MANDATORY ISF-5 FILING ON CANADIAN TRAFFIC BEGINNING JANUARY 26, 2010

Many of you are by now familiar with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ISF-5 Importer Security Filing (ISF). The new ruling is applicable to cargo laden on vessels which transit a US port before arriving at a Canadian Port. ISF-5 is not required for cargo laden on vessels


BANANA TRADE WAR ENDING

The European Union, the United States, and Latin American, African and Caribbean nations have agreed to end a trade dispute over bananas that has been in place for decades,

Under the deal, the European Union will reduce the duty it charges on imports of bananas from Latin American countries like Ecuador and Costa Rica.

The United


FIRST SALE RULE – ITC REPORT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

The International Trade Commission (ITC) has issued its report entitled Use of the “First Sale Rule” for Customs Valuation of U.S. Imports.

From August 20, 2008 to August 19, 2009, importers were required to provide a declaration to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when the transaction value of the imported


ISF / 10+2 SECURITY FILING MANDATORY STARTING JANUARY 26

This is a reminder that enforcement of the 10+2 Security Filing requirements for marine cargo will begin Tuesday January 26, 2010. In addition, bonds will be required for Importer Security Filing purposes beginning January 26, 2010.

CBP’s initial phases of enforcement will take an “informed compliance” approach. As CBP will not


CBP’s STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF IMPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has announced that it will be closely monitoring the identity of the parties involved in any given shipment, perhaps due to lack of clarity on the invoices from suppliers, or notations made by or on behalf of the importer of record.

In addition, the focus on the textile


AIR CONDITIONERS & REFRIGERATORS CONTAINING HYDROCHLOROFLUORCARBONS ARE BANNED

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that greenhouse gases “threaten the public health” of Americans, and will now be federally regulated.

Effective January 1, 2010, the sale, distribution, or entering into commerce of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances containing HCFC-22, HCFC-142b, or blends containing one or both of these substances is …


GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES & ATPDEA TRADE PROGRAMS EXTENDED

The following preferential trade programs have been extended.

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

The GSP has been extended until December 31, 2009 for all beneficiary countries. The GSP provides preferential duty rates on more than 4,650 products from 131 designated beneficiary countries and territories.

Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act


CBP’s STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF IMPORTER RESPONSIBILITIES

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has announced that it will be closely monitoring the identity of the parties involved in any given shipment, perhaps due to lack of clarity on the invoices from suppliers, or notations made by or on behalf of the importer of record.

In addition, the focus on the textile


AIR CONDITIONERS & REFRIGERATORS CONTAINING HYDROCHLOROFLUORCARBONS ARE BANNED

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that greenhouse gases “threaten the public health” of Americans, and will now be federally regulated.

Effective January 1, 2010, the sale, distribution, or entering into commerce of air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances containing HCFC-22, HCFC-142b, or blends containing one or both of these substances is …


GENERALIZED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES & ATPDEA TRADE PROGRAMS EXTENDED

The following preferential trade programs have been extended.

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

The GSP has been extended until December 31, 2009 for all beneficiary countries. The GSP provides preferential duty rates on more than 4,650 products from 131 designated beneficiary countries and territories.

Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act