Trans-Pacific Partnership: Bane or Boon?
Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in November 2015
As every international trader worth his/her salt knows, the text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership was released on November 5th. Given word from the Executive Branch is the agreement is still being “scrubbed”, it is reasonable to conclude the text is not yet final, but is being released, as some of our Canadian colleagues commented about regarding newly elected Prime Minister Trudeau and his Labor Party, to allow the nay-sayers to get their vitriol out now, so that by the time the vote comes, calmer heads will prevail. Whether that is a prudent approach remains to be seen. Continue reading “Trans-Pacific Partnership: Bane or Boon?”
The More Things Change – The More They Stay The Same
Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in January 2016
In writing this article, it was interesting to look back and see whether the old crystal ball was accurate in its predictions in earlier years. Truthfully, the expectation was the old themes were similar over time, and that turned out to be the case. Those earlier articles made clear, the challenges facing businesses in the context of import and export remain complex. By way of example, one constant theme is the rising cost of compliance. A related theme has to do with the expanding complexity of issues demanding compliance efforts. Continue reading “The More Things Change – The More They Stay The Same”
Cyber Bill No Real Help to Supply Chain Security
Originally published by the Journal of Commerce in January 2016
In the lead-up to President Obama signing into law on December 18, 2015 the Cybersecurity Act of 2015, Public Law. 114-113, there was hope that finally there would be a vehicle through which the federal government would be able to share broad ranges of supply chain security information with C-TPAT members. Alas, that did not turn out to be the case. Continue reading “Cyber Bill No Real Help to Supply Chain Security”
EU-US Privacy Shield
Well, the new deal has been struck between the EU and the U.S. What was called the EU-US Safe Harbor is being replaced by the newly created EU-US Privacy Shield. Now, all we need is to have the actual text released! Continue reading “EU-US Privacy Shield”
DOJ Sets Its Sights on Directors and Officers
Originally published in September 2015.
Whether publicly traded or privately held, corporate boards have been put on notice – the Department of Justice (Justice or DOJ) is after you! On September 9th, DOJ issued a memo entitled: Individual Accountability for Corporate Wrongdoing. In it, Main Justice made clear to all offices that any activity which involves the potential for liability on the part of a corporation can and must also focus on the potentially culpable individuals. Continue reading “DOJ Sets Its Sights on Directors and Officers”
New Cybersecurity Law – Are You Prepared?
Originally published in January 2016
On December 18, 2015, President Obama signed into law the Cybersecurity Act of 2015. Beginning at Division N, Public Law 114-113 deals with cyber threats and includes the framework for the means and methods by which the private sector may submit such information to the government and by which the government is intending to share comparable information with the private sector (and others). Continue reading “New Cybersecurity Law – Are You Prepared?”
ACE Deadline Reminder for Imports and Exports
On February 28, 2016, those involved with imports and exports are preparing to undergo a major transition. As of that date, all entries must be filed using the new Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. ACE not only replaces the current Customs and Border Protection (CBP) system, but is designed to reengineer CBP’s operational processes; develop a new technology infrastructure; and integrate commercial, enforcement and administrative operations. The goal is to create a “single window” using the ACE system for imports and exports, and to streamline the process for goods entering and leaving the country. Continue reading “ACE Deadline Reminder for Imports and Exports”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Has ACE Up Its Sleeve
A version of this article was also published by the Journal of Commerce in February 2016.
What a difference a few days make! Up until Monday, February 8th, it was understood that on February 28th, CBP entries, and those filed with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) (Lacey Act) would all have to be filed through ACE. Thirteen more PGAs were scheduled to come on-line in July 2016, full implementation for all remaining electronic portions of the CBP cargo process was scheduled for October 2016 and ACE for all agencies and all purposes would be operational by December 2016. Continue reading “U.S. Customs and Border Protection Has ACE Up Its Sleeve”
EU Safe Harbor- Nothing Settled Yet
By Susan Kohn Ross While a new Safe Harbor agreement was hoped for by the January 31, 2016 deadline, negotiations still continue. It is expected the European Commission will receive an update, but keep your fingers crossed for an actual deal! In the meantime, American companies continue to rely on recommended provisions to satisfy their privacy protection requirements. Continue reading EU Safe Harbor- Nothing Settled Yet
Where Do You Think You’re Going?
Maybe nowhere if you owe the IRS more than $50,000.
Congress recently passed H.R.22. It was signed by the President on December 4th and it became Public Law No: 114-94. The law is known as the “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act” (“FAST”).
For taxpayers who owe the IRS more than $50,000, the FAST Act might be more appropriately classified as the STOP Act because it may prevent them from leaving the country. Continue reading “Where Do You Think You’re Going?”
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