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United States are now required to be traceable at the package level throughout the supply chain. This will help prevent counterfeit drugs and improve the ability to respond to recalls and quality issues. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) CBP continues to play a crucial role in regulating international trade, with recent updates aimed at elevating security and efficiency in global supply chains. 1. Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Expansion: The UFLPA focuses on preventing goods produced with forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China from entering the U.S. market. Earlier this year, CBP intensified its enforcement efforts under UFLPA, expanding the UFLPA Entity List, which identifies entities involved in forced labor practices in XUAR, by adding 26 new entities believed to be sourcing materials from the region. 2. Modernization of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): CBP has made significant updates to the ACE system, which facilitates electronic processing of imports and exports. The updates include enhanced functionality for managing trade compliance and security, such as better tools for filing and processing entries, and new features for monitoring trade trends and risks.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA has introduced several new regulations aimed at reducing environmental impacts associated with transportation and logistics, particularly concerning emissions and sustainability. Here are two important developments: 1. Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards: The EPA recently finalized new emissions standards for heavy- duty vehicles and engines, starting with model year 2027. These standards are designed to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, which contribute to smog and respiratory issues. The rules also set stricter greenhouse gas emission standards for medium and heavy-duty trucks, promoting the adoption of cleaner technologies. 2. Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Rule: Several states, including California, adopted the ACT rule, which required manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission trucks annually, starting in 2024. The EPA is expected to introduce similar nationwide regulations to support the transition to electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) The FDA continues to update its regulations to ensure the safety and security of the food and pharmaceutical supply chains. Recent changes include the following: 1. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Final Rule on Food Traceability: In response to ongoing concerns about foodborne illnesses, the FDA issued the final rule on food traceability in 2023. The rule establishes additional recordkeeping requirements for certain foods, facilitating faster identification and removal of potentially contaminated products from the market. 2. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA): The FDA has ramped up enforcement of the DSCSA, which aims to enhance the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain. Starting this year, all prescription drugs in the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) OSHA has launched new initiatives focusing on safety in warehouses and distribution centers. These include increased inspections and enforcement related to hazards such as ergonomic injuries, forklift safety, and heat exposure, reflecting the growing importance of warehousing in the e-commerce-driven supply chain. The agency has also updated training requirements and enforcement strategies to reduce fall-related injuries and fatalities.
September 2024 • Inbound Logistics 19
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