ShapTalk 38 - June, 2005

"Shap" Talk

June 2005 - Issue #38
In This Issue:

Export Essentials Seminar Registration is now open!
Exporters- Do you know what ISPM 15 refers to and how it affects your exports?
CBP Annual Report
Chinese Safeguards
Fish and Wildlife Service Increases Its Fees
Operation Clean Tile
The Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Self-Assessment Checklist
Machine- Readable Passport Requirement
AES Deactivation of Companies Due To Unresolved Fatal Errors
Hampton Roads Chassis Pool
FDA Public Meetings on BTA Record Keeping Requirements
Argentina Signs CSI Declaration of Principles
Transportation Update
Is your organization ready for a Customs Compliance Audit?
Customer Specific Shipping Reports

Trade Industry News

SAMUEL SHAPIRO & COMPANY SEMINARS
Export Essentials Seminar Registration is now open!

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. will be hosting a half-day seminar on Thursday, August 11th, 2005, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the World Trade Center in Baltimore. Seminar topics will include exporter responsibilities, export enforcement, and excluded parties, among others. Featured speakers will be from the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, Bureau of Industry & Security, and U.S. Census Bureau.

This event is a must attend for experienced and novice exporters alike looking to improve their export compliance program or importers interested in learning about export opportunities. Following the seminar, come join us for the annual Propeller Club Crab Feast. We will provide courtesy round-trip transportation from the World Trade Center immediately following the class.

Seminar Location:
The World Trade Center
401 East Pratt Street
Maryland Room (21st Floor)
Baltimore, MD 21202

Cost, if purchased by July 15th, 2005:

$75 per person
$60 for each additional attendee from the same company
$50 crab feast ticket per person (in addition to your seminar cost)

Cost, if purchased after July 15th, 2005:

$100 per person
$75 for each additional attendee from the same company
$50 crab feast ticket per person (in addition to your seminar cost)

Please let us know by June 10th if you need crab feast tickets as supplies are limited!

Register Now! Click on the link below:

http://www.shapiro.com/html/export_seminar.html

For more information contact Jane Taeger by phone at 800-695-9465 ext. 290 or by email at compliance@shapiro.com.

Exporters- Do you know what ISPM 15 refers to and how it affects your exports?

Be sure you are aware of Wood Packing Regulations for your country of export. The ISPM 15 is a standard of guidelines for regulating Wood Packing Material (WPM) in international trade. This standard describes phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with wood packaging material (including dunnage), made of coniferous and non-coniferous raw wood, in use in international trade. The U.S. and other countries have committed to enforce the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15. Many countries have already adopted the ISPM 15 measures so please be sure to check before you pack your container.

Please refer to the link from www.shapiro.com provided below for additional information regarding the "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade” (ISPM15) http://www.shapiro.com/WoodPackingMaterial.doc.

CBP Annual Report

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued its fiscal year 2004 (ending 9/30/04) annual report. This was the bureau’s first full fiscal year as CBP under the Department of Homeland Security which was established March 1, 2003. In the past year Customs has been unified as “one face” at the border by converting 20,000 customs, immigration, and agriculture inspectors to CBP Officers. As a single, united border agency, CBP continues its priority mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States, while also facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. At the same time, Customs continues its traditional mission of determining the admissibility of goods and people; administering the laws and regulations governing international trade; collecting duties, taxes, fees, fines, and penalties; and enforcing the U.S. laws applicable at entry for persons and goods.

In FY 2004, Customs processed over 23.5 million sea, truck, and rail containers, 134 million conveyances, and more than 468 million passengers and pedestrians at 317 ports of entry. The total value of imports last year came to $1.41 trillion with over $27 billion in revenue collected. The annual report stated there were 754,000 consignees last year. Overall trade compliance was measured at 94 percent. 1.1 million aliens trying to enter the U.S. illegally were apprehended, and more than 2.1 million pounds of illegal drugs were seized. CBP has more than 40,000 employees to manage, control, and protect our nation’s borders.

The 23.5 million containers entering the U.S. last year represented an increase of 5% over the FY 2003 total of 22.4 million containers. Customs conducted 4.1 million container exams (17.4%). By employing non-intrusive inspections in over 9.5 million examinations, Customs was able to seize more than 1.4 million pounds of narcotics.

