How the OFAC Stole Christmas

Reprinted with permission from Clif Burns of the Export Law Blog.

A spokesman for the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) told Export Law Blog this morning that discussions between OFAC and the North Pole over Santa Claus’s Christmas Eve itinerary had once again broken down and were not expected to be resumed before Santa’s scheduled departure on December 24 at 10 pm EST.

TOP Questions and Answers on Obama's Cuba Announcement

Top Questions and Answers in regards to the December 17, 2014 announcement by President Obama stating the U.S. will lay out “a new course in our relations with Cuba.”

Congressional Response to President Obama's Announcement on Future Relations with Cuba

In a Miami Herald article published today, Congressional opposition to President Obama's announcement that the U.S. will lay out “a new course in our relations with Cuba” was discussed.

Business with Cuba - What's Legal and What's Not?

By now, you've likely seen the many news stories about the BIG announcement made today by our President. The news release starts by stating... "Today, the United States is taking historic steps to chart a new course in our relations with Cuba and to further engage and empower the Cuban people." Whatever your personal and/or political beliefs are, this is big news and potentially big opportunity for those who heed it. The legality of importing Cuban cigars is one of the many changes discussed below. Read on for the full details.

New FDA TOOL for Importers

Do you import food products (or any FDA regulated product) into the U.S.? I've launched a new website (www.FDA-USA.com) to assist you in learning the basic requirements for FDA regulated products. The website features information for importers of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, dietary supplements and alcoholic beverages.

Don't forget, if you are a registered food facility with the FDA and don't comply with FDA's mandatory biennial registration, FDA can cancel your FDA Food Facility Registration. Learn more about the Biennial Registration requirement in my previous post here.

NEW CBP Pilot Program Focuses on IPR Pre-Compliance

CBP is currently taking volunteers for a brand new Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) voluntary pre-compliance program.  The Journal of Commerce reported on the new pilot program here. Do you agree with my comments?

Calling ALL Animal Lovers! Walk for the Animals - 2/28/15

Every now and then there is a charity that just plain and simply warms your heart and has you painlessly giving away that money you work so hard to obtain.  The Humane Society of Greater Miami is that charity for me. Both of my precious pets are from the Humane Society - and I am extremely thankful. This is my small way to give back, and I hope you will join me if you are in Miami! 

Jen Diaz to Speak on Import Regulations

The 11th Annual International Business Trade Expo (IBTE), “Expanding Beyond Our Borders,” will be held Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The event promotes international trade and highlights the significant impact that bilateral trade has in South Florida’s economy. IBTE is hosted by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) in partnership with: Florida Chamber of Commerce; Enterprise Florida; City of Lauderhill; Broward Center for the Performing Arts; Unique Production International, and MD Marketing Network.

Business leaders from across the globe will convene to strategize on how to promote and expand bilateral trade between Florida the Caribbean and Latin America. Attendees will hear from experts on trade issues and regulations affecting Florida’s international business economy, and more.

Featured Speakers, Panels and Workshops are listed below:

MANDATORY BIENNIAL REGISTRATION RENEWAL TO TAKE PLACE OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2014

Mandatory Biennial Registration Renewal for Food Facilities will soon be required, on October 1, 2014 until December 31, 2014. If your facility is not re-registered with the FDA by December 31, 2014, FDA will cancel your Bioterrorism Act registration and your importations will be delayed. A FDA Registration number is mandatory to import food products into the U.S.

Here's what you need to know about FDA's new FSMA requirement on Bioterrorism Act registrations.

Jennifer Diaz Teaches Two Medical Device Seminars at FIME

I'm pleased to be back for my fourth year teaching at FIME! For those of you that don't know, FIME was rated the #1 medical show in the USA by Successful Meetings Magazine. FIME runs from August 6-8, 2014 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  You still have limited time to register to attend the conference and my seminars!