Question 1

What are EPR packaging laws, and why do they matter for manufacturers?

Accepted Answer

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) packaging laws make manufacturers financially and operationally responsible for managing their packaging waste at the end of its life. Under these laws, producers must fund recycling, reporting, and waste management programs through Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).In the U.S., EPR is state-driven, meaning compliance varies by state. Manufacturers must track packaging data, report to the appropriate PRO, and pay eco-modulated fees based on recyclability and material composition.EPR laws support a circular economy, reduce landfill waste, and help manufacturers meet sustainability goals.

Question 2

How do manufacturers comply with EPR packaging requirements?

Accepted Answer

Compliance typically involves four key steps:Register and join the appropriate Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO).Track and report the types, weights, and recyclability of packaging materials placed on the market.Pay PRO fees, which may vary based on packaging recyclability (eco-modulation).Meet recycling and content targets — for example, post-consumer recycled content in plastics and paper.Manufacturers must also monitor updates to avoid gaps in compliance across states. Using centralized EPR compliance software helps automate reporting and ensures data accuracy across jurisdictions.

Question 3

How can manufacturers prepare for EPR compliance and avoid penalties?

Accepted Answer

The best way to avoid EPR compliance risks is through proactive preparation and consistent data management. Start by identifying where your products are sold, what materials your packaging uses, and whether those materials are in scope for EPR programs. From there, establish internal tracking processes and join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) early.Manufacturers can also reduce costs and risk by designing recyclable or reusable packaging, centralizing reporting data, and automating updates across states as new regulations emerge. Investing in an EPR compliance platform helps ensure you meet reporting deadlines, maintain audit-ready documentation, and stay ahead of rapidly changing state requirements.

Question 4

How does Assent help manufacturers manage EPR packaging compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers simplify and scale their EPR compliance across multiple U.S. states. The Assent Sustainability Platform centralizes packaging data, automates reporting to Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), and keeps you ahead of evolving requirements.With Assent, you can track material composition, calculate packaging weights, and generate audit-ready reports that align with state-specific EPR laws, from California’s SB 54 to Colorado’s HB 22-1355. The platform also provides real-time regulatory updates, so you’re never caught off guard by new reporting deadlines or scope changes.

Question 5

What are the Minnesota PFAS reporting rule requirements?

Accepted Answer

Minnesota’s final PFAS reporting rule requires manufacturers to report all products containing intentionally added PFAS that are sold, offered, or distributed in the state, including online sales. The rule covers a broad product scope, including fluoropolymers such as PTFE. Manufacturers must submit detailed product information, PFAS functions, and concentration ranges through Minnesota’s new PRISM reporting system. A one-time $800 fee per manufacturer applies, and most reported information will be publicly accessible unless trade-secret protection is approved.

Question 6

What is PRISM for PFAS reporting?

Accepted Answer

PRISM (PFAS Reporting and Information System for Manufacturers) is Minnesota’s online platform for submitting PFAS product data. Launched in January 2026, PRISM serves as the centralized system for Minnesota’s PFAS reporting program and is designed to support multi-state adoption in the future. Manufacturers will use PRISM to register, prepare submissions, report PFAS in products, request waivers, and manage trade-secret claims.

Question 7

What is the Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline?

Accepted Answer

The initial Minnesota PFAS reporting deadline is September 15, 2026. In the original rule, the deadline was July 1, 2026, but this was pushed back in an update published on April 15, 2026. This deadline applies to all in-scope products sold or distributed in the state. Beginning February 2027, manufacturers must report all new products containing intentionally added PFAS by February 1 each year. Ongoing re-reporting is not required unless a product changes, making it essential for companies to maintain a scalable, repeatable PFAS tracking process.

Question 8

What is Section 232 and why does it matter for steel, aluminum, and copper imports?

