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- New book offers assistance to the growing number of small companies involved in international trade
"Eagan, MN—In July 1999, a New York company was fined $900,000 by the U.S. Department of Commerce and denied its export privileges for one year for failing to properly follow U.S. export regulations. And they were not alone. Every year, the U.S. governmen
- Exporters Can Avoid $100 Filing Fee for SEDs with Shipping Solutions 2000 Export Software
"Eagan, MN—As of November 1, 2000, ocean carriers have begun charging $100 for each Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) submitted on paper with an export shipment. Exporters can easily avoid this charge by using Shipping Solutions 2000 export documentatio
- Companies can now file their export documents electronically using Shipping Solutions 2000 software
"Eagan, MN—Due to a major initiative by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. companies that export will now be able to file their Shipper’s Export Declarations (SEDs) over the Internet absolutely free using InterMart’s Shipping Solutions 2000 export software."
- New on-line forum provides free help for international trade professionals
"Eagan, MN—In its continuing efforts to serve the needs of small and mid-sized companies involved in international trade, InterMart, Inc. has created a free on-line forum to provide real-time answers to import-export questions. Forum participants can post
- New Software Eases the Burden of Export Paperwork
"Eagan, MN—International trade professionals burdened by the mountain of export documents they must prepare can now find relief in a new software program from InterMart, Inc. The company’s Shipping Solutions 2000 export software dramatically reduces the
- InterMart unveils International Business Training division, web site
"Eagan, MN—InterMart, Inc., developer of the popular Shipping Solutions export documentation software, has unveiled a new division concentrating on the educational needs of small and mid-sized U.S. companies involved in import and export.
- InterMart to introduce Shipping Solutions 3.0 at 1997 International Exporters-Importers Conference
"Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today announced the release of version 3.0 of its popular Shipping Solutions export documentation software. The upgrade includes a variety of new export forms and other enhancements designed to make the software even easie
- InterMart announces version 2.0 of its popular Shipping Solutions export documentation software
"Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today announced the release of version 2.0 of its Shipping Solutions™ export documentation software, a company spokesman announced today. The upgrade, which includes a variety of new export forms and other enhancements des
- InterMart releases a network version of its Shipping Solutions software
"Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today released a network version of its Shipping Solutions™ export documentation software that will allow a variety of desktop users to access the Shipping Solutions database, a company spokesman announced today."
- InterMart introduces Shipping Solutions international export documentation software
"Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today introduced an export shipping software that reduces the amount of time businesses need to devote to completing the myriad of export documents by up to 80 percent, a company spokesman announced today."
- Shipping Solutions software adds easy and affordable export compliance through partnership with NextLinx Corporation
EAGAN, MN - Small and medium-sized companies will soon have an easy and affordable solution for ensuring that their international shipments comply with U.S. export regulations. Shipping Solutions is teaming up with NextLinx Corporation to offer NextLinx's
- Shipping Solutions Upgrades Best Selling Software Solution For Export Documentation
EAGAN, MN—Shipping Solutions announces the latest version of its best-selling software, Shipping Solutions Professional. The easy-to-use Shipping Solutions Professional guides novice and experienced exporters as they easily complete dozens of standard exp
- Shipping Solutions Upgrades Best-Selling Export Documentation and Compliance Software
EAGAN, MN – Shipping Solutions announces version 7.1 of its best-selling software, Shipping Solutions Professional. This easy-to-use export software guides novice and experienced exporters as they complete and print export forms, file their shipments elec
- Nextlinx Launches New Restricted Party Screening Service
ROCKVILLE, MD - Cost-efficient Service Affords Small Businesses Opportunity to Screen Customers, Suppliers Against Restricted Party Lists
- New release of Shipping Solutions adds new forms and compliance features to best-selling export software
EAGAN, MN —Shipping Solutions is releasing version 7.2 of its Shipping Solutions Professional export documentation and compliance software. The software automates the process of creating the documents required for U.S. exports by up to 80% by eliminating
- Shipping Solutions Customers Give High Marks to Top-Selling Export Software
According to a recent survey of Shipping Solutions export documentation and compliance software customers, the typical Shipping Solutions user works for a U.S. manufacturing company that exports to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico and uses Shipping
- Shipping Solutions Launches Affordable Compliance Tools for Small and Medium-Sized Export Companies
Small and medium-sized businesses that have found it difficult to meet their export compliance responsibilities now have an affordable online solution at their disposal. Shipping Solutions has just officially launched its collection of international trad
- Shipping Solutions® to Present Export Solutions Along with Google, eBay and Others at “Web Revolution for Business” Conference
David M. Noah, president and founder of InterMart, Inc., will be presenting his company’s Shipping Solutions export documentation and compliance software at the “Web Revolution for Business” conference in San Diego on August 14-15, 2007, at the Eleanor Ro
- Export Professional David Noah Joins SBTV.com with Exclusive Money-Saving Tips
When it comes to exporting, small firms lead the way in the United States. Founder and president of Shipping Solutions, David Noah, joins SBTV.com in an exclusive podcast series to provide tips on keeping up in the fast-paced world of exporting.
