07/24/2026
CARTAINER OCEAN LINE CUSTOMS BROKERAGE & PENBROKE MARINE SERVICES, INC.
Licensed U.S. Customs Brokerage & Ocean Freight Forwarding
MEMORANDUM
• TO: Valued Importers, Shippers & Trade Partners
• FROM: Import Compliance & Customs Operations Team
• DATE: July 2026
• SUBJECT: URGENT UPDATE: Transition to New Section 301 Trade Tariffs & Action Plan
Dear Valued Client,
Following our recent alert regarding the expiration of Section 122 tariffs, we are writing to inform you of critical developments in U.S. trade policy. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have announced the formal implementation of new Section 301 tariffs, taking effect immediately.
This new regulatory measure introduces updated duty structures on imports across 60 trading economies. The new tariffs directly impact commercial cargo—including vehicles, machinery, commercial cargo, industrial equipment, and retail goods.
Key Regulatory Highlights & Impact Summary
1. New Section 301 Rates: Importers will see additional ad valorem duties ranging from 10% to 12.5% depending on the country of origin and product classification.
2. In-Transit Grace Period: Goods that were loaded onto a vessel and in active transit prior to the effective cutoff time may qualify for conditional exemption, provided entry summaries are filed within the specific CBP grace period window.
3. Enhanced CBP Verification: Customs enforces stricter Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code classifications, country-of-origin verification, and ISF compliance for affected shipments.
How Cartainer Ocean Line & Penbroke Marine Services Are Protecting Your Business
Navigating continuous trade changes requires proactive management. Our licensed brokers and logistics specialists are actively taking steps to minimize your duty exposure and keep your cargo moving:
• Tariff Code Audit & Reclassification: We review your product lines against updated Section 301 Chapter 99 provisions to ensure accurate classification and identify eligible exemptions.
• Landed Cost Recalculation: We recalculate landed costs before arrival so you can adjust your budget and inventory pricing without surprises.
• Accelerated Customs Clearance: We manage priority ISF filings and entry submissions to ensure your shipments clear U.S. ports without costly delays or holds.
• End-to-End Logistics Coordination: From vessel arrival to door-to-door delivery, we handle the logistics so you can focus on running your business.
Recommended Immediate Actions for Importers
• Send Pending Invoices & Manifests: Forward commercial invoices, bills of lading, and HTS details for active or upcoming shipments to [email protected] for immediate pre-entry audit.
• Verify In-Transit Status: Contact our team immediately to determine if your ocean cargo qualifies for in-transit filing exemptions.
• Review Product Lines: Schedule a brief consultation with your dedicated broker to evaluate tariff impacts on future supply chain planning.
Questions or Urgent Shipments?
Our team is actively reviewing entry filings and guiding clients through this tariff transition today.
📞 Call Us: 908-862-2262
📧 Email Us: [email protected]
Sincerely,
The Import Compliance & Customs Advisory Team
Cartainer Ocean Line Customs Brokerage & Penbroke Marine Services, Inc.
