According to an anonymous US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employee, the agency is considering whether to propose a rule that would require the agency to reevaluate the health and environmental risks of certain chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) have become a large and growing part of the health care industry. ASCs offer same-day surgical care, including diagnostic and preventive procedures, and their popularity has recently grown.
Effective April 5, the United States imposed a 10% baseline tariff on imports from nearly all countries, excluding products from Canada and Mexico, and those products contained in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Column 2 and the Annex II list attached to Executive Order 14257. In contrast, Chinese imports are subject an increased 125% reciprocal tariff rate, combined with 20% International Emergency Economic Powers Act duty rate in effect since March 4.
On April 1, the US Secretary of Commerce initiated a section 232 “national security” investigation, “to determine the effects on national security of imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME), and their derivative products. This includes, among other things, semiconductor substrates and bare wafers, legacy chips, leading-edge chips, microelectronics, and SME components. Derivative products include downstream products that contain semiconductors, such as those that make up the electronics supply chain.”
D. Jacques Smith, Michael F. Dearington, Nadia Patel, Hillary M. Stemple, Laura Zell, John M. Hindley, Pascal Naples
Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries
As 4/20 approaches, the cannabis industry is aflame with trends and opportunities that extend beyond traditional boundaries. Recent insights reveal a dynamic shift in consumer behavior and consumption methods, offering an opportunity for companies across sectors to capitalize on the ever-evolving cannabis culture.
President Trump’s energy-focused ambitions will generate work for regulators at all levels of the government.
President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) 14187, “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” represents a significant shift in federal policy regarding gender-affirming care (GAC) for minors.
The One Day Rest in Seven Act is an Illinois law providing employees with the right to meal breaks and one full day of rest each work week.
In a series of recent legal challenges initiated by the pharmaceutical industry against the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG), manufacturers have contested the OIG’s long-standing interpretation of the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS).
Don’t be fooled by the 90-day pause. It looks like high tariffs will be here to stay and we are in the midst of an all-out trade war with China, including a minimum 145% tariff.
D. Jacques Smith, Michael F. Dearington, Nadia Patel, Hillary M. Stemple, Laura Zell, John M. Hindley, James G. Pizzo
Headlines that Matter for Companies and Executives in Regulated Industries
Ford is seeking to stop an aftermarket restoration company from the alleged unauthorized use of the Bronco trademark and trade dress in connection with the rebuild of modern Ford Broncos. The case raises questions of whether brands are doing enough to maintain rights in iconic designs in an increasingly hot marketplace for vintage-inspired goods.
On April 4, the Division of Corporation Finance of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a statement providing clarity on the application of federal securities laws to stablecoins, specifically those designed to maintain a stable value relative to the US Dollar (USD).
Angela M. Santos, Antonio J. Rivera, Kay C. Georgi, Nancy A. Noonan, James Kim*, Lucas A. Rock, Mario A. Torrico, Maya S. Cohen, Terry M. Frederic, Derek Ha, Andrew McArthur, Matthew Tuchband
Welcome to the April 2025 issue of “As the (Customs and Trade) World Turns,” our monthly newsletter where we compile essential updates from the customs and trade world over the past month. We bring you the most recent and significant insights in an accessible format, concluding with our main takeaways — aka “And the Fox Says…” — on what you need to know.
On April 4, US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Caroline A. Crenshaw, the sole Democrat serving as a Commissioner, issued a statement critiquing the Division of Corporation Finance’s analysis in its conclusion that stablecoins are not securities.
Public companies can face significant liability based on past operations. While most industrial companies have long-term experience evaluating potential remediation obligations imposed by laws such as the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, new legal theories and increased litigation from state and local governments heightens the potential for risk.
The California Senate Environmental Quality Committee passed California Senate Bill 682 aiming to ban the sale of products with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) unless deemed to have “essential uses” and without alternatives.
In a legal clash between MLB Players Inc. (MLBPI) and sports betting companies, DraftKings and bet365, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania denied the defendants’ motions to dismiss.
Charles B. Ferguson, Jr., Ann H. MacDonald, Kimberly A. Wachen, Adam D. Bowser, David P. Grosso, William R. Mitchell, Michael K. Molzberger, Angela M. Santos, Antonio J. Rivera, Mario A. Torrico
As the first quarter comes to a close, the ArentFox Schiff Hospitality Industry team reviews 10 of the most pressing legal issues for hospitality companies for 2025.
On March 31, a judge in the Eastern District of Texas vacated the US Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) rule that sought to regulate laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) as medical devices under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA).
On April 2, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta issued an alert reminding businesses operating in California that it is illegal to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Noncompete provisions continue to be governed by a constantly changing patchwork of state level legislation. In general, recent laws tend to limit their use among low wage earners or individuals in certain professions, such as health care workers or veterinarians.
AFS Automotive Presents on Late Title Transfers at the California New Motor Vehicle Board Roundtable
AFS Automotive’s Franjo M. Dolenac appeared on a panel with alumnus, Rob Cohen of Vitu, at the New Motor Vehicle Board’s Roundtable held in Sacramento, California on April 27, 2025 to talk about late title transfers for used vehicles.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is planning a major reorganization of the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) that includes consolidating several sections within the division into other DOJ divisions, as well as eliminating field offices.