August 2026 Freight Pulse: New Customs Rules, Section 338 Tariffs, and FMC Compliance Enforcement

U.S. importers face three immediate compliance priorities this August: new Section 338 tariffs on Canadian goods, the largest-ever expansion of the UFLPA Entity List, and continued FMC scrutiny of detention and demurrage billing.

The Section 338 tariffs take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on August 19. The three proclamations impose an additional 50% duty on covered Canadian-origin motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, dairy products, and other listed goods. The duty applies even when merchandise qualifies for USMCA treatment and may stack with existing trade remedies. Review HTSUS classifications, origin records, entry timing, and landed-cost forecasts now. Read the White House fact sheet and related proclamations before your next entry.

On August 3, DHS added 43 entities to the UFLPA Entity List, bringing the total to 187. The additions reach beyond apparel and cotton, including seafood, metals, battery materials, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial inputs. Update supplier screening, bills of materials, purchase orders, and traceability files. CBP applies a rebuttable presumption that goods linked to listed entities were made with forced labor.

The FMC continues enforcing OSRA 2022 detention and demurrage billing requirements under 46 CFR Part 541. Invoices must include shipment identifiers, charge dates, rates, free time, and dispute instructions. Carriers and terminals generally face 30-day issuance requirements, while customers must receive at least 30 days to seek mitigation. Noncompliant or coercive invoices create significant enforcement and payment risk. Review the FMC advisory.

Use accurate documentation, integrated logistics software, and a capable 3PL to strengthen supply chain management. Lanta Logistics supports Mid-Atlantic fulfillment, 3PL Maryland operations, food-grade warehouse requirements, Hazmat certified 3PL programs, and Glen Burnie warehouse execution backed by real-time systems.