ShapTalk 42 - October, 2005

“Shap” Talk

October, 2005 - Issue # 42

In This Issue:

Bond Rider Requirement Eliminated for Participation in the ACE Monthly Payment Process
Phased Enforcement for Wood Packing Material Regulations
United States and European Union Reach Agreement in Wine Trading
USTR Lifts Tariff Sanctions Against Ukraine
Customs Issues Severe Anti-Dumping Duty Penalty
Certification Requirements for Imported Natural Wine
Chile to Join ATA Carnet System
Buying and Selling Agent Commissions
Mandatory AES Electronic Filing
News from our Atlanta Office
Transportation Update – October 2005
Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. Hires New CFO
Import Essentials Seminar Registration is Open!
Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. Aids Hurricane Katrina Victims
Headquarters Relocation - October 7, 2005
Norfolk Office Move September 14, 2005

Trade Industry News

Bond Rider Requirement Eliminated for Participation
in the ACE Monthly Payment Process

Effective immediately, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will no longer require Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) monthly statement participants to submit a bond rider covering estimated duties and fees. ACE is the commercial trade processing system being developed by CBP to enhance border security and expedite legitimate trade.

“The changes CBP made in the eligibility requirements are designed to make it easier for importers to participate in ACE.” said Louis Samenfink, Executive Director, CBP Cargo Management Systems Program Office. “I encourage the trade community to e-mail acenow@dhs.gov to establish an ACE account, and to find out how ACE participation can benefit them.”

Benefits of establishing an ACE portal account include:
·     Access to operational data through the ACE portal
·     Capability to interact electronically with CBP
·     Payment of estimated duties and fees on a monthly basis

When the ACE monthly payment test started, only importers were eligible to apply. Since then, participation has been expanded to customs brokers. To further expand participation, a statement certifying membership in the Customs -Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) was eliminated, and the time period allowed for the deposit of the duties and fees was changed from the 15th calendar day to the 15th working day of the month.

More information on the elimination of the bond rider requirement may be found in the Federal Register Notice titled “Automated Commercial Environment (ACE): Elimination of Bond Rider Requirement for participation in Periodic Monthly Statement Payment Process” at
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/about/modernization/frn_notices.xml

The latest updates for ACE application information are available on the CBP Web site at www.cbp.gov/modernization/.

Phased Enforcement for Wood Packing Material Regulations

The new Wood Packing Material (WPM) rule requires WPM, such as pallets, crates, and boxes, used in international trade to support or brace cargo, to be treated to prevent the introduction of harmful insects to U.S. agriculture and forests. The approved treatments are 1) heat treatment to a minimum wood core temperature of 56C for a minimum of 30 minutes or 2) fumigation with methyl bromide. To certify treatment, the WPM must be marked with the approved International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) logo. Unmarked WPM will be considered untreated and non-compliant. This rule is in effect for all goods arriving in the United States on or after September 16, 2005.

Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has announced procedures for the implementation of the new wood packing material rules on their website which includes a three part phased in compliance. Below is a summary of the three phases.

Phase I, beginning September 16, 2005, will be an informed compliance period, with no stoppage or re-export of shipments for non-compliant WPM. During this phase, all visual exams of cargo performed by CBP Officers or Agriculture Specialists will include a WPM component. If WPM are present and are not marked as having been treated, the broker and the importer will be informed of the non-compliance and given further information.

Phase II, beginning February 1, 2006, will continue informed compliance measures on all regulated WPM except pallets and crates. CBP will begin full enforcement of the ban on violative pallets and crates. Beginning with Phase II, re-export of all shipments containing violative pallets or crates will be ordered if the Port Director determines that it is not feasible to separate merchandise from the violative WPM. IT and T&E shipments found to contain violative WPM will not be permitted to transit. All expenses incurred for the services of CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists involved in the separation of cargo will be billed to the importer or other party of interest. WPM and associated merchandise will be exported at the expense of the importer or other party of interest.

Phase III, beginning July 5, 2006, will represent full enforcement of the WPM ban regulated by 7 CFR 319. CBP will no longer conduct informed compliance at the shipment level. In Phase III, re-export of all shipments containing violative WPM will be ordered if the Port Director determines that it is not feasible to separate merchandise from the violative WPM. IT and T&E shipments found to contain violative WPM will not be permitted to transit. All expenses incurred for the services of CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists involved in the separation of cargo will be billed to the importer or other party of interest. WPM and associated merchandise will be exported at the expense of the importer of other party of interest.