- The Rotterdam Rules: An Update—Part 1
This is the first of two articles dealing with “The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea,” which are commonly known as the Rotterdam Rules. This article provides the background to the proce
- EAR/ITAR Export Risk Assessments: Handling Risks, Improving Performance and Generating ROI
In today’s post 9/11 regulatory climate, if you are operating your exporting and importing business without a serious eye focused on regulations, you are setting yourself up for serious consequences and are in for a long, hard bumpy ride. It will be a rid
- The Rotterdam Rules: The Issues—Part 2
This is the second of two articles dealing with “The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea,” which are commonly known as the Rotterdam Rules. The first article provided the background to the
- A Shortcut for Doing Business in Africa, the Near East and South Asia
If your company is currently doing business or looking to start doing business in Africa, the Near East, and South Asia (the ANESA countries), there is a unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with senior U.S. Commercial Service Officers from 18 key ANESA
- India: The Big Emerging Market—Part 1
With Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth more than double that of the United States and the United Kingdom during the past decade, India is one of the most promising and fastest growing economies in the world. Its skilled managerial and technical manpower
- International Letters of Credit: Best Practices for Exporters—Part 1
An international letter of credit (L/C) is a method of payment that is particularly suited to high value/high risk transactions. It is one of the four traditional methods of payment and is quite complex. In this first article in a two-part series on lette
- Incoterms Plain and Simple
Incoterms enjoy worldwide recognition and, through their universal implementation, accurately reflect the standard for carrying out international trade practices. Incoterms closely correspond to the U. N. Convention on Contracts for the International Sal
- Export Transaction Compliance
In today’s world we must all be extremely diligent in our efforts to ensure that every export transaction is compliant with the applicable regulations, as well as ensure that all parties to an export transaction are aware of the fact that they are bound b
- India: The Big Emerging Market—Part 2
India, the world's fastest growing free-market democracy, presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for multinationals and smaller manufacturers and marketers with the right products, services, and commitment. India’s infrastructure, transportation, en
- India: The Big Emerging Market—Part 3
In this third in a series of articles on India I discuss the challenges international marketers face when investing and marketing in India. The multiple challenges include unemployment and lack of infrastructure, piracy and counterfeiting, tariff and non-
- Socks First, Then Shoes
When I get dressed in the morning, I put on my pants first, then socks and then my shoes. Some days I live on the wild side and put my socks on first then pants then shoes. I’ve learned through experience, however, never to put my shoes on first. These ar
- Chambers of Commerce: Your Local Resource for Certificates of Origin and More
Exporters often think of chambers of commerce only in terms of signing Certificates of Origin. But are there other services and programs that chambers of commerce provide to assist you in your export process? The answer is a big “Yes.” Business savvy m
- International Letters of Credit: Best Practices for Exporters—Part 2
An international letter of credit (L/C) is a method of payment that is particularly suited to high value/high risk transactions. Part 1 in this series of two articles on letters of credit gave some background information and introduced the transaction fl
- India: The Big Emerging Market—Part 4
India’s economy remains beset by stubborn inefficiencies that have hindered progress and prosperity for decades. It has a decrepit transportation system, inadequate communication and electrical infrastructure, and an obstructionist bureaucracy. To succee
- Visitor Control Program Tips for Exporters
First impressions are very important. The manner in which you receive visitors into your company can create positive images of a quality organization and a favorable attitude about doing business with you. It can also directly impact whether or not your c
- Upcoming Export Control System Reform
If you are involved in the exportation of merchandise from the United States, then you will want to be more vigilant than ever as the export control reform initiative, which was announced by President Obama last August, begins to unfold in front of us.
- The Black Magic of International Trade
In many companies the art of moving goods across international borders is viewed as black magic. In fact, I have a colleague who keeps a magic wand in his desk just for such emergencies. When Inventory or Shipping begin screaming about backorders and de
- Export Encryption Rule Revisions
The Obama Administration has pledged to conduct an extensive review of our current export control system and to implement changes as necessary to streamline the entire export process. One of the first changes came to light in June. It has just become a li
- The Compliant Organization—Part 1: Where Does Trade Compliance Belong?
