tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27623447216122604552012-02-21T09:30:01.565-05:00This blog is intended to be my personal views on current and changing U.S. Federal Laws and Regulations that impact your international business.Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.comBlogger261100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-5594154374632788592012-02-21T09:30:00.000-05:002012-02-21T09:30:01.593-05:00

Before beginning a career in international trade, I did not ever stop to think that the t-shirt I was wearing or dishes I was using were likely made elsewhere, and went through a long complicated logistics supply chain in order to reach my local store. Little did I know that when anything goes wrong in that complicated supply chain, it would be my job to help. Recently, a client had over

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-60387991553608452112012-02-16T10:00:00.000-05:002012-02-16T18:09:49.068-05:00

U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) seizes merchandise EVERY day (and there is a LOT you can do to get your merchandise back!).  Check out the latest 2011 stats on intellectual property rights enforcement and seizure statistics. What some don't know is the merchandise does NOT even have to be destined for the U.S. for CBP to seize it.  Yes, it's true.  CBP detains

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-88806720668610819462012-02-14T09:30:00.000-05:002012-02-16T18:10:20.424-05:00

What is the Black List? The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authority from Congress to place an importer, manufacturer, shipper, grower, geographic area, or country on a “detention without physical examination” (DWPE) list (aka the FDA’s black list). To check if a company you are doing business with is on such a list, check FDA’s Import Alert page, you can search by country

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-10470899842836057582012-02-09T15:00:00.000-05:002012-02-09T15:00:07.761-05:00

If you import, you need to! On behalf of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT-South Florida), I am hosting an informal round table where members OWIT will have the opportunity to get to know one another and learn all about compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)! Yes, men are welcome! This session is especially important for importers and brokers and

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-48093849345656520472012-01-11T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-11T09:00:16.982-05:00

Do you want to learn the Top 10 Tips When Importing to Ensure Compliance?  What about the Importance of CBP Rulings for Classification, Valuation and Country of Origin? How about Cost Savings practices like utilizing Free Trade Agreements? Well you can learn this and hot topics like: - Importance of protecting Intellectual Property Rights - Basic customs concepts and terms - What to do

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-31437657977336031442011-12-22T15:41:00.001-05:002011-12-22T15:41:53.456-05:00

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Alan Bersin has announced his resignation effective December 30. Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar is slated to serve as Acting Commissioner. In a statement announcing his resignation, Bersin said he was grateful for the chance to lead CBP. "My service as commissioner has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my public life," Bersin

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-74785045465003314702011-12-22T10:30:00.001-05:002011-12-22T10:31:17.938-05:00

One way to find out! CSMS #11-000317, dated December 21, 2011, advises brokers that the 2011/2011 Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) will contain many changes.  Specifically, the notice states: To: Automated Broker Interface Harmonized System Update (HSU) 1108 was created on December 20, 2011 and contains 577 ABI records and 118 harmonized tariff records. Changes

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-38854529745038468742011-12-16T10:23:00.001-05:002011-12-22T18:06:16.877-05:00

NEWS BLAST!  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is set to launch Enforcement Link to Mobile Operations (ELMOcargo) at the Port of Miami. This technology will allow CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists to release inspected cargo in real-time. Currently, CBP Officers and Agriculture Specialists conduct inspections on site, but the subsequent release of cargo is delayed until field

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-2437704753336582102011-10-05T09:00:00.001-04:002011-10-05T09:00:04.922-04:00

We often come across great resources we want to share with others... This is exactly what this post is all about! I was sent 33 Interesting and Exciting Career Paths in International Business and thought MANY of you could benefit from this. I hope this is beneficial for you!

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-56613247646040686332011-08-15T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-15T08:00:02.620-04:00

On November 1, 2011, the Organization of Women in International Trade's South Florida will host our 10th Annual International Business Women of the Year (IBWOY) Awards (men are absolutely welcome)! This is my final year as President of OWIT-South Florida, making this IBWOY awards that much more special to me. I hope you will be there to join in this truly exceptional event as we honor 3

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-79816815051257618472011-08-08T08:00:00.000-04:002011-08-08T08:00:03.975-04:00

Imagine a world where a manufacturer’s claims that their products are “gluten free” could be trusted by U.S. consumers.  Imagine a world where U.S. consumers were promised a definition of “gluten free” by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FDA held all manufacturers and importers to the same stringent standard…. Good news, we’re getting close!! As of August 2, 2011, FDA

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-1941263261494661212011-07-15T08:00:00.000-04:002011-07-15T08:00:09.533-04:00

On July 14, 2011, FDA posted an update on how it regulates cosmetic products.  The full update is below for your perusal. In my practice, I have seen warning letters from the FDA, refusals and the insertion of companies on FDA's Import Alert List (goods are automatically detained when entering the U.S., and it is up to the importer to prove to the FDA that the products are in compliance for EACH

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-53276100785374469472011-07-14T10:24:00.000-04:002011-07-14T10:24:22.472-04:00

Dear Colleagues, I am writing today to let you know about some changes that I will be making to the agency’s management structure. As you probably recall, back in January, I told you that I was initiating a review of the Office of the Commissioner. As I explained at that time, this review was driven by the expanding and rapidly changing nature of the Agency’s responsibilities, and the need for a