More details of each phase may be found at:
http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/wpm/Implementation_plan.ctt/implementation_plan.doc

United States and European Union Reach Agreement in Wine Trading

On September 15, 2005, the U.S. Trade Representative announced that the United States and the European Union had reached an agreement on wine-making practices and wine labeling. The USTR, Rob Portman, stated the agreement helps “to establish predictable conditions for bilateral wine trade.”

The agreement provides for:

mutual recognition of current wine-making practices
a consultative process for accepting new wine-making practices
the U.S. to limit use of certain “semi-generic” terms in the U.S. market
the E.U. to allow for the use of certain regulated terms on U.S. wine exported to the E.U., under specified conditions
recognition of certain names of origin in each other’s market
simplification of certification requirements
definition of parameters for optional labeling elements of U.S. wines sold in the E.U. market, and
a second phase of negotiations to address other outstanding U.S.-E.U. wine trade issues.

The E.U. is the U.S.’s largest trading partner for wine, comprising two thirds of our imports and exports. In 2004, U.S. wine exports worldwide exceeded $736 million, with exports to the E.U. at $487 million. The U.S. imported $3.4 billion worth of wine in 2004, with $2.3 billion coming from the E.U.

USTR Lifts Tariff Sanctions Against Ukraine

As authorized by Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has terminated modifications to the rates of duty on certain products from the Ukraine.

In August 2001, the Trade Representative determined that the acts, policies and practices of Ukraine with respect to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection were unreasonable and burdened or restricted United States commerce, and were thus actionable under section 301(b) of the Trade Act. As an initial response, the Trade Representative suspended the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits accorded to products of Ukraine, effective August 24, 2001.

In December 2001, the Trade Representative took the additional action of imposing 100% ad valorem tariffs on certain Ukrainian exports. The additional tariffs became effective January 23, 2002.

In recognition of the efforts that the Ukrainian Government has made to improve its framework to protect intellectual property rights, the USTR has announced the lifting of 100% tariff sanctions that had been imposed on such items such as fuel oils, chemicals, fertilizers, paper products, footwear, diamonds, metals, refrigerating equipment and pumps. This is effective with respect to merchandise entered, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after August 30, 2005.

The Administration is also conducting a Special 301 Out-of Cycle Review (OCR), with an eye toward reviewing Ukraine’s GSP eligibility.

Source Document:
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 173 / Thursday, September 8, 2005
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-17751.pdf

Office of the United States Trade Representative:
http://ustr.gov/Document_Library/Press_Releases/2005/August/USTR_Lifts_Tariff_Sanctions_Against_Ukrain e,_Announces_Out-of-Cycle_Review.html

Customs Issues Severe Anti-Dumping Duty Penalty

Following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a $1.6 million civil penalty was issued last week to a Florida company for failing to pay customs duties on pencils imported from China at various locations throughout the U.S.

Mainland Inc., of Marco Island, Fla., was fined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for failing to properly enter shipments of pencils from China to avoid paying antidumping duties. The shipments were imported through the ports of: Milwaukee, Chicago, Miami, Cincinnati, Dallas, Nashville and Indianapolis. Antidumping duties are paid to protect U.S. manufacturers from unfair foreign trade practices and to ensure that imported goods are not sold in the U.S. at lower prices than they would be in the domestic market abroad.

Following the ICE investigation, CBP, the federal agency which imposes such fines, issued the significant fine due to the company's gross negligence in failing to deposit antidumping duties. The ICE investigation, which began in 2002 based on a referral from a Milwaukee import specialist, revealed that Mainland Inc. misclassified 54 entries which resulted in a total loss of revenue to the United States of more than $418,000.

"We will continue to pursue those companies that circumvent duty requirements on imports," said Brian Falvey, resident agent-in-charge of the ICE Milwaukee Office. "Companies that perpetrate commercial fraud pose a threat to U.S. business interests and will continue to be a focus of our enforcement actions."

Both U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are agencies within the U.S Department of Homeland Security.