Accepted Answer

Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act allows the president to impose tariffs if imports threaten national security. Since 2018, this has led to significant tariffs on steel and aluminum, and in 2025, copper was added. Importers must now provide detailed supply chain data (such as country of smelt, cast, melt, and pour) to avoid duties up to 200%.

Question 9

How can importers stay compliant with Section 232 reporting requirements?

Accepted Answer

Importers should:Collect mill test certificates, certificates of analysis, or supplier attestationsEngage suppliers early to ensure smelt/melt data is availableUse trade compliance software to trace metals back to the smelterWork with compliance experts to interpret CBP updates and avoid costly penalties

Question 10

What are the risks of not complying with Section 232 tariff requirements?

Accepted Answer

If importers cannot prove the country of smelt, cast, melt, or pour, U.S. CBP may assume the material originated from a restricted country (such as Russia). This can trigger a 200% duty, shipment delays, or even having goods stopped at the border. Lack of documentation creates significant financial and operational risks.

Question 11

What qualifies a product to be labeled “Made in USA”?

Accepted Answer

To make an unqualified “Made in America” claim, a product must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This means final assembly occurs in the U.S., and nearly all materials, parts, and processing are of domestic origin. If significant imported content is involved, companies should use a qualified claim (e.g., “Assembled in the USA with imported parts”).

Question 12

Why are “Made in America” claims facing increased enforcement?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement is increasing due to a 2026 executive order directing the FTC to prioritize action against deceptive U.S.-origin claims. Combined with existing rules that allow civil penalties, companies making unsupported claims face greater scrutiny, financial penalties, and reputational risk.

Question 13

How can companies ensure their U.S.-origin claims are compliant?

Accepted Answer

Companies should treat country of origin claims as a compliance process by collecting and validating supply chain data, documenting sourcing and manufacturing details, and aligning marketing language with evidence. Claims should be reviewed across all channels — including labels, websites, and marketplaces — to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Question 14

What qualifies a product to be labeled “Made in USA”?

Accepted Answer

To make an unqualified “Made in America” claim, a product must be “all or virtually all” made in the United States. This means final assembly occurs in the U.S., and nearly all materials, parts, and processing are of domestic origin. If significant imported content is involved, companies should use a qualified claim (e.g., “Assembled in the USA with imported parts”).

Question 15

Why are “Made in America” claims facing increased enforcement?

Accepted Answer

Enforcement is increasing due to a 2026 executive order directing the FTC to prioritize action against deceptive U.S.-origin claims. Combined with existing rules that allow civil penalties, companies making unsupported claims face greater scrutiny, financial penalties, and reputational risk.

Question 16

How can companies ensure their U.S.-origin claims are compliant?

Accepted Answer

Companies should treat country of origin claims as a compliance process by collecting and validating supply chain data, documenting sourcing and manufacturing details, and aligning marketing language with evidence. Claims should be reviewed across all channels — including labels, websites, and marketplaces — to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Question 17

What is the BIS 50% Rule (Affiliates Rule)?

Accepted Answer

The BIS 50% Rule is a new U.S. export control requirement that extends Entity List and MEU List restrictions to any company that is 50% or more owned (directly or indirectly) by one or more listed entities. This includes subsidiaries, holding companies, offshore structures, and multi-layer corporate ownership.

Question 18

When will the BIS 50% Rule be fully enforced?

Accepted Answer

The rule becomes fully enforceable in November 2026, but early preparation is essential due to the difficulty of uncovering hidden ownership relationships.

Question 19

What are the risks of BIS 50% Rule non-compliance?

Accepted Answer

Organizations face export privilege loss, regulatory penalties, and significant shipment delays. Many companies now search for BIS 50% Rule penalties and export control enforcement as enforcement tightens.

Question 20

How does Assent support BIS 50% Rule compliance?

