(World Trade Interactive)
A recent report from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General makes several recommendations on how U.S. Customs and Border Protection can improve its ability to detect biological and chemical threats in maritime cargo containers. Biological threats, such as weaponized anthrax, smallpox and foot-and-mouth disease, are disease-causing viruses or bacteria that can kill or cause harm to individuals or agricultural resources. Chemical threats, such as sarin and mustard gas, harm individuals or groups of people through exposure to toxic chemical substances.
The report states that CBP has taken steps to mitigate the threat of nuclear and radiological weapons in maritime cargo containers but could do more to mitigate the threats posed by biological and chemical weapons. CBP officials told OIG that new devices are currently being developed and tested that could help officers rapidly detect and identify biological and chemical threats during cargo inspections, but the report points out that the agency has not yet conducted a formal risk assessment to determine which pathways pose the highest risk of biological and chemical weapons entering the U.S. and whether deploying new resources in the maritime cargo environment will therefore provide the most benefit. OIG recommended that CBP conduct or commission such an assessment, but CBP expressed a belief that it will be well-positioned to identify the highest risk pathways as a result of its participation in two DHS initiatives that are expected to be completed by August 31, 2010. Read more here.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Nations Call for China Trade Probe
(UK Press Association)
The U.S., the European Union and Mexico have called on the World Trade Organisation to probe Chinese curbs on raw material exports that they say break global trade rules.
In separate statements, U.S. and EU trade representatives said Chinese quotas on exports of key minerals such as bauxite, coke, magnesium, manganese, silicon metal and zinc and export charges on several raw materials distort competition and increase global prices.EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton said these were “making conditions for our companies even more difficult in this economic climate.” Read more here.
The U.S., the European Union and Mexico have called on the World Trade Organisation to probe Chinese curbs on raw material exports that they say break global trade rules.
In separate statements, U.S. and EU trade representatives said Chinese quotas on exports of key minerals such as bauxite, coke, magnesium, manganese, silicon metal and zinc and export charges on several raw materials distort competition and increase global prices.EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton said these were “making conditions for our companies even more difficult in this economic climate.” Read more here.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
USDA Withdraws Increase in Fees for Quarantine and Inspection Services
(USDA APHIS)
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has withdrawn an interim rule that would have imposed an approximately 10% increase in the fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection services provided in connection with certain commercial vessels, trucks, railroad cars and aircraft arriving at ports in the U.S. customs territory. These fees had been slated to take effect November 1, but APHIS has decided to withdraw them in order to explore other regulatory alternatives. As a result, the subject user fees will remain as follows.
• commercial vessels - $494
• commercial trucks - $5.25 for a single border crossing and $105 for a transponder
• commercial railroad cars - $7.75 per car
• commercial aircraft - $70.50 per aircraft
Read the complete release here.
The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has withdrawn an interim rule that would have imposed an approximately 10% increase in the fees charged for certain agricultural quarantine and inspection services provided in connection with certain commercial vessels, trucks, railroad cars and aircraft arriving at ports in the U.S. customs territory. These fees had been slated to take effect November 1, but APHIS has decided to withdraw them in order to explore other regulatory alternatives. As a result, the subject user fees will remain as follows.
• commercial vessels - $494
• commercial trucks - $5.25 for a single border crossing and $105 for a transponder
• commercial railroad cars - $7.75 per car
• commercial aircraft - $70.50 per aircraft
Read the complete release here.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Drivers Should Have Next-Gen FAST Cards In-Hand
(Today’s Trucking)
Older, first generation FAST cards will no longer be accepted by Canada Border Services Agency or US Customs and Border Protection as of Dec. 1, 2009.
The Ontario Trucking Association reports that all commercial drivers should have received their Generation 2 FAST cards. Drivers who have not, should contact the FAST enrollment centre where they originally applied or click here.
The Generation 2 card is equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which enables the transmission of identification data from a distance.
The two border agencies have reportedly not yet decided how to handle old FAST cards — whether drivers can throw them out or hand them in — so drivers are advise to hold on to them just in case.
Older, first generation FAST cards will no longer be accepted by Canada Border Services Agency or US Customs and Border Protection as of Dec. 1, 2009.
The Ontario Trucking Association reports that all commercial drivers should have received their Generation 2 FAST cards. Drivers who have not, should contact the FAST enrollment centre where they originally applied or click here.
The Generation 2 card is equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, which enables the transmission of identification data from a distance.