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-10882373892358729392010-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:002010-08-25T08:00:02.288-04:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release, dated August 24, 2010, providing guidance and outlining steps to help chain restaurants comply with new federal nutrition labeling requirements. The new law applies to restaurants and similar retail food establishments with 20 or more locations. The law requires the establishment to list calorie content information for standard

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-11670037723619952252010-01-18T09:00:00.022-05:002010-01-22T15:15:52.245-05:00

On January 27, 2010 you will have the opportunity to meet the new Board of Directors for the Organization of Women in International Trade's South Florida Chapter-- don't miss this networking opportunity.   OWIT-South Florida is a networking and educational organization that promotes women and men in international trade and commerce. As the incoming President to this group, I'll admit I'm biased

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-26863663897840952072010-01-11T09:00:00.002-05:002010-01-11T09:00:08.422-05:00

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) enforcement very seriously, in fact, its a priority.  Shipments not destined for the U.S., that are merely in transit (for example from China for a brief stop in Miami to the ultimate destination in Latin America), are no exception.  The fact that CBP enforces IPR rights for in transit merchandise surprises many --

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-59320995968710078672010-01-05T09:00:00.002-05:002010-01-05T11:37:21.061-05:00

During the annual Customs Symposium, which took place December 8-10, 2009, Richard DeNucci, the Director of Customs Office of Field Operations, Trade Initiatives, discussed how CBP will enforce ISF(Importer Security Filing, aka 10+2) penalties, beginning January 26, 2010, and provided interesting statistics thus far. ISF will require both importers and carriers to submit additional information

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-67742520339701219432009-11-24T15:38:00.005-05:002009-12-30T11:34:14.637-05:00

Nicaragua Central America Poultry Export Quota, Inc. (CA-PEQ) Notice of Open Tender Bids open: November 20, 2009 Bids due: December 4, 2009 Central American Poultry Export Quota, Inc. (CA-PEQ) invites bids for the right to ship U.S.-origin chicken leg quarters to Nicaragua duty-free under a CAFTA tariff-rate quota granted by the Republic of Nicaragua to the United States. The export item is

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-69390524987051077092009-11-02T09:00:00.004-05:002010-01-04T23:35:42.781-05:00

Beware, FDA will soon have a system to track your performance! FDA will implement PREDICT (Predictive Risk-based Evaluation for Dynamic Import Compliance Targeting and Import Trade Auxiliary Communications System).  Although this is likely the longest acronym known to man, I am looking forward to this new system replace OASIS.  PREDICT will be FDA's system to target higher risk shipments, and

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-62900026708020524282009-11-02T09:00:00.001-05:002009-10-06T16:06:56.594-04:00

Many companies mistakenly believe that registering a trademark or copyright with the U.S. Government provides sufficient protection and remedies, and, therefore, do not take the extra step to record those trademarks or copyrights with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (U.S. Customs). The processes achieve two completely different goals. Registering a trademark with the U.S. Patent and

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-49163547126271817352009-10-26T09:00:00.000-04:002009-10-26T09:12:13.702-04:00

Lesson of the day - Don’t Lie to the government! This case is about making an intentionally false or misleading statement to the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). Carol Wilkins, an export manager apparently did, and will now pay $15,000 to the BIS. Important to note is that this export manager was fined individually. RF Micro Devices, Inc., the company Carol

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-30950170426555269002009-10-19T09:00:00.002-04:002009-10-19T09:00:04.112-04:00

What is the FDA 'Black List'? The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authority to put an importer, manufacturer, shipper, grower, geographic area of a country, or an entire country on a “detention without physical examination” (DWPE) list (a/k/a the FDA’s 'Black List'). To check if a company you are doing business with is on such a list, check FDA’s Import Alert page. You can

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-3047493633614979802009-10-12T09:00:00.002-04:002009-10-12T09:00:02.255-04:00

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has posted its seminar schedule from now until September of 2010!  Seminar topics range from "How To Develop and Export Management and Compliance Program" to "Complying with U.S. Export Controls."  The full schedule and registration are here.

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-87913969280375347582009-10-05T09:00:00.003-04:002011-12-22T15:45:33.203-05:00

Save the Date! Please save November 12, 2009, for the Organization of Women in International Trades (OWIT) annual International Business Women of the Year (IBWOY) awards luncheon, honoring exemplary women in the South Florida international trade community. While the details are being fine tuned, I can say that we are doing something different this year. Typically, we raise money for a scholarship

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-16875941403737560082008-05-20T11:56:00.003-04:002009-10-06T15:48:30.645-04:00

Who knew dental floss was a medical device regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? What about contact lenses, tongue depressors, or bedpans? How about pacemakers? You guessed it, they all are! One might naturally think of a product like a defibrillator as a medical device, but in our business, we find many companies unsure if its products are, in fact, medical devices. The

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2762344721612260455.post-53117637659432075722007-07-02T18:26:00.004-04:002009-10-06T15:48:46.025-04:00

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs) is now requiring marine terminal operators to secure a bond against “gate out” violations. “Gate out” violations occur when cargo selected by Customs for inspection is offloaded from arriving vessels to marine terminals, and then delivered directly from the marine terminals, thereby avoiding Customs inspection entirely. Customs is now requiring all

Jennifer Diazhttps://profiles.google.com/108511488702456224627noreply@blogger.com0