CIT orders import-country declarations due November 10 in forced-labor tariff cases
Counsel for plaintiffs in the six named suits should prepare import-country declarations for November 10. Only the Learning Resources plaintiffs may forgo additional declarations if ECF 52-1 and 52-2 already provide a complete list of their import countries and economies.
The CIT's November 4 order brings import-country evidence from six Section 301 forced-labor tariff suits into a proceeding whose merits track remains centered on the Learning Resources sample case. Declarations are due November 10. A narrow exception applies only where the Learning Resources plaintiffs' existing declarations already provide a complete list.
Plaintiffs in the six named suits must identify the relevant countries and economies from which they import. The Learning Resources plaintiffs need no additional declarations if ECF 52-1 and 52-2 already provide a complete list, while the other five cases must file by November 10. Counsel should match each claimed import connection to the plaintiff and supporting declaration. The order does not decide standing, tariff legality or relief.
Read the full analysis: Forced-Labor Tariff Case Draws Import Evidence From Six Suits.
The proposed Freestyle World schedule would require the government's answer to the complaint by November 13 and its response to the plaintiffs' requested remedy by December 9. The answer could clarify which allegations and defenses remain contested before the government addresses the requested liquidation or reliquidation order. Counsel should confirm an entered scheduling order before treating these dates as court deadlines, then read each filing against the pleading or relief it addresses. The proposal sets no ruling or payment date.