In NY N302853, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the classification of a product called the “Moby Dick Bath Time Essentials Kit,” which included four items: a kneeler, elbow rest, rinser and spout cover. All of these items are packaged together in a box marketed for retail sale. The kneeler is made of a textile neoprene cover with a foam insert that is cut and sewn in the shape of a whale. The kneeler is…

Speaker of the House invokes Parliamentary Protocol from 1604 Summary: Monday, March 18, 2019, saw the Prime Minister blocked from putting forward the Brexit “Withdrawal Agreement” that the UK Government negotiated with the EU to a third Parliamentary vote. John Bercow, the Speaker of the House of Commons, who in accordance with longstanding UK Parliamentary protocol, decides on whether to allow any vote, told the UK Government that it cannot bring the deal back for a third vote…

  In NY N302852, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discussed the classification of unisex below-the-ankle cycling shoes from China. The three pairs of cycling shoes: Bont Vaypor+, Bont Vaypor XC and Bont Riot Buckle, are designed using specially engineered materials for performance with strength and weight requirements. Each style has the provisions for the attachment of bicycle clips in recessed areas of the rubber or plastics outer sole. The importer stated that the cycling…

  UK Votes – will not leave EU on March 29, 2019 Summary: On March 14, 2019, the UK Parliament voted to extend Article 50 (the formal mechanism for leaving the EU).  It will not leave the EU on March 29, 2019. Separately, MPs passed on taking charge of the Brexit process going forward, by voting down a proposal that would have seen a series of votes in UK Parliament next week allowing MPs to…

  No-Deal, No Brexit, and the Withdrawal Agreement all remain on the table. Summary: On March 13, 2019, UK Members of Parliament voted 321 to 278 to rule out a No-Deal Brexit in any scenario. MPs had earlier on Wednesday voted in favour of rejecting No-Deal. This was yet another attempt to convince Parliament to accept the Brexit “Withdrawal Agreement” that it had negotiated with the EU and forced a final vote to try to get No-Deal…

Brexit: What just happened and what does it mean? Summary: On March 12, 2019, the UK Parliament again rejected the Brexit “Withdrawal Agreement” that was negotiated with the EU.  The UK Government announced today (March 13, 2019) that import tariffs will be cut to zero on 87% of imports to the UK as part of a temporary no-deal plan to prevent a £9 billion price shock to business and consumers. Tariffs will still apply to certain goods including…

Leading Team Assists Clients with Global Expansion in Asia Los Angeles – March 11, 2019: Crowell & Moring LLP is broadening its ability to help multinational clients navigate global expansion and regulatory compliance in China and the Asia Pacific by adding four international trade and global employment lawyers: partners Nicole J. Simonian and Evan Yee-Fan Chuck, senior counsel Robert Clifton Burns, and counsel Jackson Pai to its Los Angeles and Washington offices. As part…