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 […]
As the US seeks to reap the benefits of free trade throughout the world, it is imperative that agreements are reached with our regional trading partners. The past two administrations have secured Free Trade Agreements with multiple Central and South American countries. Agreements with both Peru and Colombia were signed in 2006; however, the ratification process was not the same […]
A free trade agreement approximately six years in the making is now a reality for Korea and the United States. Just as with other FTAs, this new market access allows for reduced and sometimes eliminated tariff rates and quotas as well as duty-free treatment of goods and services with an emphasis on leveling the playing field for U.S. auto manufacturers […]
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. […]
CAN A FORWARDER INSURE A SHIPMENT AFTER A KNOWN LOSS? This question was addressed last week in the case of I.T.N. CONSOLIDATORS, INC. versus NORTHERN MARINE UNDERWRITERS LTD. [i] A cargo loss was made known to the forwarder ITN which promptly notified the insurance company writing its open policy. ITN subsequently issued a certificate of insurance to the cargo owner […]
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 […]
Sometimes the best intended act can lead to unanticipated results. In the case of informal docket no. 1916(I) GUMTREEFABRICS, INC. v. EVER-LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING LIMITED d/b/a EVEROK INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING CO., LTD, the FMC opened the door to conduct which would ordinarily be prohibited. In that case an importer claimed that cargo was extortionately withheld from delivery to it by a […]
In August 2008, a piece of America’s aviation history, the Douglas AD-4N Skyraider*, reentered its home territory under false pretenses, which ultimately led U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents to seize the aircraft nearly a year later. Import and export of military aircraft and other defense articles generally requires a license or permit under the Arms Export Control Act […]
Some may not realize that data on inbound cargo declarations, CF 1302, is made public by CBP. Certain data contained on outbound manifest is also publicly available, such as the name and address of the shipper, general character of the cargo, number of packages and gross weight, name of vessel or carrier, port of exit, port of destination and country […]