Simply Trade

[Cindy's Version] I did Something Bad: When Customs Comes Calling

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Host: Cindy Allen

Published: October 24, 2025
Length: ~13 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

I Did Something Bad: When Customs Comes Calling

This week, Cindy Allen — the Taylor Swift of Trade — draws inspiration from I Did Something Bad to explore one of the biggest trade compliance challenges happening right now: CBP’s surge in broad and complex Requests for Information (CF-28s and CF-29s).

Cindy breaks down what these new inquiries mean for importers, especially those dealing with Section 232 duties, component-level valuation, and IEEPA-related exemptions. She also discusses the latest updates on the U.S.–China trade relationship, new tariffs on vehicles and buses, the continuing government shutdown, and the upcoming IEEPA Supreme Court hearing.

If you’ve received a CF-28 that looks more like a full audit than a question, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
  • Status of the government shutdown and potential trade impacts
  • New Section 232 duties:
    • • 25% on medium and heavy-duty vehicles and parts
    • 10% on buses (effective November 1)
  • Details on the new manufacturer duty offset for U.S.-assembled vehicles containing 15% or more U.S. content
  • Ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions and potential 100% tariffs on Chinese-origin goods
  • Updates on U.S.–India negotiations and high pharmaceutical tariffs
  • Expanded coverage of component-level aluminum and steel duties under Section 232
  • IEEPA Supreme Court hearing scheduled for November 5, and why it matters
  • Why importers are seeing an increase in CF-28 and CF-29 requests — and how to prepare
    • Key Takeaways:
    • The government shutdown has yet to cause major disruption, but risk increases with each passing week.
    • Section 232 duties are expanding to new products and components, creating valuation and traceability challenges.
    • Importers should be ready for CBP to ask for detailed component-level valuation and manufacturing data.
    • “Reasonable care” remains the guiding principle when exact valuation data is unavailable — document everything.
    • Proactive recordkeeping and supplier collaboration are critical to avoiding costly compliance issues.
      • Resources & Mentions:
      • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
      • Federal Register – Tariff & Trade Notices
      • U.S. Supreme Court Docket – IEEPA Case
      • U.S. Department of Commerce – Section 232 Program
        • Credits

        Hosts:

        • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn
        • Trade Force Multiplier

          • Producer:

          • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
            • Subscribe & Follow

            New episodes every Friday.

            Presented by: Global Training Center — providing education, consulting, workshops, and compliance resources for trade professionals.

            👉 Connect with us:

            • Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn
            • Global Training Center on LinkedIn
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            • Spotify
            • Apple Podcasts
            • Trade Geeks Community

              • Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

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