The two border agencies have reportedly not yet decided how to handle old FAST cards — whether drivers can throw them out or hand them in — so drivers are advise to hold on to them just in case.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
C-TPAT Re-Validation Preparation – November 17
(NCBFAA)
US Customs and Border Protection are obligated to re-validate C-TPAT members at least once every three years. Many companies give a huge sigh of relief after their initial validation, and then seem to put the C-TPAT program on the “back burner”. Before you know it, it is time for re-validation. CBP calls to advise that they will be conducting a re-validation. Your boss, of course, comes to you to begin the miracle process of being prepared for the re-validation. You have no idea where to start. That may even be why you decided to attend this webinar.
After this presentation you will be armed with the necessary information to prepare for this visit, as well as being prepared to discuss the process with senior management. So, hold on tight as we take a journey through the process and preparation of re-validating your C-TPAT security profile. Here’s to border security…and away we go!
Please join us for:
C-TPAT Re-Validation Preparation
Offered by: NCBFAA Educational Institute
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Noon - 1:30 p.m. ET
Cost: $50.00 per member participant$75.00 per non-member participant1.5
CCS points for attendance
Presenter: Randi Keenan, Senior Consultant, ARI
To participate, simply go to http://www.ncbfaa.org and select “C-TPAT Re-Validation Preparation” under “Upcoming Events.” Members: be sure to log in first to take advantage of the lower member rate.
Thank you, and we look forward to your participation!
Cynthia D. (Jerome) Allen, LCB, CCS
NCBFAA Educational Institute Director
1200 18th Street, NW, #901 Washington, DC 20036
Office Phone: (202) 466-0222 • Cell Phone: (313) 330-8630
US Customs and Border Protection are obligated to re-validate C-TPAT members at least once every three years. Many companies give a huge sigh of relief after their initial validation, and then seem to put the C-TPAT program on the “back burner”. Before you know it, it is time for re-validation. CBP calls to advise that they will be conducting a re-validation. Your boss, of course, comes to you to begin the miracle process of being prepared for the re-validation. You have no idea where to start. That may even be why you decided to attend this webinar.
After this presentation you will be armed with the necessary information to prepare for this visit, as well as being prepared to discuss the process with senior management. So, hold on tight as we take a journey through the process and preparation of re-validating your C-TPAT security profile. Here’s to border security…and away we go!
Please join us for:
C-TPAT Re-Validation Preparation
Offered by: NCBFAA Educational Institute
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Noon - 1:30 p.m. ET
Cost: $50.00 per member participant$75.00 per non-member participant1.5
CCS points for attendance
Presenter: Randi Keenan, Senior Consultant, ARI
To participate, simply go to http://www.ncbfaa.org and select “C-TPAT Re-Validation Preparation” under “Upcoming Events.” Members: be sure to log in first to take advantage of the lower member rate.
Thank you, and we look forward to your participation!
Cynthia D. (Jerome) Allen, LCB, CCS
NCBFAA Educational Institute Director
1200 18th Street, NW, #901 Washington, DC 20036
Office Phone: (202) 466-0222 • Cell Phone: (313) 330-8630
Friday, October 30, 2009
New U.S. Ambassador Says Solutions Can Be Found to Border and Trade Issues
(The Canadian Press)
The new U.S. ambassador to Canada says he’s confident the two countries can find a way to protect their borders without hampering free trade. David Jacobson says protecting the United States and Canada from terrorist threats is a key priority. Jacobson, who is on a tour of Canada after becoming ambassador earlier this month, plans to visit several U.S.-Canada border crossings […]
But he says border security and efficiency isn’t a zero-sum game, and while he understands Canada’s concerns over Washington’s Buy American policies, he is confident both sides can come to a solution. High-level discussions are ongoing and Jacobson says that while no deal has yet been reached, the talks have been constructive. Read more here.
The new U.S. ambassador to Canada says he’s confident the two countries can find a way to protect their borders without hampering free trade. David Jacobson says protecting the United States and Canada from terrorist threats is a key priority. Jacobson, who is on a tour of Canada after becoming ambassador earlier this month, plans to visit several U.S.-Canada border crossings […]
But he says border security and efficiency isn’t a zero-sum game, and while he understands Canada’s concerns over Washington’s Buy American policies, he is confident both sides can come to a solution. High-level discussions are ongoing and Jacobson says that while no deal has yet been reached, the talks have been constructive. Read more here.
U.S. Companies Eyeball Higher Mexican Taxes
(CNN Money – Enrique Duarte)
Foreign investors may lose tax benefits if Mexico’s congress approves a bill that won’t allow businesses to consolidate results
Companies that have invested in Mexico could be affected if the Mexican congress approves a change that would put an end to tax benefits that allow businesses to consolidate their earnings and losses, in order to pay less taxes, said specialized foreign trade consultant firm IQOM. The changes proposed by the federal government are being analyzed by Congress and could be incompatible with expropriation rules under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that Mexico, Canada and the United States have had since 1994.
