International Trade Compliance News Articles

News Articles

BIS Unveils Enhanced Voluntary Self Disclosure Protocols

Adrienne Braumiller February 6, 2024

On January 16, 2024, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, Matthew Axelrod, disclosed significant enhancements to the process for Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) related to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These adjustments are strategically designed to streamline export control compliance for U.S. governmental bodies, the commercial sector, and academic entities.

Suspensión del Padron de Importadores

Brenda Cordova February 6, 2024

Uno de los requisitos más importantes para importar mercancías a México es estar registrado como importador en el registro de importadores mexicanos. Hay 2 tipos de registros para importadores, uno es para importadores generales (Padrón de Importadores) y el otro es para importadores de sectores industriales específicos (Padrón de Importadores de Sectores Específicos) que pueden importar mercancías identificadas por el código arancelario MX (es decir, productos químicos, armas de fuego, puros, calzado, textiles, alcohol, hidrocarburos, siderurgia, automoción, etc.). Generalmente, estos 2 registros son listados con información de personas y entidades autorizadas para importar mercancías a México.

Who is the Importer of Record: Security Interests and the Right to Act As IOR

Gavin Andersen February 5, 2024

By: Gavin Andersen, Law Clerk, LCB and Adrienne Braumiller, Founding Partner, Braumiller Law Group Last June (2023), in response to a ruling request from Your Special

Parallel Imports, A Global Phenomenon, And a Very Grey Area Regarding International Trade

Bob Brewer February 5, 2024

At the core of the definition, a Parallel import is a non-counterfeit product imported from another country without the permission of the intellectual property owner. They are also goods that are not authorized for importation into the U.S. It’s a global phenomenon, a very grey area, and their presence varies across different parts of the globe.

Suspension of Mexican Importer Registration (Padron de Importadores)

Brenda Cordova February 5, 2024

One of the most important requirements for importing goods into Mexico is to be registered as an importer under the Mexican importer’s registry. There are 2 types of registries for importers, one is for general importers (Padron de Importadores), and the other is for importers of specific industry sectors (Padron the Importadores de Sectores Especificos) which may import goods identified by the MX tariff code (i.e. chemical products, firearms, cigars, footwear, textiles, alcohol, hydrocarbons, steel, automotive, etc.). Generally, these 2 registries are lists with information of individuals and entities authorized to bring goods into Mexico.

Maximizing Duty Savings Series Leveraging Bonded Warehouse and Foreign Trade Zones

Kerry Wang February 5, 2024

Consider this scenario: a client faced the challenge of deferring duty payments while managing a significant volume of imports destined for re-exportation from the U.S. Initially considering duty drawbacks, which proved unsuitable for their specific needs, we turned our attention to bonded warehouses and free trade zones. This scenario is not uncommon in the trade world and highlights a critical decision point for many businesses: choosing between a bonded warehouse and a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ).

What is the “First Sale” Rule and How Does it Affect Me?

Bruce Leeds February 5, 2024

The First Sale Rule applies in circumstances such as the example above. A US company places an order with a middleman in the US. The middleman in turn subcontracts to a foreign supplier. The supplier then ships the product either to the middleman or to the original US company that placed the order, meaning either could be the importer of record. The entered value could be the amount on the original purchase order or the price paid by the middleman to the foreign supplier.

Assessing the Benefits and Challenges of Tokenizing Real World Assets

James Holbein February 5, 2024

The world of cryptocurrencies on blockchains and the world of traditional assets in markets have often stood in stark contrast to one another since Bitcoin’s creation in 2008. The lack of a reliable bridge between these two worlds has limited the impact of cryptocurrencies on assets in the real-world outside of on-chain speculation and prevented adoption of the benefits that blockchain technologies can bring to real world processes.

Taiwan, Invasion & Trade, Part 2

Victoria Holmes February 5, 2024

President elect Lai Ching-te’s victory in Taipei ignited tensions across the Taiwan strait and now the geopolitical field waits to see if China will kick off World War Three. I’m only slightly joking, but Beijing has exerted diplomatic pressure on nations maintaining close ties with the island in the past and Taiwan’s decision to remain a democracy will no doubt ramp up China’s reunification process in the coming months. But how will that affect trade relations?