Source: Department of Homeland Security – Office of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement news release entitled, “$1.6 Million Penalty Issued to Florida Company for Import Violations,” dated 09/14/2005, appearing on their website at: http://www.ice.gov

Certification Requirements for Imported Natural Wine

In our April 2005 issue of “Shap Talk,” we told you about a provision in the Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 that concerned the cellar treatment of imported natural wine. This Act was signed into law on December 3, 2004. In late August 2005, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) published the temporary rule implementing the new certification requirements regarding production practices and procedures for imported natural wine. The TTB is amending the wine regulations to incorporate these changes.

For natural wine produced after December 31, 2004, at the time of Customs release of the wine, the importer must have in his or her possession a certification regarding proper cellar treatment. The certification is valid as long as the wine is of the same brand and class or type, was made by the same producer, was subject to the same cellar treatment, and conforms to the statements made on the certification. If the cellar treatment changes, a new certification may be required even though the wine label approval may remain the same.

The certification must be from the government of the producing country, accompanied by an affirmed lab analysis, that the practices and procedures used to produce the wine constitute proper cellar treatment. The new regulations provide alternative certifications and exemptions from certification requirement, as well.

Please note, the certification is not required to be presented to Customs as part of the entry package. TTB stated that compliance with the requirement could be adequately assured if importers simply maintain the certifications in their records where TTB officers can inspect them as may be necessary.

The certification must be attached to the application for a certificate of label approval for the wine in question. If the certification is not available at the time of application for the label approval, the importer must submit a copy of the certification to the appropriate TTB officer prior to Customs release of the first shipment of the wine.

The full temporary rule may be found in the Federal Register at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-16772.pdf

The TTB is also soliciting comments through October 24, 2005. Details for submitting comments may be found at: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20051800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2005/pdf/05-16771.pdf

Chile to Join ATA Carnet System

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reported on September 19, 2005 that Chile is to accept ATA Carnets as of October 1, 2005 this year. Chile is the first Latin American country to join the Carnet system.

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that permits duty-free and tax-free temporary import of goods for up to one year. The initials "ATA" are an acronym of the French and English words "Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission."

The Carnets, sometimes referred to as “passports for goods,” are already used in 62 trading nations and will be accepted by Chilean Customs for the temporary import of professional equipment, commercial samples and other goods imported for a commercial purpose, including goods for display and use at trade fairs and exhibitions.

Please refer to this link for the full article posted on the ICC website. http://www.iccwbo.org/id4508/index.html

Buying and Selling Agent Commissions

Under the Customs Modernization or “Mod” Act, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has the obligation to provide the public with information concerning the trade community’s rights and responsibilities under Customs Regulations and related laws, and the importer of record is responsible for using reasonable care to “enter,” “classify,” and “determine the value” of imported merchandise and to provide any other information necessary to enable Customs to assess proper duties, collect accurate statistics and determine whether other applicable legal requirements, if any, have been met. Customs has issued a series of informed compliance publications, on new or revised Customs requirements, regulations or procedures, and a variety of classification and valuation issues.

We would like to take this opportunity to provide guidance to our customers by offering a synopsis regarding buying and selling agents and commissions.

In an agency relationship, one party is called the agent and the other party, the principal. An agent is a person who performs actions on behalf of the principal. The fees the agent receives for its services are called commissions. Both the buying and selling agents are intermediaries only, performing services on behalf of the buyer or seller and are not the “actual buyer” or “actual seller” of imported goods.

Selling Agent and Commissions:

In a selling agency arrangement, the principal is the seller.
A selling agent works for the seller.
Selling commissions are fees paid to a selling agent for the services it performs on behalf of the seller in the sale of the imported goods.
The selling agent is related to or controlled by, or works for or on behalf of the manufacturer or seller.
Selling agent commissions are dutiable and must be indicated on the invoices.
Selling commissions incurred by the buyer are included in the transaction value either as part of the price actually paid or payable, or as an addition.
In other words, if the importer incurs a charge for a selling commission by purchasing merchandise through the seller’s agent, this charge must be indicated on the invoice or, if invoiced and paid separately, it must be included as an addition to the price actually paid or payable for the imported goods, and is dutiable.

Buying Agent and Commissions:

In a buying agency arrangement, the principal is the buyer.
A buying agent works for the buyer.
Buying commissions are fees paid to a “bona fide” buying agent for the services it performs on behalf of the buyer in connection with the purchase of the imported goods.
“Bona fide” buying commissions are not one of the specified additions to the transaction value, the price actually paid or payable. Therefore, “bona fide” buying agent commissions are not dutiable.

