Category: Regulatory

International Trade

Be Careful What You Wish For!

By Susan Kohn Ross

Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in June 2015

This oft-stated warning is certainly true for those who engage in international trade. For many years, industry has complained to government about different agencies wanting different information at different times in the release process; some would take the data electronically, while others insisted on hard copies; the data elements were not identical; and, if filers have to input the data more than once, the likelihood of clerical errors rises. Well, all that comes to an end on November 1, 2015 when use of ACE becomes mandatory for all cargo release and entry summary filing. October 1, 2016 is the date by which use of ACE becomes mandatory for all remaining electronic portions of the CBP cargo process. What does this mean for importers and exporters? Continue reading “Be Careful What You Wish For!”

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International Trade

Trade Preference Programs Get New Life

By Susan Kohn Ross

Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in July 2015.

In the last few months, there has been extensive press coverage about the President’s trade agenda and the ultimate Congressional grant of Trade Promotion Authority. As noted in that coverage, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) (the Trans-Pacific trade deal being negotiated with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) (the equally important trade deal proposed with the EU countries – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece (yes – still, at least as of date of initial publication), Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuanian, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom), are now likely realities, but not in the next few months. Continue reading “Trade Preference Programs Get New Life”

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International Trade

The Times Are Changing, But Very Slowly

By Susan Kohn Ross

First, we learned relations with Cuba were thawing, and now – on July 14th – there is the nuclear deal with Iran. Many American companies are clambering to make commercial deals with businesses in both countries – but not so fast! In fact, little has changed in terms of U.S. relations with either country, at least at the business level, although significant changes are likely in the future. With Cuba and Iran both, there are laws on the books that Congress will first have to change and only then, will the commercial relationship be regularized. Continue reading “The Times Are Changing, But Very Slowly”

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International Trade

GSP Refunds Clarified

By Susan Kohn Ross 

While the oft-rumored Federal Register notice has yet to be seen, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) did publish information about obtaining refunds under the now reinstated Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Information about the legislation which authorized the renewal was published in our Alert dated July 14, 2015. See MS&K Alert re GSP Renewal for this Alert.Since then, CBP has announced its computers will be reprogramed so that starting July 29th, new entries making GSP claims will benefit from the zero rate of duty. CBP has also posted on its website a general announcement and FAQs re GSP refund claims. See Renewal of GSP and GSP FAQs. A more detailed refund process is also summarized at GSP Refund Process Continue reading “GSP Refunds Clarified”
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International Trade

Too Little, Too Late!

By Susan Kohn Ross

First published by the Journal of Commerce – May 2015

On April 3, 2015, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a report entitled: “Rules, Rates and Practices Related to Detention, Demurrage and Free Time for Containerized Imports and Exports Moving Through Selected United States Ports.” The report summarized the results of a series of listening sessions the FMC conducted during the recent port congestion challenges. While it is understandable the FMC wanted to report what it learned, the FMC missed a golden chance to be relevant during a critical time. Continue reading “Too Little, Too Late!”

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