How Brad Menard Makes Life Easy For Clients Who Work With US Customs and Compliance

BCG January 19, 2024

In the complex world of international trade compliance, few people possess the expertise, dedication and problem-solving skills that Brad Menard, President of Braumiller Consulting Group, brings to his clients.

Latest Developments with The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act and New Leadership at the Department of Homeland Security Signal Heavier Enforcement is Likely

Adrienne Braumiller November 10, 2023

In recent years, the global spotlight has illuminated the grave concerns surrounding human rights violations within China’s Xinjiang region, particularly those impacting the Uyghur population. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) stands as a pivotal piece of legislation designed to address these concerns and to ensure that products imported into the United States are devoid of forced labor originating from the Xinjiang region.

U.S. Trade, Nearshoring & China Mexico is Becoming a Popular Manufacturing Destination

Bob Brewer November 10, 2023

The implementation of trade policies in what many consider acts of protectionism and manipulation are the norm, and of course China and the U.S. are a prime example. Solutions include nearshoring, reshoring, and protectionism. It’s complicated, so for the purpose of this article, let’s stick with nearshoring.

Any Comments on FDA’s New Proposed Rule on Prior Notice Regulations?

Vicky Wu November 10, 2023

On November 1, 2023, FDA issued a proposed rule that would make changes to its prior notice regulations, if the rule is finalized. These changes include requiring the name of the mail service and a mail tracking number to be provided in prior notice for food articles arriving by international mail. In addition, the FDA proposes that food facility registration information and prior notice be submitted within a specific timeframe after receiving certain notices of refusal or hold (“post-refusal” and “post-hold” submissions).

New Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigation Initiated Covering Aluminum Extrusions from 15 Countries

Paul Fudacz November 10, 2023

On October 4, 2023, A coalition of 14 U.S. aluminum extrusion producers and labor unions filed petitions before the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration (Commerce) and the International Trade Commission (ITC) seeking to impose antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) on aluminum extrusions produced in 15 countries and exported to the U.S.

Legal Framework Governing IMMEX Operations

Brenda Cordova November 10, 2023

As we have previously explained in other articles, an IMMEX is a duty deferral program from the Mexican federal government created in 2006, which stands for Industria Manufacturera, Maquiladora y de Servicios de Exportación (Manufacturing, Maquiladora and Export Services Industry).

Overview of BIS’s Interim Final Rules, Export Controls for Advanced Computing, Supercomputing, and Artificial Intelligence

Megan Mohler November 10, 2023

On October 25, 2023, the Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) published interim final rules amending the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) to add/clarify new controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment (“SME”), advanced computing integrated circuits (“IC”), and computer commodities containing them.

Challenges Ahead! – Requesting to be Excluded From the Xinjiang Exclusions

Bruce Leeds November 10, 2023

In April of this year U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) issued Headquarters Ruling H330077. The ruling was in response to a protest filed by an importer that had a shipment of wearing apparel excluded from entry under a Withhold Release Order (WRO) at the port of Newark, NJ. The wearing apparel was processed from cotton produced in India, made into yarn and fabric in China, and converted to wearing apparel in Cambodia. None of the parties to the transaction were located in the Xinjiang Region of China.

OMB Issues Final Rule for Infrastructure Buy America Preferences

James Holbein November 10, 2023

The Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”), Made in America Office issued a Final Rule to clarify the Build America, Buy America Act (“BABA”) provisions of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act4 (“IIJA”) and to clarify existing provisions related to domestic preferences. The Final Rule amends Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations (“CFR”), subtitle A, chapter I by adding a new Part 184 to support implementation of BABA. OMB also amended 2 CFR 200.322 to clarify existing provisions within part 200. According to OMB, the Final Rule “is intended to improve consistency in the implementation of BABA requirements across the Federal Government.”5 The Final Rule will take effect October 23, 2023.

