[{"title":"What is your trade & compliance management strategy? ","seq":8,"slug":"what-is-your-trade--compliance-management-strategy","wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"headerTitle":null,"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"tweet":{"id":""},"at":"2016-03-08T04:34:00.000Z","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"ahopkins"},"feed":{"id":"56de564a2e7ad54f22447b14","at":"2016-03-08T04:34:18.271Z"},"msg":"Dear global trade and compliance professionals,
How would you describe your trade & compliance management style? Imagine you are attending an import/export class and CBP is the professor. Would you sit front and center in the classroom, always be on time and never miss an opportunity to complete extra credit? Or would you sit in the back of the class, keep quiet, hide in the shadows and only answer a question when called upon? Let's take a look at the pros & cons of different trade & compliance management strategies.
The superstar student- In recent years CBP and OGA's regulating trade have introduced voluntary compliance programs. Some examples include C-TPAT and Importer Self Assessment (ISA) . Participants benefit from fewer cargo security inspections and the reduced probability of a Focused Assessment (audit). The benefits seem too good to be true but consider the amount of labor required to maintain compliance in these programs. If you are a one person operation wearing many hats you probably won't have time to tackle a new compliance program. You have to pick and choose your battles. Trade and compliance fundamentals including valuation and HTS product classification are essential to every trade and compliance program. I suspect CBP would not be impressed if you have an excellent C-TPAT record but your HTS classifications are a mess. On the other hand, if you are trading highly regulated and high risk products it might be in your best interest to participate in these voluntary programs hoping to avoid an audit. Conduct a feasibility study before deciding to join a voluntary trade and compliance program.
The silent trader- It should go without saying that if you are an infrequent shipper conducting only a few international transactions any voluntary compliance programs are unnecessary and a waste of time. All importers and exporters are required to follow the laws of the countries in which they are trading. The good importer/exporter emphasizes compliance fundamentals including valuation, classification, country of origin identification and free trade validation. The basic rules exist to create a level playing field for all shippers and are always high priority on CBP's radar. Voluntary compliance programs should be considered when your shipping profile grows, enters new markets, introduces new product lines and evolves as a global trader. If you are fortunate enough to have extra resources martial them and decide which program is best for the shipper.
Regards,
Andrew Hopkins LCB
UTC Founder
ahopkins@universaltradecompliance.com
","groups":["public"],"cachedAt":"2018-03-08T05:08:25.775Z","id":"56de564a2e7ad54f22447b13"},{"title":"UTC helps startups import/export for free","seq":7,"msg":"Universal Trade Compliance values startups, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Some of the world's best ideas and greatest inventions have come from thinkers and risk-takers working out of their garage.
Is your next great idea ready for production? Do you need to import prototypes from a foreign country? Look no further because UTC wants to help with all of your international shipping and import/export needs. You keep doing what you do best and let us handle the import/export formalities. UTC is willing to help startups with any of their international shipping needs free of charge. Hold your horses, UTC is not going to pay for the international freight or other service fees. Instead we offer you peace of mind that UTC took care of all the paperwork, negotiated fair rates and ensured a compliant import/export transaction all on your behalf.
If you are a startup and need to ship anything internationally, UTC is your solution. Contact us and let's chat.
StartupHelp@universaltradecompliance.com
Cheers,
UTC team
","slug":"utc-helps-startups-importexport-for-free","wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"headerTitle":null,"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"tweet":{"id":""},"at":"2016-02-23T01:32:00.000Z","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"ahopkins"},"feed":{"id":"56cbb6ac5714127f0741c543","at":"2016-02-23T01:32:28.899Z"},"groups":["public"],"cachedAt":"2018-03-08T05:10:07.699Z","id":"56cbb6ac5714127f0741c542"},{"at":"2014-04-23T18:21:00.000Z","feed":{"id":"535804ad76c3077147ebb4ad","at":"2014-04-23T18:21:33.985Z"},"groups":["public"],"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"headerTitle":null,"msg":"I have decided to take the Licensed Customs Broker examination in October, 2014. The exam is open book and it is essential that students bring their own reference materials including the HTSUS and 19CFR. Students must study several different topics ahead of time to have any chance of successfully passing the exam. One of my colleagues recommended that I check out the products offered by Boskage Commerce Publications through Thomson Reuters. I have purchased the Required Testing Material & Full Prep. Course. This post will describe my initial reaction after receiving the product. After I have studied I will follow up with another post describing the course content.
http://www.boskage.com/cbe/index-cbe/index-cbe.html
My first opinion about the product was formed before I even confirmed the purchase. The shipping charges for 1 box via ground was $30. I understand that the box is very heavy containing paper and textbooks but the shipping charge was a shock after already paying over $1,000 for the materials. At least the box arrived in good condition and on time.
After opening the box it was like looking at a puzzle. Papers, books and empty binders are everywhere. Since the binders are empty it is on me to insert and organize the pages. I have no problem organizing the binders to my liking since this task will be critical as I study and tabulate the reference materials but it all seemed overwhelming and not a user friendly experience.