Prior to the institution of income taxes in the early 20th century, Customs duties were virtually the only source of income for the federal government. Duty is now the second largest source of revenue for our government. Last year Customs collected $21 billion in duty; $2 billion excise taxes on imported distilled spirits, wines and tobacco products; nearly $900 million in user fees designed to maintain U.S. harbors (HMF), and to defray the cost of other miscellaneous service programs (MPF); and over $53 million in fines and penalties for violations of laws and regulations. Customs also issued $969.8 million in refunds and other payments such as drawback.

Where does the money go? Virtually all of the duties, taxes, and fees collected by Customs go to the U.S. Treasury General Fund Accounts. Treasury then distributes the money to other federal agencies in accordance with laws and regulations. CBP transfers the remaining revenues (less than 2 percent) directly to other Federal agencies, the governments of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and retains some as authorized by law and regulation.

The annual report is available on the Customs website at:
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/admin/cbp_annual.ctt/cbp_annual.pdf

Chinese Safeguards

Quota Background
Under bilateral agreements (bilateral meaning affecting trade between two countries – specifically the U.S. and our trading partner), quotas are imposed to limit the imported quantity or value of a particular commodity, generally to protect domestic industry, such as the textile industry. While quotas are administered by Customs and Border Protection, textile quotas are actually imposed by the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA), an interagency group chaired by the Department of Commerce. To manage the bilateral agreements, CITA grouped textile products under 3 digit category numbers. The category system helps to simplify the monitoring and control of textile imports by aggregating several thousand applicable tariff item numbers into 167 categories. Through monitoring each category, CITA can determine if U.S. producers are affected by large volumes of foreign imports.

When textile quotas were eliminated on January 1st of this year, many in the trade community expected massive surges in imports of Chinese wearing apparel. 1st quarter import statistics bear this out. For example, compared to the 1st quarter of 2004, imports from China in category 338 (men’s cotton knit shirts) increased 973%, category 339 (women’s cotton knit shirts/blouses) increased 1487%, and category 348 (women’s cotton trousers) increased 1566%. Even before quotas were ended, imports of apparel from China grew from $7 billion in 2001 (China joined the WTO in December 2001) to $15 billion in 2004.

How do Safeguards Work?
So how does the U.S. stem the tide of this flood of textile and apparel imports from China? Although quotas were eliminated, CITA can impose safeguards which serve to continue market protections for U.S. manufacturers. Petitioners make an official request to CITA for safeguard action against imports of a particular category. Notice of the petition is published in the Federal Register with a comment period. CITA has 60 days after the end of the comment period to determine if imports of the subject merchandise are indeed disrupting the U.S. market, or threatening to disrupt the U.S. market. If there is an affirmative determination, CITA will request “consultations” with China. CITA must provide China with a statement as to the reasons for the safeguard request and support the statement with current data. During this consultation period, safeguard quotas are imposed. Safeguard proceedings can also be self-initiated by CITA based on claims of actual market disruption.

There are currently safeguard quotas in place for categories 332, 432, and 632 part (cotton, wool and manmade fiber (MMF) socks). There have been recent notices of petitions for safeguard action against 340/640 (men’s and boy’s cotton and MMF shirts, not knit), 345/645/646 (cotton and MMF sweaters), 349/649 (cotton and MMF brassieres), 620 (other synthetic filament fabric), 350/650 (cotton and MMF dressing gowns and robes), 638/639 (MMF knit shirts and blouses), and 647/648 (MMF trousers and shorts). Also pending are 222 (knit fabrics), 301 (combed cotton yarn), 338/339 (cotton knit shirts and blouses), 347/348 (cotton trousers), 352/652 (cotton and MMF underwear), and 447 (men’s and boy’s wool trousers and shorts). Quotas could be re-imposed in these categories. Decisions are due during the course of this summer.

Quantities shipped in excess of the safeguard quotas are subject to delayed and staged entry. Entry is not allowed until one month after the expiration date of the safeguard quota. At that time, only 5% of the base quota limit will be allowed entry for a one month period. Then an additional 5% will be allowed entry monthly until all over shipments are allowed entry.

As we mentioned in our April “Shap Talk,” unfortunately, counterfeit documents are found all too often for goods originating from China but claimed to be from other countries. Customs is examining textile shipment documentation with a critical eye and has started issuing penalties when the actual origin is found to be China, yet another country (usually Hong Kong) is declared as the country of origin. Penalty action is being taken against not only importers, but also against customs brokers. Customs reports there are thousands of these mis-declared entries. If you are importing textiles and wearing apparel from Hong Kong, know that your entry will be closely scrutinized. As the importer, be sure you know who your suppliers are dealing with and that the correct country of origin is declared.

