Month: February 2023

ftz

Hot Topics in International Trade with Robert Stein-FTZs

Bob Brewer introduced Robert Stein who is a VP and newest member of BCG. The FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) program helps companies save money, and promote U.S. jobs and exports. The FTZ program offers benefits in a time of increased tariffs and requirements that companies should look at more closely. Many companies have not been taking advantage of FTZs and should consider them.

Read More »
Superhero

Superhero Updated

In literature a tragedy is a drama that shows the protagonist involved in a significant event and meeting his or spectacular downfall. On the grand stage of the sometimes cruel world of international trade, a similar drama often occurs at the bustling ports and borders of global commerce. A tragedy begins when essential compliance checks are overlooked, setting the stage for a CBP inspection that can halt the movement of goods, leading to possible seizure, hefty fines, and severe penalties. But on another global stage, where foresight and vigilance reign, these tragedies are avoided. Here, reasonable care is the hero of the story. We stand as your guardians, equipped with expertise and dedication, ensuring that reasonable care is in every facet of global trade compliance. We don’t just assist in avoiding tragedies; we pave the way for triumphs. Global Trade Compliance is what BLG does because sometimes in the cruel world of international trade you need a superhero.

Read More »
chess match

Chess Match

In the world of international trade not all regulations seem to be in black and white as there is some grey area. But if you choose to play a chess match with customs, based on our experience you stand a good chance of self-destructing. Global Trade Compliance is what we do.

Read More »
CTPAT

CTPAT

Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is about building supply chain security and mitigating risk. CTPAT is an ever-evolving security program that was inaugurated by Customs and Border Protection in 2001 under the newly establish Department of Homeland Security. Today is is a multi-layer cargo strategy that works with the trade community to support and strengthen international supply chains. There are at least a dozen benefits to the program including reduced number of CBP examinations, front of the line inspections, shorter wait times at the border, possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trading partner by foreign customs administrations that have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the United States, eligibility for other U.S. government pilot programs such as the FDA’s secure supply chain program, priority consideration at CBP’s industry focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the best approach is to have a guide assist int he process of applying for entrance into the program and we just happen to have a CTPAT expert on campus.

Read More »
bananas

Bananas

WIth regard to import and export, bananas are botanical berries not fruit. The HTS code for berries is different from that of bananas which is different from the HTS code for edible fruit in general. If you need help with classification BLG can assist.

Read More »
Prior disclosure

Should You File a Prior Disclosure in 2023?

By Adrienne Braumiller and Harold Jackson

2023 is more than a brand-new year – it is an opportunity for your company to prioritize supply chain and customs compliance. For some companies, this means filing a prior disclosure with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Companies that are frequent importers are seriously considering disclosing entry violations under the condition that Customs will not issue civil penalties against them.

Read More »
The U.S. and China are in a trade war

Doing Business with China Continues to Get More Difficult for U.S. Companies

By: Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel and Adrienne Braumiller, Partner & Founder

The U.S. and China are not only in a trade war but there is also an effort by the U.S. to (1) prevent development of supercomputers, semiconductors and related products and technologies, and (2) prevent use of forced labor – especially involving the Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang region. U.S. companies planning to export to China are facing a new or revised set of restrictions that may make their business more challenging.

Read More »
China and India trade with Russia at record levels

China and India, A Year Later, Post Invasion, Still Walking the Tightrope With the U.S. as They Continue to Set Records in Trade with Russia

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

China’s trade with Russia hit a record $190 billion U.S. in 2022, key operative word “record.” China is setting a course to become Russia’s top trade partner and prove to the world just what the “no limits” partnership can produce. An additional “maybe some limits” friend to Russia among the world’s larger economies is India.

Read More »
Exporting to Mexico legal requirements

Exporting to Mexico

By Brenda Cordova, Braumiller Law Group Mexico Legal Counsel

This article covers some of the legal requirements that should be taken into consideration if your company is already exporting to Mexico or is considering doing so.

Read More »
usmca

USMCA GURU

Of the 21 FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) that the U.S. currently has in place none is more significant than USMCA (formerly known as NAFTA). The benefits of participation can be substantial. If you need some assistance in qualifying your merchandise, BLG has USMCA Gurus (formerly known as NAFTA Gurus) on campus. Jim Holbein, D.C. counsel for Braumiller Law Group, even helped negotiate the original NAFTA agreement. Our mantra is rooted in success, drawing from decades of experience.

Read More »
ai

AI

We would like to go on the record and state that AI will not be replacing any of our attorneys in the near future. Well maybe a few by 2050 as some will be 80 years old by then. Keep in mind they will have learned everything they know from us. So they, for all intents and purposes, are us. Maybe we could all eventually just go on vacation and let our AI’s do all the work. On second thought, they are really still just infants in the machine, ever evolving but still infants. Keep in mind the next time you engage with your favorite AI app for legal advice. BLG will be here if you need us, or possibly at the beach with cell service.

Read More »
ftz

FTZs

The U.S. foreign-trade zones program was created by the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. It was amended in 1950 under Harry S. Truman’s administration and really came into play with global trade in 1984 under the Reagan administration. Today, there are over 230 foreign-trade zone projects and nearly 400 sub zones in the United States, all within or adjacent to the ports of entry. Every state has at least one port of entry, and there are 314 ports of entry categorized by 19field operations offices which they report to. These FTZs are there to eliminate and/or reduce tariff burdens on the importation of foreign inputs and on exported finished products. The cost savings can be substantial relevant to: duty exemption, duty deferral, duty reduction, invited tariff, merchandise processing fee, streamlined logistics, quota avoidance, and direct delivery. BLG has experts regarding the establishment and administration of FTZs.

