CBP: Feeder Vessels Disqualified from IEEPA Tariff Exemption

On May 15, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued updated guidance on their FAQ page clarifying how feeder vessel scenarios impact eligibility for in-transit relief from IEEPA Reciprocal tariffs.

Scenario A – Exempt from Tariffs

• A ship carrying goods to the U.S. departs a foreign port before the cutoff date.
• It may stop at other foreign ports along the way, but your cargo remains onboard and is not offloaded. 
• The same ship arrives in the U.S. with your cargo
• Result: The goods qualify for the tariff exemption because they were on the final vessel bond for the U.S. prior to the deadline.

Scenario B – Not Exempt from Tariffs

• Your goods are loaded onto a feeder vessel before the cutoff date, but that vessel is not headed directly to the U.S.
• At a foreign port, the cargo is transferred to another ship that is bound for the U.S.
• Result: The goods do not qualify for the exemption because they were transferred to the final U.S. bound vessel after the deadline.

Check back regularly for updates to CBP’s FAQs pages. 

Contact your C.H. Robinson representative with any questions.

Resources:

International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Frequently Asked Questions | U.S. Customs and Border Protection