Fish and Wildlife Service Increases Its Fees

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has increased its fees for import and export licenses and permits. Effective May 11, 2005, all permit and license applications postmarked on or after that date must be accompanied by payments based on the new fee schedule.

Import / Export License $100.00
Designated Port Exception Permit $100.00
Cites Export Permit $100.00
Cites Re-Export Permit $75.00

Operation Clean Tile

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of Portland, Oregon has announced the nationwide implementation of “Operation Clean Tile,” effective April 20 – June 30, 2005, for shipments of ceramic and marble tile from Italy.

The wood packing materials surrounding the Italian tiles can be infested with a variety of pests, specifically insects and snails, which have been found on the wooden pallets, under the plastic wrapping, or in containers. The pests include those that do not occur naturally in the U.S. and require fumigation treatment before the cargo can be released. Cargo utilizing pallets and plastic wrapping create “favorable hitchhiking conditions for pests,” according to CBP.

CBP has focused on the problem of pests in Italian tiles and as a result has identified importers, manufacturers, and shippers whose Italian tiles have been found to be infested. CBP narrowed the affected HTS headings to 6802 and 6908.

HTS 6802 includes worked monumental or building stone (except slate) and articles thereof, other than goods of heading 6801; mosaic cubes and the like, of natural stone (including slate), whether or not on a backing; artificially colored granules, chippings, and powder, of natural stone (including slate). HTS 6908 includes glazed ceramic flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles; glazed ceramic mosaic cubes and the like, whether or not on a backing.

After the April 20 – June 30, 2005 target period, CBP will analyze the gathered data to determine the next course of action.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service’s Self-Assessment Checklist

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has revised and updated the document entitled, Industry Self-Assessment Checklist for Food Security. Contents of the self-assessment checklist are based on the inspection service’s 2002 security guidelines which identify measures that food establishments can adopt to enhance the security of their operations.

The checklist includes:

Food Security Plan Management
Outside Security
Inside Security
Slaughter and Processing Security
Storage Security
Shipping and Receiving Security
Water and Ice Supply Security
Mail Handling Security; and
Personnel Security

Not all of the questions may be applicable to a particular food establishment. If an establishment conducts only import/export inspection activities, then questions related to processing or slaughter would not apply. Results of the assessment should provide guidance in the development of their strategies.

FSIS will be holding a series of workshops May - July 2005 to discuss food security awareness, the self-assessment checklist and other related food security issues.

FSIS Industry Self-Assessment Checklist for Food Security available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Self_Assessment_Checklist_Food_Security.pdf

FSIS Food Security Guidelines for Food Processors (dated May 2002) available at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Frame/FrameRedirect.asp?main=http://www.fsis.usda.gov/oa/topics/securityguide.htm

Machine- Readable Passport Requirement

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced its intentions to fully enforce the machine-readable passport (MRP) requirement for travelers from Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries beginning June 26, 2005.

VWP countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and United Kingdom.

DHS for a limited time had been authorizing a one-time waiver for entry into the U.S. for VWP travelers without a MRP, at no charge to the traveler. However, this limited period will end on June 26, 2005; DHS cautions VWP travelers not to anticipate a one-time entry waiver into the country.

If a VWP traveler is not in possession of a MRP they may be denied admission to the U.S. CBP notes that VWP travelers without MRPs will likely be charged a parole fee of $65.00 on or after June 26, 2005. VWP travelers may obtain a nonimmigrant visa in their current passport as an alternative to the MRP requirement.

MRPs can be swiped by Customs officers to confirm the holder's identity and to obtain other information about the holder typically found on a passport's inside cover.

Transportation carriers will be fined $3,300 per violation, for transporting any VWP traveler to the U.S. without a MRP.

CBP questions and answers regarding MRP requirements are available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/fact_sheets/qa_mach_read.xml

AES Deactivation of Companies Due To Unresolved Fatal Errors

Over the past month, several companies had their AES filing privileges revoked because of unresolved fatal errors. Under 15 CFR part 30.64, Automated Export System (AES) filers are required to correct export transactions receiving fatal errors prior to exportation of the merchandise or prior to the tenth day after exportation if the U.S. Principal Party in Interest (USPPI) is approved for post-departure (Option 4) filing.