I am frequently asked where the trade compliance office should be placed within an importing or exporting organization. Should it be part of sales, accounting, shipping, legal, purchasing, supply chain? My answer may seem flippant, and among readers of th
- AmChams Advance the Interests of American Businesses Overseas
American Chambers of Commerce, traditionally referred to as AmChams, are formed to advance the interests of American overseas businesses through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. Currently, there are 94 AmChams in 82 countri
- The Ship's Rail is Dead: Incoterms 2010
After much fanfare, the text of the Incoterms 2010 has been recently released. The International Chamber of Commerce has done quite a good job of marketing the new rules before they take effect on 1 January, 2011. There are some considerable changes that
- New Release of Shipping Solutions Professional Export Software Adds New Incoterms 2010; Currency Options for Invoices
EAGAN, MN—Shipping Solutions is releasing version 7.50 of its Shipping Solutions Professional export documentation and compliance software. The software automates the process of creating the documents required for U.S. exports by up to 80% by eliminating
- Planning Ahead: The US Importer Security Filing and the EU Entry Summary Declaration
Since the earliest days of Christopher Columbus and shipping goods around the globe, customs authorities at destination first learned of a shipment’s existence as it arrived within the port limits and customs territory. Times have changed. Today customs a
- The Compliant Organization—Part 2: The Centralized vs. Decentralized Supply Chain
When deciding where to place a trade compliance office within a corporation, we must consider the structure of that organization. Some companies are centralized with a headquarters that manages all activities within the firm. Other companies are decent
- International Logistics: Four Critical Elements
The transport of cargo is one of the most critical aspects of international trade. As essential as transport is, however, it is only a means to an end—goods are transported from origin to destination to meet demand. Demand is driven by what individuals w
- Export Enforcement Coordination Center
We have heard quite a bit of news this year regarding the efforts to reform our current export control system. The Obama Administration announced earlier this month the establishment of an Export Enforcement Coordination Center. In order to effectively e
- Do What You Say! Say What You Do! The Policy & Procedure Manual
Importers and exporters have an obligation to exercise due diligence in conforming to the myriad of trade regulations. On the import side of trade the regulations describe a heightened level of due diligence called "reasonable care." What does this mean?
- U.S. Government Export Assistance—Part 1: Worldwide Export Potential
Ninety-five percent of the world's customers and more than 70% of the world's purchasing power is outside the U.S. borders. This reality presents tremendous opportunities for U.S. businesses of all sizes that are savvy enough to utilize assistance from U.
- If You Export, You Probably Import Too
While we might be loathe to admit it, a certain number of the goods we export are returned to us. When those goods are returned they are subject to duties and user fees upon importation into the U.S. As long as we can prove those goods are of U.S. origin,
- U.S. Government Export Assistance—Part 2: Sales and Marketing Help
I have said it before, and I say it again: The U.S. Department of Commerce is one of the best bargains around and one of the best kept secrets in the business of exporting.
- Incoterms® 2010 Freight and Associated Charges—Part 1: Just who is Responsible?
A fundamental aspect of any sale of goods transaction is costing the product accurately. This equally applies to both the seller and the buyer. This article will discuss the responsibilities of the seller and buyer in relation to freight and associated ch
- U.S. Government Export Assistance—Part 3: The U.S. Commercial Service
Whether you intend to export for the first time or have exported over a thousand times, the successful and popular go-to-market programs provided by the U.S. Commercial Service will benefit your sales growth and expansion plans, help you become more effic
- Are CBP Regions Making a Comeback?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs & Border Protection have announced the implementation of a regional command center in Arizona. For the commercial trade community this a giant red flag and most likely means big trouble ahead. Wh
- Introducing the Export-Import Bank of the United States
The Export-Import Bank of the United States has programs that help small businesses begin or expand their export efforts by helping manage the commercial risk factors. The Ex-Im Bank provides a service left void by commercial insurers and lenders to suppo
- Yes, Virginia, You Really Do Have to Do Your Own Classification
A request is coming down from corporate. I need to provide them supporting evidence as to why we, as a manufacturer and distributor, should be responsible for providing the HTS codes for importing and exporting. On the import side they think we should jus
- Getting Started with the Export-Import Bank of the United States
In my last article I introduced you to the resources available through the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). So, now that I’ve convinced you to look into their services, you may be wondering: “How do I begin?” The Ex-Im Bank knows y
- Doing Business in South Africa—Part 1: An Introduction
Located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, South Africa is a middle-income emerging market with an abundant supply of natural and labor resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transportation sectors; a stock ex
