The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) was established to ensure the safety and security of cargo arriving in the United States. Although being C-TPAT certified is not required by any governmental agency, many private companies only partner with C-TPAT compliant businesses. Thus, Third Party Logistics Providers (3PLs) are strongly motivated to obtain certification. However, in order for a 3PL to be eligible for C-TPAT […]
We are constantly being asked by NVOCCs, forwarders and warehousemen whether they have a legitimate lien on the cargo in their possession, such that that they can hold the freight until being paid. The answers are not simple: you only have a lien on freight if it was a)given to you by the cargo owner; or b) given to you […]
Last week I visited the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast to attend the Gulf States Trade Alliance’s 2012 Annual Export conference from April 10-12 at the Beau Rivage Resort. The theme for the event was “Export Resources and New Market Opportunities for Small Business”, and the markets focused on during the conference were Central America, the Caribbean, and Canada. First, a […]
Becoming an ocean transportation intermediary (“OTI”), a freight forwarder (“OFF”) or a non-vessel operating common carrier (NVOCC), is a great way to get involved in the international trade industry. OFFs and NVOCCs facilitate the movement of goods overseas (via ocean carrier) from the original shipper, individuals or corporations, to their final point of distribution. While the U.S. has regulations for […]
As the US seeks to reap the benefits of free trade throughout the world, it is imperative that agreements are reached with our regional trading partners. The past two administrations have secured Free Trade Agreements with multiple Central and South American countries. Agreements with both Peru and Colombia were signed in 2006; however, the ratification process was not the same […]
A free trade agreement approximately six years in the making is now a reality for Korea and the United States. Just as with other FTAs, this new market access allows for reduced and sometimes eliminated tariff rates and quotas as well as duty-free treatment of goods and services with an emphasis on leveling the playing field for U.S. auto manufacturers […]
Having originated nearly 20 years ago NAFTA, is a well established free trade agreement that continues to have a significant impact on importers and exporters. In efforts to open global markets to U.S. businesses, the U.S. government has entered or is planning to enter into fourteen other free trade agreements and promotions. The most recent agreements include the Colombian FTA, […]
When you are preparing to export goods to Mexico or Canada (“NAFTA Countries”), you are likely going to seek preferential treatment of your goods under NAFTA. However, before you ship the goods to your buyer, make sure you are familiar with the regulations governing duty free treatment. Otherwise, you may end up paying duty when you least expect it. Carefully […]
In addition to 84 other countries, the United States is a party to the two treaties comprising the Madrid System for international registration of trademarks. This system provides trademark owners a cost-effective, efficient way to protect their trademarks overseas. While not all business need to take advantage of the Madrid System, those businesses and individuals seeking to do business or […]
Sometimes the best intended act can lead to unanticipated results. In the case of informal docket no. 1916(I) GUMTREEFABRICS, INC. v. EVER-LOGISTICS INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING LIMITED d/b/a EVEROK INTERNATIONAL FORWARDING CO., LTD, the FMC opened the door to conduct which would ordinarily be prohibited. In that case an importer claimed that cargo was extortionately withheld from delivery to it by a […]