If you file your own Electronic Export Information (EEI) through AES, the filer is responsible to ensure that all AES transactions filed receive an ITN. The AES Branch within the U.S. Census Bureau sends out bi-weekly reports to filers that have not been successful in meeting this requirement. The report provides a list of Shipment Reference Numbers and the corresponding fatal condition(s) for each of the numbers.

Do not ignore the fatal error reports. If a company continues to be non-compliant with regulation 30.64 after repeated warnings, it may be subject to fines, seizures and/or penalties or revocation of its filing privileges in AES for a period of 60 days.

Do not subject your company to fines, seizures and/or penalties if your company is not aware of all the responsibilities associated with filing the Electronic Export Information through AES. Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. is fully aware of all the time frames and responsibilities that come with filing the EEI or Shipper’s Export Declaration information. We monitor reports daily to ensure we are in compliance. For more information, please see our announcement above for our Export Essentials seminar on August 11th.

View the entire AES newsletter at: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/aesnewsletter042005.pdf.

Hampton Roads Chassis Pool

Virginia International Terminals has created a port wide chassis pool to help ease congestion on the three state owned marine terminals it operates in Hampton Roads. The pool is being managed by Virginia Inter-modal Management LLC. There are approximately 25,000 chassis in use in Hampton Roads.

Chassis are the trailers used by trucks to haul containers in and out of the port.

All steamship lines operating at the Norfolk ports have joined the pool. It is a boom for the steamship lines, mainly because they do not have to manage their own chassis.

The pool is also a welcoming factor for truckers, who in the past lost valuable time each day switching chassis based on steamship lines they were handling. Most of the truckers that move containers on the port are independent owner operators and are paid per trip. They could lose as much as an hour or more switching chassis. Now they can stay hooked up to a chassis for multiple moves and save valuable time.

A major benefit of the chassis pool is freeing up space on the terminals. At present there are two chassis storage facilities off site at Norfolk International Terminals (NIT) and Portsmouth Marine Terminals (PMT). These offsite storage areas allow for valuable space on the terminals for container storage and movements.

FDA Public Meetings on BTA Record Keeping Requirements

Attention food and beverage importers! The Food & Drug Administration is holding a series of public meetings in June in selected cities to discuss the new record keeping requirements under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (the Bioterrorism Act or BTA).

Under the BTA, persons (excluding farms and restaurants) who manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food are required to establish and maintain records for not longer than 2 years. These records will allow FDA to identify the immediate previous sources and immediate subsequent recipients of food, including its packaging, in order to address credible threats of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals. Record holders must provide FDA access to the records if FDA has a reasonable belief that an article of food is adulterated and presents a threat of serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.

In the public meetings, FDA will explain the final rule on record keeping requirements and will answer questions. The meetings will be held:

June 7, 2005 – Kansas City, MO
June 8, 2005 – Los Angeles, CA
June 9, 2005 – College Park, MD
June 14, 2005 – Bloomington, MN
June 15, 2005 – Atlanta, GA

If you are unable to attend, FDA will provide transcripts approximately 30 days after the meetings at a cost of 10 cents per page.

For meeting times, locations, and registration information, please see the FDA website at: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsbtac26.html

Argentina Signs CSI Declaration of Principles

On May 9, 2005, U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Lino Gutierrez and Dr. Alberto R. Abad, Federal Administrator of National Revenue of the Argentine Republic, signed the declaration of principles to enable all cargo destined for the U.S. through the port of Buenos Aires to be targeted and pre-screened for terrorists and terrorist weapons. Argentina is the first South American country to participate in the Container Security Initiative (CSI).

“The port of Buenos Aires is one of the leading ports in South America. I applaud the government of Argentina for assuming a leadership role in the Container Security Initiative,” said CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. “CSI strengthens our ability to prevent terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States. By working closely with our host nations, CBP officers are able to identify containers bound for U.S. seaports that pose a potential threat for terrorism. I am particularly pleased to expand the CSI security blanket to South America.”

The Container Security Initiative was launched in January 2002 and is the only multinational program in place in the world today that is protecting global trade lanes from being exploited and disrupted by international terrorists. By collaborating with foreign customs administrations, CBP is working towards a safer, more secure world trading system. Under CSI, CBP has entered into bi-lateral partnerships with other administrations to identify high-risk cargo containers and to pre-screen them before they are loaded on vessels destined for the United States. On average, every day about 25,000 seagoing containers are offloaded at America’s seaports. CSI has been accepted globally as a bold and revolutionary initiative to secure maritime cargo shipments against the terrorist threat.