I only skimmed the Boskage created textbooks but they appear to be great resources. For example, the Customs Broker Examination textbook describes the entire process about the exam including what to expect on test day. I look forward to learning from these new resources since they are not available to the public.
The biggest disappointment I have about the purchase is with myself. The HTSUS and 19CFR are required for the examination but the good news is that they are both open source documents available for anybody to download. I use the resources in a digital format on a regular basis. Why didn't I download these documents and print them myself? The initial gut reaction is that the files are too large and the documents contain too many pages. It is frightening but true that the 2014 HTSUS is over 3,000 pages long. Despite it being such a huge document I keep thinking back to one simple fact, it is free! If I was to purchase only the HTSUS from Boskage it would cost $215. Although I have not quoted the cost I have to think that it would be cheaper than $215 for me to download the file, buy 2 binders and ask a copy shop to print the documents. It is too late now but I recommend that students consider obtaining the HTSUS and 19CFR on their own.
After my binders were put together and all the course material buried my desk I felt a brief moment of relief. Then I realized, where do I start? The product includes online courses, textbooks and audio CD's. While it is awesome there are so many different resources available there is still an overwhelming feeling that I have no idea where to begin and what did I just purchase this for? I'm not that concerned and I'm sure it will become clear once I start diving into the material but I recommend that Boskage include a one page flier that describes the course flow. It would help relieve the high level of anxiety already associated with the exam.
I look forward to preparing for the exam and studying the material. There is no doubt that the Boskage Required Testing Material & Full Prep. Course is robust. Look forward to another post later once I've taken and hopefully passed the Licensed Customs Broker examination. ","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"@kOnk15"},"seq":6,"slug":"boskage-customs-broker-exam-product-review","tags":[{"name":"customs-examination","title":"Customs Examination","postsCount":1,"id":"535804c676c3077147ebb4b7"},{"name":"licensed-customs-broker","title":"Licensed Customs Broker","postsCount":1,"id":"535804cf76c3077147ebb4b9"}],"title":"Boskage Customs Broker Exam Product Review","tweet":{"id":""},"wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"cachedAt":"2018-03-08T05:10:23.279Z","id":"535804ad76c3077147ebb4ac"},{"at":"2014-04-18T16:45:00.000Z","feed":{"id":"535156c776c3077147ebb39f","at":"2014-04-18T16:45:59.265Z"},"groups":["public"],"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"headerTitle":null,"msg":"http://www.nynjforwarders-brokers.org/clientuploads/Customs_Valuation.pdf
","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"@kOnk15"},"seq":5,"slug":"customs-transaction-value-presentation","tags":[{"name":"valuation","title":"Valuation","postsCount":1,"id":"535156d676c3077147ebb3c6"}],"title":"Customs Transaction Value Presentation","tweet":{"id":""},"wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"id":"535156c776c3077147ebb39e"},{"at":"2014-04-18T16:35:00.000Z","feed":{"id":"5351543f76c3077147ebb331","at":"2014-04-18T16:35:11.925Z"},"groups":["public"],"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"headerTitle":null,"msg":"http://www.nynjforwarders-brokers.org/clientuploads/Seminar_Chapt_9505_Festive.pps
","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"@kOnk15"},"seq":4,"slug":"recognized-symbols-of-festive-motif","tags":[{"color":"#0916c4","filesCount":0,"name":"classification","postsCount":2,"title":"Classification","id":"530c35f7689f43cd68e697f3"},{"name":"9505","title":"9505","postsCount":1,"id":"5351557176c3077147ebb351"},{"name":"holiday","title":"Holiday","postsCount":1,"id":"5351558b76c3077147ebb353"}],"title":"Recognized Symbols of Festive Motif","tweet":{"id":""},"wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"id":"5351543f76c3077147ebb330"},{"at":"2014-02-01T00:52:00.000Z","feed":{"id":"52ec454020cab7fd481ff8db","at":"2014-02-01T00:52:16.272Z"},"groups":["public"],"msg":"
Pillows can be classified under two different chapters depending on the use and construction. A decorative pillow that is small and is not intended to support the head and neck is not considered bedding under chapter 94. It is instead classified as decorative under chapter 63.
If a pillow can support the head and neck it is most likely akin to a pillow for sleeping or bed pillows classified in chapter 94.
HQ 086646
The terms of the heading clearly state that merchandise classified under this heading must be articles of bedding. We conclude from this language that in order for pillows to be classified therein, they must, in some way, be capable of being used to cushion the head esp. during sleep.
See HRL 086056 of March 1, 1990 (6\" 6- \" sachet-type pillow not class or kind of pillows of heading 9404); ORR Ruling 046377 of October 19, 1976 ( tooth fairy pillow, 4- \" 6,\" too small to support head or body and not classifiable as pillows, cushions, mattresses
or similar furnishings). In this respect, therefore, HRL 083276 is modified accordingly.