Mexican fiscal law today allows different companies with the same parent company, to pay taxes as if they were one single company.
This means any company, foreign or domestic, can deduct the losses of one of its subsidiaries against the earnings of another, but if the Mexican congress approves the changes, 4,862 companies (domestic and foreign) with operations in the country face paying higher taxes. Read more here.
Foreign investors may lose tax benefits if Mexico’s congress approves a bill that won’t allow businesses to consolidate results
Companies that have invested in Mexico could be affected if the Mexican congress approves a change that would put an end to tax benefits that allow businesses to consolidate their earnings and losses, in order to pay less taxes, said specialized foreign trade consultant firm IQOM. The changes proposed by the federal government are being analyzed by Congress and could be incompatible with expropriation rules under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that Mexico, Canada and the United States have had since 1994.
Mexican fiscal law today allows different companies with the same parent company, to pay taxes as if they were one single company.
This means any company, foreign or domestic, can deduct the losses of one of its subsidiaries against the earnings of another, but if the Mexican congress approves the changes, 4,862 companies (domestic and foreign) with operations in the country face paying higher taxes. Read more here.
WTO Publishes Latest Annual Compilation of International Trade Statistics
(WTO)
The 2009 edition of the WTO’s International Trade Statistics, a comprehensive overview of world trade up to 2008, was published in electronic format on 28 October 2009 and will be available in print in November.
International Trade Statistics 2009 includes the details of merchandise trade by product and trade in commercial services by category. Each chapter is introduced by a highlights section that identifies the most salient trends in the data, including the first quarter of 2009, and illustrates them with numerous charts and maps. There is also a methodological chapter (Chapter IV Metadata) that explains essential concepts and definitions used in compiling the statistics, and an appendix with detailed data on trade by region up to 2008.
All data used in the publication, as well as additional charts not included in the book, can be downloaded from the WTO web site at http://stat.wto.org. With these additions, International Trade Statistics 2009 serves as an invaluable reference for researchers, policy makers and anyone interested in international trade.
This publication and its data is available free on the WTO web site in the following forms:
• charts and tables in Excel format
• chapter highlights in pdf format
• statistics in a searchable database
Printed versions of this publication will be available in English, French and Spanish and can be ordered from the online bookshop. PDF versions of the entire report will also be posted on the WTO web site.
The 2009 edition of the WTO’s International Trade Statistics, a comprehensive overview of world trade up to 2008, was published in electronic format on 28 October 2009 and will be available in print in November.
International Trade Statistics 2009 includes the details of merchandise trade by product and trade in commercial services by category. Each chapter is introduced by a highlights section that identifies the most salient trends in the data, including the first quarter of 2009, and illustrates them with numerous charts and maps. There is also a methodological chapter (Chapter IV Metadata) that explains essential concepts and definitions used in compiling the statistics, and an appendix with detailed data on trade by region up to 2008.
All data used in the publication, as well as additional charts not included in the book, can be downloaded from the WTO web site at http://stat.wto.org. With these additions, International Trade Statistics 2009 serves as an invaluable reference for researchers, policy makers and anyone interested in international trade.
This publication and its data is available free on the WTO web site in the following forms:
• charts and tables in Excel format
• chapter highlights in pdf format
• statistics in a searchable database
Printed versions of this publication will be available in English, French and Spanish and can be ordered from the online bookshop. PDF versions of the entire report will also be posted on the WTO web site.
Webinar: Practical Tax Advice for Canadian Companies Expanding into the United States – November 6
(International Trade Canada)
Is your business looking to expand into the U.S.? Then, get the edge on the U.S. tax man!
Today, international commerce is a key driver to the business growth of many companies. For many Canadian companies, the first step towards an increased international presence is to expand operations into the U.S. However, the wrong U.S. tax structure can put your company at a real disadvantage.
This webinar will show Canadian companies how to implement a successful global tax strategy while also keeping the Internal Revenue Service happy!
Why should you participate? You will:
• Learn more about the Federal and State corporate tax systems for Canadian corporations and discover how to maximize your profits in the U.S.;
• Find out more about transfer pricing, public law 86-272, etc.;
• Get the information you need about U.S. Government incentives and how to build a successful tax strategy for your company.
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
Please register by November 4, 2009, here.
Is your business looking to expand into the U.S.? Then, get the edge on the U.S. tax man!
Today, international commerce is a key driver to the business growth of many companies. For many Canadian companies, the first step towards an increased international presence is to expand operations into the U.S. However, the wrong U.S. tax structure can put your company at a real disadvantage.