When is the intermediary a “bona fide” buying agent?

The terms “bona fide” buying agent and “bona fide” buying commissions are significant. In order to be considered a bona fide buying agent, the agent must be acting on behalf of and primarily for the “benefit of the buyer,” rather than for the seller or for himself / herself. In many cases a written buying agency agreement is entered into between the buyer and the buying agent, outlines the responsibilities of each party, and sets forth the amount of commissions that are to be paid.

The buyer controls the agent’s conduct, and controls the purchasing process.
Buying agency agreements must be in writing.
While a “bona fide” buying agent may exercise some discretion, the buyer makes the ultimate purchasing decisions. The buying agent should take directions from the buyer and act upon the buyer’s instructions.
The “bona fide” buying agent does not control the manner of payment or other significant aspects of the purchase.
The “bona fide” buying agent may not have any financial interest in the “manufacturers,” that is, they do not “control” who the manufacturer is, or what is to be purchased.
They are reimbursed for their expenses and earn a commission from the buyer.

Generally, “bona fide” buying agents will visit manufacturers, collect samples for the buyer, obtain price quotations for the buyer, place orders based on the buyer’s instructions, examine quantity and quality of merchandise, inspect packaging, confirm scheduling of production and shipments, and settle claims for rejected merchandise.

There are certain red flags that indicate the intermediary is not a “bona fide” buying agent. The more discretion or control a purported agent has, the less likely it is that such a person is a “bona fide” buying agent.

Does the intermediary operate an independent business primarily for its own benefit?
Does the intermediary have unlimited discretion regarding the purchase of the goods from the seller?
Does the intermediary insist the buyer and seller not have direct contact?
Does the intermediary obtain title to the goods?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then there are indications that the intermediary is not functioning as an agent at all, but rather as an independent buyer or seller. In such cases, the amount that is referred to as the buying commission may actually be the intermediary’s mark-up or profit, and constitutes part of the total price paid by the buyer, and part of the transaction value, should be added to the declared value, and is dutiable.

The Value Branch of the Office of Regulations and Rulings has prepared an informed compliance publication, “What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Buying and Selling Commissions”. This particular publication concentrates on how commissions paid to intermediaries affect Customs value.

http://cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/value/icp004r2.ctt/icp004r2.pdf

For additional guidance, see Customs informed compliance publication, “What Every Member of the Trade Community Should Know About: Bona Fide Sales and Sales for Exportation to the United States”.

http://cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/value/icp010r2.ctt/icp010r2.pdf

The Department of Homeland Security’s Bureau of Customs and Border Protections (CBP) has posted a number of updated informed compliance publications on a variety of technical subjects and processes. These guides are helpful sources of information on programs administered by CBP: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/legal/informed_compliance_pubs/informed_compliance_pubs.xml

Mandatory AES Electronic Filing

Full implementation of the Full Mandatory Electronic Filing Final Rule is slated for no later than November 2005. It requires the paper SED form 7525-V to be eliminated and penalties to be assessed for non-filing of the Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) within the prescribed time frames. Penalties will increase to $1,000.00 per day per violation. Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. implemented full electronic filing of all export information several years ago. Our in-house designed and maintained system allows us to file all export information through AES with extensive checks and balances to ensure compliance. We provide this service to all of our export clients.

For more information on electronic filing through AES, please contact compliance@shapiro.com.

The proposed rule for full mandatory electronic filling is available on the Census website from the Federal Register dated February 17, 2005 at:
http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/fedregnotices/fedreg-02172005.pdf

News from our Atlanta Office

Delta Airlines, based in Atlanta, Georgia, has filed for bankruptcy protection. This development will most likely have a significant impact on both inbound and outbound international freight as well as domestic freight. Delta is the largest private sector employer in Atlanta. There will be significant layoffs in the immediate area as well as around the country.

On a happier note, the Atlanta office of Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. had its own 90th Anniversary Celebration in September. It was a big success! There were 37 in attendance, including nineteen employees from multiple offices, three Customs’ employees, and fifteen clients representing nine companies.

Transportation Update – October 2005

Far East
Carriers from the Far East to the USA have reported that their vessels are running nearly 100% full on all water service to the USA east coast. Carriers moving cargo through southern California ports are reporting no major delays. ==Carriers have added strings of vessels to northwest ports and that has helped ease the congestion in Southern California. Pacific Northwest ports are seeing record volumes as there are more vessels calling Seattle and Tacoma this year.