This analysis is also applicable to the instant merchandise. Neither style provides the support needed for the head and neck; indeed, the filling is present merely to afford shape to the articles. Therefore, they are not classifiable as articles of bedding under heading 9404, HTSUSA.
","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"@kOnk15"},"seq":3,"slug":"classify-pillows-chapter-94-or-chapter-63","tags":[{"name":"classification","title":"Classification","postsCount":1,"id":"530c35f7689f43cd68e697f3"}],"title":"Classify Pillows Chapter 94 or Chapter 63","tweet":{"id":""},"wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"cachedAt":"2018-03-08T05:10:58.847Z","id":"52ec454020cab7fd481ff8da"},{"at":"2014-01-29T01:36:00.000Z","feed":{"id":"52e85b069e04af6d7be36e75","at":"2014-01-29T01:36:06.698Z"},"groups":["public"],"msg":"http://rulings.cbp.gov/index.asp?ru=088961&qu=HQ+088961&vw=detail
Legal Note (LN) 2 to Chapter 94, HTSUSA, reads as follows:
2. The articles (other than parts) referred to in headings 9401 to 9403 are to be classified in those headings - 2 -
only if they are designed for placing on the floor or ground.
The following are, however, to be classified in the above-mentioned headings even if they are designed to be hung, to be fixed to the wall or to stand one on the other:
(a) Cupboards, bookcases, other shelved furniture and unit furniture;
(b) Seats and beds.
LN 2 to Chapter 94, set forth above, excludes from headings 9401 to 9403 articles not designed to be placed on the floor or ground, but allows certain exceptions to this exclusion. One of these exceptions, provided for in subparagraph (a) above is \"other shelved furniture.\" Thus, if the wood shelf in issue meets the definition of \"other shelved furniture,\" it is not barred from classification as furniture in Chapter 94, HTSUSA.
In Headquarters Ruling Letter (HRL) 083435, Customs stated that the term \"other shelved furniture\" is subject to at least two interpretations. The first requires that an item which is in and of itself \"furniture\" have the additional feature of being equipped, fitted or otherwise furnished with shelves, to be \"shelved furniture.\" The second interpretation of the term \"shelved furniture\" includes furniture that is itself no more than a shelf in the definition of \"shelved furniture.\" The exceptions to the exclusion of Note 2 are intended to allow classification under headings 9401 to 9403 of shelf-type furniture and modular or unit-type furniture, all of which are intended to be supported by walls or placed on other furniture rather than placed on the floor or ground. Customs then concluded that the latter interpretation of the term \"shelved furniture\",\" which includes furniture which is itself no more than a shelf is the correct interpretation.
In HRL 084820 Customs endorsed the interpretation of the term \"shelved furniture\" set out in HRL 083435 and ruled that certain wood shelves and particle board shelves with metal brackets are classifiable under subheading 9403.60.8080, HTSUSA, as other wooden furniture, other, other.
It is now our position that our prior interpretation of the phrase \"other shelved furniture\" is not correct. Consequently,
- 3 -
LN 2(a) to Chapter 94, HTSUSA, should be interpreted as follows:
Only articles which are \"furniture\" similar to cupboards and bookcases in that they are substantial articles having the essential characteristic that they are used to equip a home, office, etc., and incorporate shelves in their construction, whether or not they are designed to be hung or fixed to the wall, are classifiable as \"furniture\" under heading 9403, HTSUSA.
The detailed rationale for this change in position is explained in HRL 088958 of this date issued to you.
","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"@kOnk15"},"seq":2,"slug":"Classify-wood-shelves-chapter-44-or-Chapter-94","tags":[{"color":"#0916c4","name":"classification","postsCount":1,"title":"Classification","id":"530c35f7689f43cd68e697f3"}],"title":"Classify Wood Shelves Chapter 44 or Chapter 94?","tweet":{"id":""},"wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"cachedAt":"2018-03-08T05:10:52.028Z","id":"52e85b069e04af6d7be36e74"},{"at":"2013-09-12T05:31:00.000Z","feed":{"id":"523151cd75e4f82b54000093","at":"2013-09-12T05:31:57.330Z"},"groups":["public"],"msg":"Stemware and drinking glassware cannot be classified as colored bubble glass 0713.99.10
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trade/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/icp056.ctt/icp056.pdf
If a product is a drinking glass or other article of table/kitchen glassware classifiable in subheading 7013.29 or 7013.39, it cannot be classified in
subheading 7013.99.10 even if it possesses the special features described in that
subheading.
","owner":{"id":"54d1655c75391e8c7541126f","name":"konk15"},"seq":1,"slug":"Colored-Bubbled-Glassware-Is-Not-Permitted","title":"Colored Bubbled Glassware Is Not Permitted","tweet":{"id":""},"wistia":{"id":""},"wistiaAudio":{"id":""},"youtube":{"id":""},"headerCaption":{"color":"#000000","html":""},"cachedAt":"2018-03-08T05:10:44.185Z","id":"523151cd75e4f82b54000092"}]