International Trade Day - May 23, 2018 - Port Miami

Miami World Trade Week is all about showcasing the importance of international trade, logistics, services and port operations to the South Florida economy and promotes Miami as the “Trade & Logistics Hub of the Americas”. World Trade Week includes a full of International Trade information at International Trade Day hosted by the World Trade Center Miami and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Over 300 international executives representing more than 150 companies have registered to attend. Top officials from CBP and other participating government agencies (e.g.  FDA, USDA, APHIS, PPQ, USFWS, CPSC, etc.) will be present and respond to your questions.

31,560 Shipments Were Seized by CBP in 2016 for ONE Reason

Last year, on a typical day the U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) seized about $3.8 million worth of products because of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Violations. CBP reported that the total number of IPR seizures has increased nine (9) percent since last year, from 28,865 in 2015 to 31,560 in 2016. With the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) exceeding $1.3 trillion.

What is Causing the Increase in Seizures?

·       Recordation of Trademark And Copyright With The CBP

o   In addition to registration of IPR with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO for trademarks), or the U.S. Copyright Office (for copyrights), owners can record said trademark or copyright with CBP. This additional step grants CBP additional enforcement power in both seizing counterfeit and piratical goods as well as thereafter issuing penalties for the MSRP value of the goods. In previous blog posts, we explained benefits of taking the extra step of recording your registered trademark or copyright with CBP, and CBP’s additional enforcement powers as a result of the recordations.

CBP's 2017 West Coast Trade Symposium...Don't Miss It!

UPDATE - CBP JUST ANNOUNCED TODAY that registration will OFFICIALLY open on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, 12:00 pm Eastern. Keep your eyes peeled for more information from CBP!

We always strive to keep you informed of the latest and greatest trade events. In this vain, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will be hosting the 2017 West Coast Trade Symposium from May 24-25 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

More information about the event, including where to register, will be provided at a later date (and will be posted here). You can be sure we'll keep you in the loop as we hear more.

If you need reasons to attend (or to get your employer to foot the bill), check out these top 5 reasons.

Cuban Cigars Seized by CBP

Mark Twain once said, “I never smoke to excess - that is, I smoke in moderation, only one cigar at a time.”

With the loosening of restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba, including the authorization to import Cuban Cigars (for personal use only, under a certain value), persons under “U.S. jurisdiction” are getting caught right and left trying to take advantage and import more than their share of Cuban cigars to the US. In May of this year, Maxim magazine declared Cuban Cigars are still the worlds best. However, as relations thaw, will the Cuban cigar be able to take back the market share it lost in the past half century when countries like Dominican Republic and Nicaragua have served the US? That is a question recently posed by Will Yakwowicz in an article for Inc. earlier this year.

Although you are allowed to bring Cuban cigars back to the U.S. (if you are on an “authorized trip” to Cuba) there is a limit and the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) can, and will, seize any amount over the allowed limit.

What is the scope and limit on how many cigars I can bring in?

• Persons authorized to travel to Cuba (see our previous post regarding authorized travel to Cuba) may purchase alcohol and tobacco products while in Cuba for personal consumption. Also, as an authorized traveler you may return to the United States with up to $400 worth of Cuban goods, but only $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco or a combination of both.

Will Customs and Border Protection seize as little as 1 cigar?

• YES! CBP can and will seize even one cigar. Since 2013, CBP posts seizure notices online, so the world can see what CBP seized. Here’s the proof that CBP has been seizing Cuban cigars. An example of U.S. CBP seizing JUST one cigar was as recent as 06/20/2016 at the port of JAMAICA, NY.

• During August of 2016, CBP has seized cigars from Ports of entry such as San Diego, California; Anacortes, Wa.; Jamaica, NY; Phoenix, Ar.; Washington, DC with the most being seized at the Port of Jamaica, NY, with a total of over 300 Cigars seized from different individuals.

U.S.’s normalization of ties with Cuba is progressing, and our office is well positioned to help you take advantage of these changes and ensure you stay compliant. Be sure you know the rules and don’t enter the U.S. with more than your $400 worth of Cuban goods, $100 of which of alcohol and tobacco. If you are faced with a seizure notice, or want to ensure you stay compliant, contact us at info@diaztradelaw.com with any questions.

This is no longer applicable due to new revised OFAC and BIS Regulations. What's new? Click here.