There have been delays for rail shipments in Chicago. This is a normal bottleneck at this time of year. The delays are averaging about 2-3 days. Transit time via the west coast to the east coast has been dramatically better than 2004.

Bunker Surcharges from Far East ports to the USA will increase as of October 1, 2005

                             Current level   October 1, 2005
20’ container          $ 310.00        $ 345.00
40’ container          $ 410.00        $ 455.00
40 HC cont.            $ 460.00        $ 510.00
45’ container          $ 520.00        $ 580.00

Carriers will raise the emergency rail fuel surcharge on October 1, 2005, from the current level $137.00 to $158.00 per any size container.

Carriers will raise the fuel surcharge for door moves from west coast ports and east coast ports from $ 40.00 to $46.00 on top of their current door delivery rates.

Carriers evaluate the bunker surcharge on a quarterly basis. The next possible change will be on January 1, 2006.

Northern Europe
Bunker fuel surcharges that were increased on September 14, 2005 from Northern Europe to United States will rise again on October 16, 2005.

The bunker surcharges are as follows:

East Coast Ports - 20’ container from $364.00 to $ 423.00
East Coast Ports - 40’, 40’ HC and 45’ containers from $728.00 to $ 846.00
West Coast Ports - 20’ containers from $ 456.00 to $ 635.00
West Coast Ports - 40’, 40’ HC and 45’ containers from $ 912.00 to $ 1270.00

Carriers are nearly full from Northern Europe due to an increase in imports from Eastern European countries and Russia. Cargo from the Baltic Region - Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Czech Republic - has surged. This has helped carriers in the North Atlantic trade. There hasn’t been any increase in capacity in the market this year.

The Mediterranean
Space is not as tight as earlier in the year. Portugal seems to have the most difficulty as there have not been any increases in capacity from Portugal. China Shipping has added new capacity as part of its round the world service from Asia to the USA via the Suez Canal. These vessels will stop in Port Said (Turkish cargo is trans shipped from Port Said), Naples, Genoa and Valencia prior to arrival in New York, Norfolk & Savannah. Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. has contract rates from Turkey to the USA.

Carriers have announced rate increases effective October 1, 2005, however as of this writing it is unclear whether all the increases will stick. The only country where there will be an increase is from Turkey, however the increase is only $50.00 per TEU and it’s limited to the west coast. Italy and Spain are questionable concerning the GRI. Some carriers are saying they will raise rates and other carriers are saying they will not. Volumes are down from Italy and Spain to the USA.

Air News
Fuel surcharges are going up worldwide. The high rates have added considerable expense. Effective September 27, 2005 the fuel surcharge from Hong Kong will be 0.57/kg.

Air rates from Asia are peaking now as this is the real crunch time from Asia. There could be a further increase due to the pilot strike at Polar Airlines.

Capacity from Europe and the Indian sub-continent remain strong. Rates are stable though fuel surcharges have gone up. The fuel surcharge from Europe is EUR 0.50/kg from all countries using the euro. The amount from non-euro countries is similar.

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.

Bunker surcharges to Asia will increase on October 1, 2005.

Current level October 1, 2005

20’ container            $ 328.00       $ 364.00
40’ container            $ 410.00       $ 465.00
40 HC container        $ 410.00       $ 465.00
45’ container            $ 410.00       $ 465.00

Carriers will impose an inland rail fuel surcharge of $158.00 per container on October 1, 2005 and $46.00 on door moves via east coast and west coast ports. This is in line with what carriers are doing on the import side.

Carriers have raised the BAF to Europe to the same level as imports. Samuel Shapiro & Company Inc. has the BAF rolled into the base rate and is not subject to the increased BAF. Our export contracts are very competitive to Europe.

MSC has announced that on October 1, 2005 they will impose an emergency BAF of $50.00 per 20’ container and $100.00 per 40’ container for all export containers.

Carriers have announced a GRI to Northern Europe and the Med region effective October 1, 2005, however as of this writing is not confirmed. The market may not accept an increase even though ships are carrying more export cargo to Europe.

Domestic USA
There are reports that at the moment there are not significant delays in the southern California ports. Pier Pass has helped reduce congestion at these ports. The charge of $40.00 per TEU has helped alleviate some of the truck congestion as many truckers are picking up or returning containers at night.