This webinar will show Canadian companies how to implement a successful global tax strategy while also keeping the Internal Revenue Service happy!
Why should you participate? You will:
• Learn more about the Federal and State corporate tax systems for Canadian corporations and discover how to maximize your profits in the U.S.;
• Find out more about transfer pricing, public law 86-272, etc.;
• Get the information you need about U.S. Government incentives and how to build a successful tax strategy for your company.
Date: Friday, November 6, 2009
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EDT
Cost: Free
Please register by November 4, 2009, here.
Envoy Sees Open Yet Safe Border
(Romina Maurino — The Canadian Press)
U.S. ambassador on Canadian tour
The new U.S. ambassador to Canada says he is confident the two countries can find a way to protect their borders without hampering free trade.
Ambassador David Jacobson took his message to a business audience in Toronto on Thursday, telling them that while addressing terror threats is a key priority, trade is just as important for the economies of both countries.
“The security of both the United States and Canadian people, and efficiency at the border, is not a zero-sum game,” said Jacobson.
“We do not have to choose either security or trade — if we approach both of them intelligently, we can have both of them.”
Jacobson, who is on a tour of Canada after becoming ambassador earlier this month, plans to visit several U.S.-Canada border crossings in the Niagara area today.
He said part of the problem with the border is that much of the infrastructure is outdated — some of it even predates the Second World War. Read more here.
U.S. ambassador on Canadian tour
The new U.S. ambassador to Canada says he is confident the two countries can find a way to protect their borders without hampering free trade.
Ambassador David Jacobson took his message to a business audience in Toronto on Thursday, telling them that while addressing terror threats is a key priority, trade is just as important for the economies of both countries.
“The security of both the United States and Canadian people, and efficiency at the border, is not a zero-sum game,” said Jacobson.
“We do not have to choose either security or trade — if we approach both of them intelligently, we can have both of them.”
Jacobson, who is on a tour of Canada after becoming ambassador earlier this month, plans to visit several U.S.-Canada border crossings in the Niagara area today.
He said part of the problem with the border is that much of the infrastructure is outdated — some of it even predates the Second World War. Read more here.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
USDA Proposes to Revise Info Collection on Import and Export of Meat and Poultry Products
(World Trade Interactive)
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is seeking comments by Dec. 28 on an information collection addressing paperwork requirements related to the exportation, transportation and importation of meat and poultry products.
FSIS requires that meat and poultry establishments exporting product to foreign countries complete an export certificate in order to certify to the importing countries that FSIS inspectors have inspected the product and have found it sound and wholesome. Meat and poultry products not marked with the mark of inspection and shipped from one official establishment to another for further processing must be transported under USDA seal to prevent such unmarked product from entering into commerce. To track product shipped under seal, FSIS requires shipping establishments to complete a form that identifies the type, amount and weight of the product. Read more here
The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is seeking comments by Dec. 28 on an information collection addressing paperwork requirements related to the exportation, transportation and importation of meat and poultry products.
FSIS requires that meat and poultry establishments exporting product to foreign countries complete an export certificate in order to certify to the importing countries that FSIS inspectors have inspected the product and have found it sound and wholesome. Meat and poultry products not marked with the mark of inspection and shipped from one official establishment to another for further processing must be transported under USDA seal to prevent such unmarked product from entering into commerce. To track product shipped under seal, FSIS requires shipping establishments to complete a form that identifies the type, amount and weight of the product. Read more here
China, U.S. Agree Not to Introduce New Trade Protection Measures
(RTT News)
Laying the groundwork for U.S. President Barack Obama’s first visit to China next month, both the countries Thursday agreed not to introduce any new trade protection measures against each other. This was decided at a meeting of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.
Both sides also vowed to oppose trade and investment protectionism and follow the related consensus of the G20 summit.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, leading the American delegation, said it was “critical” to demonstrate that the two countries could work together despite simmering trade disputes in many areas, claims of protectionism and a wide U.S. trade deficit with China. The U.S. trade deficit with China is the widest it has with any country, totaling $143.7 billion in the first eight months of this year – down 15.1% from the corresponding period last year. Read more here.
Laying the groundwork for U.S. President Barack Obama’s first visit to China next month, both the countries Thursday agreed not to introduce any new trade protection measures against each other. This was decided at a meeting of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou.
Both sides also vowed to oppose trade and investment protectionism and follow the related consensus of the G20 summit.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, leading the American delegation, said it was “critical” to demonstrate that the two countries could work together despite simmering trade disputes in many areas, claims of protectionism and a wide U.S. trade deficit with China. The U.S. trade deficit with China is the widest it has with any country, totaling $143.7 billion in the first eight months of this year – down 15.1% from the corresponding period last year. Read more here.
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