classify some workers as independent contractors. The proposed rule would consider a number of factors in assessing workers’ roles, including whether […]