Domestic fuel surcharges are climbing seemingly on a daily basis. We have seen some truckers charge fuel surcharges of up to 25%. Most truckers are raising or reducing their fuel surcharges based on the weekly index of fuel prices nationwide.

There is a growing shortage of long haul truck drivers in the USA. There is concern that in the future there will not be enough drivers in the marketplace to meet demand. This could become a serious problem down the road. Independent owner operators are struggling due to higher operating costs.

Carrier News
Maersk Sealand has completed its purchase of P & O Nedlloyd. The result of this buy out will make the combined company the world leader in capacity by a wide margin. The P & O Nedlloyd name will disappear in February. Many jobs will be lost due to the merger.

Hapag Lloyd has made an offer to buy CP Ships. CP Ships has bought many smaller ocean lines over the past 5 years and had marketed them, until recently, as separate brands. These carriers include Lykes Line, ANZDL (Australia New Zealand Direct Line, Canada Maritime, Cast Line, Ivaran Lines, TMM (Mexican Line), Contship Container Line. If the deal goes through, all of these lines will most like sail under the Hapag Lloyd name. Hapag will become a much stronger player worldwide.

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. Products & Services

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. Hires New CFO

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. has hired Sandy Peterson as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In this position, Peterson will oversee and be responsible for the entire accounting function of the company.

“I am thrilled to be here,” Peterson said. “The size of the company and the family atmosphere is very appealing to me. This position is what I’ve been working towards my whole career.”

Peterson became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1993 and is a member of the American Institute of CPAs. She received her BBA at Kent State University and MBA at Loyola College of Maryland, where she has subsequently taught a graduate-level accounting course. Peterson brings over 15 years of accounting experience working for several non-profit organizations including MedStar and Associated Catholic Charities. She has also served as a contractor for the U.S. Department of State.

“We feel very fortunate to have Sandy join our family,” said Margie Shapiro, President and CEO of Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. “We are very excited to continue developing our company with her talent.”

Import Essentials Seminar Registration is Open!

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. will be hosting a one-day import seminar on Tuesday, November 15th, 2005, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Four Points Sheraton in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The Import Essentials seminar will discuss how to be a compliant importer and will feature a bonus session, “What’s New with C-TPAT.” Seminar topics will include importer responsibilities under reasonable care, how to establish a compliance program, and Incoterms, among others. This event is a must attend for experienced and novice importers alike looking to improve their import compliance program or exporters interested in learning about import opportunities.

Seminar Location:
Harrisonburg Four Points Sheraton
1400 East Market Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Tel: 540-433-2521

We have a block of rooms reserved at $89.00 a night (plus tax). Reservations must be made by 10/14/05 in order to take advantage of the rate.

Cost (includes seminar materials, lunch, and refreshments):
$150 per person
$125 for each additional attendee from the same company

For more information regarding the seminar contact the compliance department by phone at 800-695-9465 ext. 290 or by email at compliance@shapiro.com.

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. Aids Hurricane Katrina Victims

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. employees have donated $2,325.00 to The Red Cross Disaster Relief Program for the gulf coast hurricane victims. The company has matched the donations 100%.

Our Employee Match Program has donated over $9,000.00 so far this year to many charities such as Alzheimers Disease Research Foundation, American Heart Association, Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, Disabled American Veterans, Race for the Cure, Meals on Wheels, various public TV and radio stations, and the tsunami relief.

We at Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. pride ourselves on our commitment to social responsibility and contributing positively to the communities in which we live.

Headquarters Relocation - October 7, 2005

On October 7, 2005, the Baltimore office of Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. will be moving to:

100 North Charles Street
Suite 1200
Baltimore, MD 21201
Tel: 410-539-0540
Tel: 800-695-9465
Fax: 410-547-6935 – Import
Fax: 410-332-1274 – Export

Our phone and fax numbers will remain the same as will our extensions.

We will be closing the Baltimore office at noon on the 7th. Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc. will be open and ready for business Monday, October 10th at our new location.

Norfolk Office Move September 14, 2005

Samuel Shapiro & Company, Inc.’s Norfolk office moved into a larger space within the same building to better serve our customers. Phone and fax numbers remain the same. Our new address is:

500 East Main Street
Suite 1230
Norfolk, VA 23510

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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.