- Incoterms® 2010 Freight and Associated Charges—Part 2: Variations In Usage and Practice
In the first article of this three-part series, I discussed the responsibilities of the seller and buyer in relation to freight and associated charges depending on the Incoterms® 2010 rule chosen in the contract of sale. In this article I will focus on so
- Doing Business in South Africa—Part 2: The Value Proposition
Located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, South Africa is a middle-income emerging market with an abundant supply of natural and labor resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transportation sectors; a stock ex
- Incoterms® 2010 Freight and Associated Charges—Part 3: Best Practices
One of the critical factors for sellers and buyers is undoubtedly cost. The seller needs to carefully gather all necessary information to be able to set an appropriate cost that, whilst producing the highest profit possible, will still make the price attr
- Doing Business in South Africa—Part 3: Who’s Doing Business There Now
Given South Africa’s value proposition outlined in my last article, there are numerous opportunities for marketing and selling consumer and business-to-business products in multiple sectors and in multiple industries. Let us review the global players that
- Determining the Commercial Invoice Value of Samples
Many times we ship items to customers free of charge as an incentive for a bulk order or just as samples for them to try out. I've always thought that their actual value must be listed on the Commercial Invoice whether we charge the customer or not. Usual
- Doing Business in South Africa—Part 4: Operational and Marketing Challenges
Since the end of apartheid and its first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa has liberalized the economy, enacted economic reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and performed consistently well on various surveys of competitiveness and
- When to Use Six Versus 10 Digits of Your Schedule B Codes
During the past year, we have been working diligently to ensure that our documents clearly reflect all the details and information needed for export and import clearance. This has included a project to ensure that our classifications for export are accura
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"Change is inevitable in a progressive society. Change is constant." - Benjamin Disraeli
Perhaps you've heard? The Harmonized System Convention (HS) is to be revised yet again! It seems as if it were only yesterday when the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the HS 2007 edition.
As you might recall the HS is the six-digit nomenclature on which the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the Schedule B are built.
"Oh bother!" - Winnie the Pooh
Yes, change can be a bother. When the underlying HS changes it causes a cascading affect that influences national tariffs such as the U.S. HTS. It also influences trade agreements that use tariff-change rules. As importers and exporters it means we need to update our classification databases to reflect the changes.
"The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought us progress." - Charles Kettering
Change can also be good. The Harmonized System was designed to be a dynamic nomenclature, one that would reflect goods in contemporary trade. The HS convention allows for the system to undergo updates on a four- to six-year cycle. The 2012 amendments represent the fifth edition of the convention since it was first released in 1983.
"All change is inevitable, except from a vending machine." - Robert C. Gallagher
The amendments to the 2012 edition of the HS may or may not cause a change for your company. According to a news release from the WCO, the HS 2012 includes 220 sets of amendments divided as follows:
- 98 relate to the agricultural sector,
- 27 to the chemical sector,
- 9 to the paper sector,
- 14 to the textile sector,
- 5 to the base metal sector,
- 30 to the machinery sector, and
- 37 to the remaining sectors of the HS.
The news release from the WCO also states:
Environmental and social issues of global concern are the major feature of these amendments, particularly the use of the HS as the standard for classifying and coding goods of specific importance to food security and the early warning data system of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO.)
This statement reflects the fact that the majority of amendments found in the HS 2012 are in the agricultural and chemical sectors. The WCO has released a pair of correlation tables that compare the HS 2007 to the HS 2012 and visa versa. These are available on the WCO website.
What Should a U.S. Importer or Exporter Do?
The U.S. is committed to adopting the HS 2012, but the timeline for doing so is not yet clear. Indeed some of the administrative formalities behind implementation of changes are still pending. The intent is for the changes to go into affect with the 2012 versions of the HTS and the Schedule B. These have yet to be made available to the general public on the USITC or Census websites.
Even more unclear will be the changes to the tariff-change appendices of the various free trade agreements. For example, it took until the fall of 2009 for the HS 2007 changes to appear within the NAFTA rules of origination. Other FTAs still reference HS 2002.
Despite the uncertainty U.S. importers and exporters can discover if their headings and subheadings will be affected by querying the correlation tables above.
"All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward." - Ellen Glasgow
Admittedly I’m not going to convince all of you change is good. When it comes to the Harmonized System, however, it is inevitable. Even before implementation of HS 2012, plans are already underway for issuing an HS 2017 edition. The question for all of you will be how you deal with the change.
"Only the wisest and stupidest of men never change." – Confucius |