Insights

Trade Publications

To TIB or Not to TIB

April 12, 2014.
Trade Publications

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offers several programs that allow importers to save on duties and taxes. One of these programs is the Temporary Importation Under Bond or TIB program. Like most CBP related programs for reducing duty payments, this process can be complex and costly if not...

President Signs Ukraine Related Executive Order

April 01, 2014.
Trade Publications

The president of the United States has signed a new executive order that prohibits transferring or exporting US property to anyone who is furthering the current situation in the Ukraine. http://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20140317.aspx All property and interests in property that are in the...

EU Proposes Measures for Conflict Mineral Importers

March 29, 2014.
Trade Publications

The European Union (EU) has proposed a set of measures to encourage the responsible trading of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold in an effort to reduce the financing of armed groups in conflict areas (such as the Democratic Republic of Congo). The proposed rule is similar to the United States...

ADD Changes for Aluminum Extrusions

March 12, 2014.
Trade Publications

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) modified Anti-Dumping Duty order (ADD) A570-967 on February 24, 2014. The changes extend the scope of the order to include additional parts and types of products. This modification to the order may require importers to provide additional information upon import. Anti-Dumping case A570-967...

WTO Successfully Completes Agreement in Bali

December 22, 2013.
Trade Publications

After meeting from December 3-6, 2013, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed on a major deal for the first time. The historical deal, which was struck in Bali, Indonesia on December 7, is designed to increase trade among countries by reducing legal challenges and costs. It is known as the Bali...

Establishing a Compliance Plan for 2014

December 11, 2013.
Trade Publications

As we quickly approach 2014, the timing is right to improve your company’s overall import compliance. 2014 can be the year to put in motion new ideas, or to finally address old ideas that have been placed on the back burner. Below you will find a blueprint for establishing...

The Importance of Internal Controls

September 21, 2013.
Trade Publications

Nobody looks forward to being audited, especially by the U.S. Government, and this certainly holds true in regards to a customs audit. One way a company can mitigate the chances of an unsuccessful audit is to fully understand the audit process. Understanding the government requirements and...

Responsibilities in an Export Transaction

September 16, 2013.
Trade Publications

Regulation: 15 CFR 30: Foreign Trade Regulations http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/granule/CFR-2012-title15-vol1/CFR-2012-title15-vol1-part30/contentdetail.html When an export is being arranged from the United States it is important that all applicable export regulations are followed. Certain exports require that an Automated Exports System ...

A Global HTS Solution

September 13, 2013.
Trade Publications

The World Customs Organization is represented by 179 customs administrations across the world and these locations represent 98% of the world’s trade. When goods are shipped internationally they must be classified for customs purposes using a Harmonized Tariff Schedule Number (HTS). Each separate product is assigned a particular...

Liquidated Damages for ISF Non-Compliance

June 18, 2013.
Trade Publications

Introduction: While ISF regulations have been in place since January of 2009, and the enforcement period began in January of 2010, Customs and Border Protection has been pretty lenient when it comes to issuances of liquidated damages. CBP has been using a “measured and commonsense approach”1 and...

Ozone Depleting Chemicals: What an Electronics Importer Should Know

May 15, 2013.
Trade Publications

Some importers of electronics may be unaware of all of their tax liabilities. While the importer may be fully aware of what duties and taxes are normally due upon importation of goods, many don’t know of the additional excise taxes that are placed on imported electronic goods,...

Common Classification Mistakes

March 24, 2013.
Trade Publications

It is essential that importers exercise and demonstrate reasonable care when assigning HTS classification to parts that are being imported. Misclassifying parts can lead to increased duties and penalties. Listed below are some common mistakes all importers should avoid when it comes to classifying parts for importation. Relying...