Import and export traffic in our globalized world generally runs quite smoothly, but occasionally, the very real risks associated with the natural elements at sea or simple human error impact transportation adversely. Severe weather including wind, rain, swells and lightning storms can create a recipe for disaster for traveling ships. Less violent, but still serious issues can arise when technology […]
Change is on the horizon in the shipping industry, and it is important to make sure you are staying informed. Effective July 1st, 2016, changes adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regarding verified container weights will become effective. These changes were first introduced at the 2014 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention, but it is now time for […]
Yesterday, the American Bar Association’s Section of International Law hosted a program for its members to hear from and speak directly with CBP Office of Regulations and Rulings, represented by Chief of the Penalties Branch, John Connors. Mr. Connors told the group in attendance (live and via phone conference) that while he is not authorized to discuss recent or pending […]
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has been in the process of transforming and modernizing its trade initiatives for the 21st century with stated goals of seeking “to improve cargo security while increasing trade competitiveness” by means of “fully aggregating risk management.”[1] This goal seems vague, but essentially, CBP is making efforts to consolidate trade processing at our borders. Some of […]
A long-overdue modification of CBP’s recordkeeping requirements has been announced this week, with an anticipated effective date of January 11, 2013. Current regulations require that all records are to be kept “within the broker district that covers the Customs port to which they relate,” a requirement which severely complicates the recordkeeping process for many companies. The new regulations will eliminate […]
When importing goods into the United States the importer of record (the owner, purchaser, or a licensed Customs broker) must file entry documents with Customs at the port of entry. Among the information contained in the entry documents are the merchandise descriptions and tariff classification information. Many importers rely on their suppliers or Customs […]
The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) was established to ensure the safety and security of cargo arriving in the United States. Although being C-TPAT certified is not required by any governmental agency, many private companies only partner with C-TPAT compliant businesses. Thus, Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) are strongly motivated to obtain certification. However, in order for a 3PL to be eligible for C-TPAT […]
The Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) was enacted in 2002 by the second Bush administration. This trade preference agreement sought to grant four South American nations preferential treatment when exporting goods into the United States. With the purpose to promote economic development and eradicate drug trafficking, the agreement targeted four Andean countries, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. […]
Having originated nearly 20 years ago NAFTA, is a well established free trade agreement that continues to have a significant impact on importers and exporters. In efforts to open global markets to U.S. businesses, the U.S. government has entered or is planning to enter into fourteen other free trade agreements and promotions. The most recent agreements include the Colombian FTA, […]
In addition to 84 other countries, the United States is a party to the two treaties comprising the Madrid System for international registration of trademarks. This system provides trademark owners a cost-effective, efficient way to protect their trademarks overseas. While not all business need to take advantage of the Madrid System, those businesses and individuals seeking to do business or […]