The 36 operational ports in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North America include: Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver, Canada; Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Le Havre and Marseille, France; Bremerhaven and Hamburg, Germany; Antwerp and Zeebrugge, Belgium; Singapore; Yokohama, Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kobe, Japan; Hong Kong; Göteborg, Sweden; Felixstowe, Liverpool, Southampton, Thamesport, and Tilbury, United Kingdom; Genoa, La Spezia, Naples, Gioia Tauro and Livorno, Italy; Busan, Korea; Durban, South Africa; Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia; Piraeus, Greece; Algeciras, Spain; Laem Chabang, Thailand; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Shanghai, China.

Source: “Argentina Becomes the First South American Country to Sign Container Security Initiative Declaration of Principles” at http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/press_releases/05112005.xml appearing on the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection’s website on May 11, 2005.

Transportation Update

OCEAN TRANSPORTATION
The biggest news on the scene in the ocean freight world is the pending merger of Maersk Sealand and P & O Nedlloyd. The merger will create a mega-carrier that will be the largest in the world. They are in discussion now and an announcement should be forthcoming very soon. It remains to be seen how this merger will affect current services and alliances the carriers participate in at this time.

Far East
Space problems from the Far East to the USA East Coast will continue during 2005 as importers try to avoid west coast ports due to the port and rail congestion. The all water services to the east coast are still running at nearly 100% capacity with no end in sight. There will not be much additional capacity added on all water service in 2005.

It is critical that importers give a volume forecast in order to protect space. Space on all water vessels will be tight; however space to the east coast via the west coast should not be a problem due to capacity increases to the west coast.

Carriers have had a hard time passing on the full proposed increases. The highest increases were on all water service to the east coast. The increases proposed were as follows:

Far East to USA west coast

20’ container $ 215.00
40’ container $ 285.00
40’ high cube container $ 325.00
45’ container $ 365.00

Far East to inter-modal points in the USA and East Coast via west coast (MLB)

20’ container $ 265.00
40’ container $ 350.00
40’ high cube container $ 395.00
45’ container $ 445.00

Far East to USA east coast via all water service

20’ container $ 325.00
40’ container $ 430.00
40’ high cube container $ 485.00
45’ container $ 545.00

The carriers will impose a Peak Season Surcharges to be in effect from June 15, 2005 through Nov. 30, 2005.

20’ containers $ 300.00
40’ containers $ 400.00
40' high cube container $ 450.00
45' containers $ 510.00

The Panama Canal Surcharge has increased from $115.00 per container to $165.00 per container.

All contracts have not been finalized as there has been uncertainty in the market on rates to the west coast. More capacity is being added and there is a feeling that rates will not rise to the west coast. The final increases will vary based on the carrier and volume commitment to the carrier.

Europe
Carriers raised the bunker fuel surcharge to and from Northern Europe to the United States on May16, 2005.

The bunker surcharges are as follows:

20’ container $304.00 to the East Coast and $ 456.00 to the West Coast
40’, 40’ HC and 45’ container $608.00 to the East Coast and $ 912.00 to the West Coast.

There is still a significant shortage of open top containers throughout Europe at this time. Carriers are raising their special equipment surcharges due to this shortage. Some are as high as $1200.00 per open top.

Space is still very tight from the Mediterranean due to the withdrawal of capacity by Maersk Sealand.

There are still considerable problems from Turkey to the USA. Many importers are sourcing more product from Turkey as the prices for products from Turkey are much lower than in Europe. This is especially true since the dollar has weakened against the euro. MSC is having space shortages from Turkey to the USA.

Turkon Lines will shift their port of call from Charleston to Savannah.

Bunker fuel surcharges will rise on May 1, 2005. Most carriers will charge $260.00 per 20’ container and $520.00 per 40’ container.

Air News
Fuel surcharges are still high with no reductions planned in the future. The high rates have added considerable expense.

Air rates from Asia should creep up beginning in June throughout the summer. If there are significant problems shipping containers from Asia there will be a need for increased air capacity from that region.

Cathay Pacific Airlines will begin a 3 times a week service from Hong Kong to Atlanta. These added flights will be a boon to Atlanta and the southeast.

Carriers are still reporting strong volume from Europe even though the euro is still very strong. Carriers have begun to add capacity as the summer season begins in April through October.