Accepted Answer

Assent’s Enhanced Entity Screening integrates AI-powered analysis, ownership tracing, and expert review to:Identify complex indirect ownership chainsUncover offshore or layered affiliatesConsolidate beneficial ownership data across jurisdictionsApply OFAC and BIS style 50% ownership logicProduce defensible evidence for audits and licensing decisions

Question 21

What is Section 232 and why does it matter for steel, aluminum, and copper imports?

Accepted Answer

Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act allows the president to impose tariffs if imports threaten national security. Since 2018, this has led to significant tariffs on steel and aluminum, and in 2025, copper was added. Importers must now provide detailed supply chain data (such as country of smelt, cast, melt, and pour) to avoid duties up to 200%.

Question 22

How can importers stay compliant with Section 232 reporting requirements?

Accepted Answer

Importers should:Collect mill test certificates, certificates of analysis, or supplier attestationsEngage suppliers early to ensure smelt/melt data is availableUse trade compliance software to trace metals back to the smelterWork with compliance experts to interpret CBP updates and avoid costly penalties

Question 23

What are the risks of not complying with Section 232 tariff requirements?

Accepted Answer

If importers cannot prove the country of smelt, cast, melt, or pour, U.S. CBP may assume the material originated from a restricted country (such as Russia). This can trigger a 200% duty, shipment delays, or even having goods stopped at the border. Lack of documentation creates significant financial and operational risks.

Question 24

What does country of origin (COO) mean?

Accepted Answer

COO indicates where a product was produced or manufactured. All imports require clear marking of COO, ensuring transparency and accountability for goods crossing borders. It’s the basis for everything from standard customs clearance packets to tariff analysis to compliance with regulations such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA). On top of that, a part’s COO determines whether the product or part is eligible for preferential treatment under certain trade agreements.

Question 25

Why is accurate country of origin data important?

Accepted Answer

Accurate country of origin data helps avoid shipment delays, unexpected tariffs, and fines. For some materials like steel or aluminum, importers must also report the country of smelt, pour, or cast — not just where the product was assembled.

Question 26

How can manufacturers stay compliant with country of origin rules?

Accepted Answer

To meet country of origin compliance requirements, manufacturers need traceable, up-to-date part-level data. Using automated trade compliance software helps collect certificates of origin, assign the correct HS/HTS codes, and keep up with changing trade regulations.

Question 27

Why are tariffs a major concern for manufacturers in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Tariffs have become one of the biggest obstacles to manufacturing growth. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, 76% of companies cited trade uncertainty as their top concern in early 2025: a 20% jump from late 2024.At the same time, manufacturers expect raw material costs to rise more than 5%, largely due to shifting global tariffs and supply chain disruptions. These new trade barriers are forcing companies to reassess sourcing strategies, supplier dependencies, and cost structures. Uncertainty around import duties, Section 232 tariffs, and global trade agreements means manufacturers need accurate supply chain visibility to forecast costs and stay competitive.

Question 28

How can supply chain data help manufacturers lower tariff costs and qualify for tariff exclusions?

Accepted Answer

With accurate country of origin (COO) and harmonized tariff schedule (HTS) data, manufacturers can apply for tariff exclusions, qualify for free trade agreements (FTAs), and even reduce customs duties. But approvals only go to manufacturers with verifiable COO and HTS data to prove eligibility. The substantial transformation rule also allows tariff reductions when parts from multiple countries are assembled into a product that undergoes significant change but this is only valid with traceable supply chain data.

Question 29

How does Assent help manufacturers manage tariffs and trade compliance more effectively?

Accepted Answer

Assent helps manufacturers navigate complex tariff requirements and trade regulations through a combination of expert guidance and AI-driven technology. Our platform automates the collection of COO and HTS data, improves supply chain visibility, and ensures compliance with trade regulations, including Section 232, Dodd-Frank Section 1502, and global FTAs.With the largest supply chain data network in the industry, Assent gives you:Accurate COO and HTS data managementAutomated supplier outreach and educationGuidance from trade compliance expertsProven processes for securing tariff exclusions and cost savings

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