Legal & Regulatory Issues Archives

CBP Updates Tariff Refund Process as White House Expands Metals, Pharma Tariffs

Importers may eventually reclaim even liquidated IEEPA tariff payments as CBP rolls out a phased refund system covering most entries first. The update comes as the Trump administration launches new and revised duties, raising both recovery opportunities and cost risks for distributors. Get the key details here.

April 7, 2026

HVACR

HVAC Manufacturers Face Price-Fixing Lawsuit

Seven major HVAC manufacturers are named in a federal class action lawsuit alleging coordinated price-fixing that began during the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 27, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Trump Administration Proposes Federal AI Standard

The administration is pushing for a single federal AI standard to replace a growing patchwork of state rules. If enacted, the framework could simplify compliance for distributors and accelerate AI adoption across the sector — with broad implications for software vendors and digital strategy. Here's what to know.

March 23, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Seven Allied Crawford Steel Distributors Reach $3.3M Settlement Over False PPP Claims

The whistleblower will receive a 10% share of the settlement.

March 10, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

CBP Expects to Have Tariff Refund System Ready by late April

The agency plans to overhaul its current sytem that would require about 4.4 million man-hours to process refunds for each of the 53 million entries tor IEEPA tariff payments.

March 9, 2026

Tariffs

Trump Vows to Enact 15% Global Levy After Supreme Court Strikes Down Tariffs

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's tariffs with a 6-3 decision, though the president hit back with a pledged new one on Friday before raising it a day later. Meanwhile, the potential refund process remains an open question.

February 20, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Wesco Sues Eckart Supply for Alleged Poaching, Trade Secret Theft

Wesco has filed a federal lawsuit against fellow distributor Eckart Supply and six former employees, alleging a coordinated effort to poach more than 30 workers, divert customers and misappropriate trade secrets to build a competing Georgia operation. Get all the key details and context here.

February 13, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

District Court Grants NAW Preliminary Injunction to Halt Oregon’s EPR Law

The ruling prevents Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality from enforcing the Act against NAW Members until the court rules on the merits.

February 6, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

U.S. Judge Rules Amazon Must Face Pandemic Price-Gouging Lawsuit

A federal judge has rejected Amazon’s bid to dismiss a major consumer lawsuit alleging price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

January 7, 2026

Legal & Regulatory Issues

DoJ Says Stanley Black & Decker Delayed Reporting of Hazardous Products

The U.S. Justice Department filed a civil complaint against SB&D, alleging the toolmaker failed to promptly report safety hazards tied to certain DeWALT utility bars and miter saws. The case seeks civil penalties and injunctive relief.

December 29, 2025

Legal & Regulatory Issues

DoJ Settles with 2 U.S. Distributors Over Tariff Evasion, Goods Smuggling

Two distributors caught in tariff enforcement sweep; one to pay a $54M settlement and another's COO faces prison.

December 22, 2025

Building Materials/Construction

FTC Sues to Block Henkel’s Liquid Nails Acquisition

The FTC says combining Henkel’s Loctite brand with Liquid Nails would eliminate head-to-head competition between the two largest construction adhesive brands sold through major U.S. home improvement retailers.

December 12, 2025

Legal & Regulatory Issues

NAW Seeks Injunction to Halt Oregon Packaging Law Fees

The association says the state’s law is driving unexpected and unsustainable costs for businesses across the interstate supply chain.

November 26, 2025

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Why Business License Compliance has Become a Strategic Priority

As distributors expand and diversify, compliance risks are ever-present and can result in operational disruption if due diligence is overlooked. Here, we discuss what’s at stake for the industry on this front and how MDM’s Dec. 11 webcast is set to tackle this issue head-on.

November 18, 2025

Finance

MDM Amplify: OB3’s Financial Flexibility for Distributors

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers long-awaited tax clarity for distributors — but only for those who know how to use it. In this sponsored MDM Amplify Podcast, Grant Thornton leaders explain the OB3's biggest implications, from bonus depreciation to new production deductions, and share how distributors can turn tax certainty into a strategic advantage.

October 16, 2025

Research

NAW Study Probes Union Effectiveness for Worker Outcomes

See some of the key findings and takeaways from this research that focused on wage growth and job security in the manufacturing and transportation industries governed by the NLRA and RLA.

August 28, 2025

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Illinois Signs Warehouse Tornado Safety Bill into Law

Illinois enacted a new law requiring warehouses to implement tornado safety plans and meet updated shelter and inspection standards.

August 25, 2025

Legal & Regulatory Issues

New Federal Rules Aim to Boost Competition for Government Contractors

The White House will eliminate one-third of requirements from future contracts that aren't mandated by law in an effort to "cut red tape."

August 20, 2025

Legal & Regulatory Issues

Airgas, Teamsters Sue Each Other as Standoff Escalates

Airgas claims that the picketing union violated its collective bargaining agreement, while the union claims that Airgas deliberately released "harmful" gas upon union employees at two locations.