Export Ocean News
Space is still tight to both Northern Europe and Asia. Carriers are being more selective on the type of cargo they carry. Carriers are also enforcing their requirement that all cargo that is booked cannot be delivered more than 7 days in advance of a vessel. Carriers are also charging demurrage if a container remains on the pier over 7 days. Terminal space is very tight all over and the ports do not want to be used as a warehouse.

Domestic USA
There have been reports that at the moment there are not significant delays in the southern California ports. Carriers have diverted vessels to Seattle, Tacoma and Oakland to help alleviate the congestion. These ports are seeing record volumes at this time. They should expect to see continued growth during the summer/fall.

The major railroads have announced sweeping reductions in free time at rail ramps all across the country. The 4 major railroads (Union Pacific, BNSF, CSX and Norfolk Southern) have all changed their policy in recent months restricting the amount of free time at their rail ramps. Some carriers have reduced the free time to 1 day after notification of arrival, weekends included.

Ocean carriers have significantly increased their demurrage rates and per diem rates on containers. It is extremely important that importers realize that they must have their shipments cleared prior to arrival in order to expedite delivery of their containers.

Samuel Shapiro & Company Products & Services

Is your organization ready for a Customs Compliance Audit?

Are you aware that lack of informed compliance and failure to exercise reasonable care can lead to serious monetary penalties, detention, cargo delays and potential civil and criminal penalties?

Informed compliance is a shared responsibility between Customs and the import community wherein Customs effectively communicates its requirements to the trade, and the people and businesses subject to those requirements conduct their regulated activities in accordance with U.S. laws and regulations.

A key component of informed compliance is that the importer is expected to exercise reasonable care in his or her importing operations. Reasonable care is a legal responsibility on the part of the importer. Despite its seemingly simple connotation, the term reasonable care defies easy explanation because the facts and circumstances surrounding every import transaction differ, from the experience of the importer to the nature of the imported articles.

Informed compliance benefits both parties: When voluntary compliance is achieved, Customs resources need not be expended on redundant examinations or entry reviews for the importer’s cargo found to be dependably compliant. From the trade perspective, when voluntary compliance is attained, compliant importers are less likely to have their shipments examined or their entries reviewed.

With the variety of complex issues affecting our industry, it can be challenging to stay well informed on all the changes and regulatory requirements. Our Compliance Team keeps abreast of the ever-changing concerns and complexities of today’s trade environment and we are available to communicate this information to you and your staff. Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. can arrange to provide private seminars and presentations, at your location, focusing on any industry-related issue. Our team will provide the “expert” speaker(s) as well as provide the related materials on your particular topic of interest.

Benefits of Samuel Shapiro & Company’s Seminar Program:

Facilitates identifying the strengths and weaknesses of your current compliance program;
Reduces uncertainty of overlooking areas that require attention when evaluating and developing a compliance improvement plan;
Reduces the likelihood of misinterpreting the extent of the importer’s responsibilities when it comes to recordkeeping and regulations;
Allows an experienced team to educate your staff on critical compliance issues;

Increases your chances of ensuring your organization possesses an acceptable compliance program.

Is your organization is looking to be proactive towards Customs compliance and regulations? Would you like to educate your staff on importer responsibilities while recognizing the strategic advantages of informed compliance? If you would like to approach the compliance initiative in a manner that will be cost and time effective, through a seminar education and training program, contact us; we will create a seminar program for you. Contact us at consulting@shapiro.com or 843-971-0441, extension 28.

Customer Specific Shipping Reports

Are you spending hours each week entering shipping information in Excel, Word or in your internal system? Are you frustrated by having to pull a staff member off his core company function to complete import or export reports? If you answer “yes” to either question, you are in the majority.

The focus for Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. generated shipping reports is our customer. We want you to have as many of the data elements we enter as you feel you need to complete internal requirements. We can design the reports together and deliver them to you in the format you need and in the time frame you want. Through EDI technology, you can also have this data posted directly to your system. Typically, the reports are offered to customers at no cost since both parties save time when we automate your information flow.

We strive to tailor our products and services to your unique needs. When you focus on your core business, we know you will be a stronger partner for longer; both of our companies win. Please contact marketing@shapiro.com for information on customer specific shipping reports.

Subscribe to "Shap" Talk

Newsletter Suggestions?

Unsubscribe

"Shap" Talk Archives

This newsletter is for informational purposes only. Although every effort is made to ensure accuracy, Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. assumes no legal liability for any erroneous information. Links to other websites are provided for reference and convenience and do not constitute endorsement of the content of those sites.