The Domino Effect: What Would an Invasion of Taiwan Mean for Global Trade

Victoria Holmes November 10, 2023

Tensions are escalating in the South China Sea, a vital maritime route for international trade. Taiwan remains at the center of this conflict and in an increasingly interconnected world, the prospect of a Taiwan invasion has far-reaching implications for global trade and geopolitics. It’s becoming even more crucial to understand the potential repercussions of such an event on the global economy as a potential invasion from China becomes increasingly more likely.

International Trade Compliance Consultants and The Value Proposition

Linnea Deeds November 8, 2023

Maximizing value is crucial when companies contemplate bringing on external support for any organizational function. While a company may consider several value categories, this article explores five primary categories – productivity, profitability, image, experience, and convenience. By maintaining a value proposition mindset when requesting consultant resources, selecting consultants, and working with consultants, trade compliance professionals leverage the benefits of external experts.

Hot Topics in International Trade – Reasonable Care with Kerry Wang

BCG March 15, 2024

Braumiller Law Group VP Marketing sits down once again with BLG Senior Associate Attorney Kerry Wang to discuss CBP’s perspective on the meaning of Reasonable Care, and how that translates to international trade compliance.

Who is IOR? Importer of Record

BCG March 15, 2024

One of the most common questions asked within our initial consultation with clients is, who is the IOR? The Importer of Record (IOR) is the essential entity in international trade. It is the one who is responsible for complying with all customs regulations, facilitating smooth import operations and managing all potential legal liabilities. It is essential when conducting due diligence and avoiding penalties.

Hot Topics in International Trade Mod Act

BCG March 5, 2024

VP of Marketing, for Braumiller Law Group sits down again with Robert Stein, VP of Braumiller Consulting Group to discuss the Mod Act, and just where communication in the compliance end of trade is heading.

Ahh Coffee

BCG March 2, 2024

About $10 billion in coffee was imported into the U.S. in 2022 with 50% primarily coming from Brazil and Columbia at roughly $2.2 billion each. It’s a staple in the majority of American’s daily lives via a kick of caffeine in the morning. The amount of business discussed daily over numerous cups of java goes without saying. If you’d like to have a cup with us and have a chat about anything international trade compliance related, we’ll be here. BLG can help you with Global Trade Compliance.

Hot Topics in International Trade with Robert Stein-FTZs

BCG February 29, 2024

Bob Brewer introduced Robert Stein who is a VP and newest member of BCG. The FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) program helps companies save money, and promote U.S. jobs and exports. The FTZ program offers benefits in a time of increased tariffs and requirements that companies should look at more closely. Many companies have not been taking advantage of FTZs and should consider them.

Superhero Updated

BCG February 29, 2024

Chess Match

BCG February 29, 2024

In the world of international trade not all regulations seem to be in black and white as there is some grey area. But if you choose to play a chess match with customs, based on our experience you stand a good chance of self-destructing. Global Trade Compliance is what we do.

CTPAT

BCG February 29, 2024

Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is about building supply chain security and mitigating risk. CTPAT is an ever-evolving security program that was inaugurated by Customs and Border Protection in 2001 under the newly establish Department of Homeland Security. Today is is a multi-layer cargo strategy that works with the trade community to support and strengthen international supply chains. There are at least a dozen benefits to the program including reduced number of CBP examinations, front of the line inspections, shorter wait times at the border, possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trading partner by foreign customs administrations that have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the United States, eligibility for other U.S. government pilot programs such as the FDA’s secure supply chain program, priority consideration at CBP’s industry focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the best approach is to have a guide assist int he process of applying for entrance into the program and we just happen to have a CTPAT expert on campus.

Bananas

BCG February 8, 2024

WIth regard to import and export, bananas are botanical berries not fruit. The HTS code for berries is different from that of bananas which is different from the HTS code for edible fruit in general. If you need help with classification BLG can assist.

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