Read More »
Revisions and updates to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

Hot (or at least warm) Off the Press: Updates & Revisions to the ITAR

By Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel, Braumiller Law Group

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is continuing its project to revise and update the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Some of the changes are editorial and some are substantive. If you are affected by the ITAR or think you might be, you will need to stay on top of the changes because some (or all) may affect you.

Read More »
Regenerative Finance (ReFi) is a growing Web3 field

Regenerative Finance (ReFi): Tokenizing Carbon Offsets and Incentives

By: James R. Holbein, Braumiller Law Group PLLC, Justin Holbein, Web3 Consulting LLC

Introduction to ReFi. Regenerative Finance (ReFi) is a growing Web3 field that offers an opportunity to rethink how we approach finance, investing, and sustainable economic development. ReFi takes a holistic approach to finance and development, considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of financial decisions, and aims to create a regenerative economic ecosystem rather than following a primarily extractive approach.

Read More »
Not Buy American

That’s Not ‘Buy America’ Various Origin Requirements in the United States for Importers

By Harold Jackson, Associate Attorney, Braumiller Law Group

You’ve probably heard about the many recent changes to the “Buy America” and procurement rules, starting with Executive Orders in the late 2010’s under then President Trump, several sessions of Congress, and modifications by President Biden. These changes have prompted questions from importers. What is Buy America? What sort of waivers will, or will not, apply to my imported merchandise?

Read More »
Court of International Trade (CIT) and USTR

China Section 301 Litigation:
CIT Issues Order: The Tariffs are Here to Stay

By: Vicky Wu, Partner, and Brandon French, Associate, Braumiller Law Group

The long-awaited decision by the Court of International Trade (“CIT”) was not the outcome thousands of importer companies were hoping for. On March 17, 2023, the CIT determined that the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) legally followed Section 307 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Read More »
question mark

A Head Scratcher

By Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel, Braumiller Law Group

A product has a country of origin of China, is not subject to China 301 duties and is eligible

Read More »
ftz

Hot Topics in International Trade with Robert Stein-FTZs

Bob Brewer introduced Robert Stein who is a VP and newest member of BCG. The FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) program helps companies save money, and promote U.S. jobs and exports. The FTZ program offers benefits in a time of increased tariffs and requirements that companies should look at more closely. Many companies have not been taking advantage of FTZs and should consider them.

Read More »
Superhero

Superhero Updated

In literature a tragedy is a drama that shows the protagonist involved in a significant event and meeting his or spectacular downfall. On the grand stage of the sometimes cruel world of international trade, a similar drama often occurs at the bustling ports and borders of global commerce. A tragedy begins when essential compliance checks are overlooked, setting the stage for a CBP inspection that can halt the movement of goods, leading to possible seizure, hefty fines, and severe penalties. But on another global stage, where foresight and vigilance reign, these tragedies are avoided. Here, reasonable care is the hero of the story. We stand as your guardians, equipped with expertise and dedication, ensuring that reasonable care is in every facet of global trade compliance. We don’t just assist in avoiding tragedies; we pave the way for triumphs. Global Trade Compliance is what BLG does because sometimes in the cruel world of international trade you need a superhero.

Read More »
chess match

Chess Match

In the world of international trade not all regulations seem to be in black and white as there is some grey area. But if you choose to play a chess match with customs, based on our experience you stand a good chance of self-destructing. Global Trade Compliance is what we do.

Read More »
CTPAT

CTPAT

Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is about building supply chain security and mitigating risk. CTPAT is an ever-evolving security program that was inaugurated by Customs and Border Protection in 2001 under the newly establish Department of Homeland Security. Today is is a multi-layer cargo strategy that works with the trade community to support and strengthen international supply chains. There are at least a dozen benefits to the program including reduced number of CBP examinations, front of the line inspections, shorter wait times at the border, possibility of enjoying additional benefits by being recognized as a trusted trading partner by foreign customs administrations that have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the United States, eligibility for other U.S. government pilot programs such as the FDA’s secure supply chain program, priority consideration at CBP’s industry focused Centers of Excellence and Expertise, the best approach is to have a guide assist int he process of applying for entrance into the program and we just happen to have a CTPAT expert on campus.

Read More »
bananas

Bananas

WIth regard to import and export, bananas are botanical berries not fruit. The HTS code for berries is different from that of bananas which is different from the HTS code for edible fruit in general. If you need help with classification BLG can assist.

Read More »
Prior disclosure

Should You File a Prior Disclosure in 2023?

By Adrienne Braumiller and Harold Jackson

2023 is more than a brand-new year – it is an opportunity for your company to prioritize supply chain and customs compliance. For some companies, this means filing a prior disclosure with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Companies that are frequent importers are seriously considering disclosing entry violations under the condition that Customs will not issue civil penalties against them.

Read More »
The U.S. and China are in a trade war

Doing Business with China Continues to Get More Difficult for U.S. Companies

By: Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel and Adrienne Braumiller, Partner & Founder

The U.S. and China are not only in a trade war but there is also an effort by the U.S. to (1) prevent development of supercomputers, semiconductors and related products and technologies, and (2) prevent use of forced labor – especially involving the Uyghur minority in the Xinjiang region. U.S. companies planning to export to China are facing a new or revised set of restrictions that may make their business more challenging.

Read More »
China and India trade with Russia at record levels

China and India, A Year Later, Post Invasion, Still Walking the Tightrope With the U.S. as They Continue to Set Records in Trade with Russia

By Bob Brewer, Braumiller Law Group

China’s trade with Russia hit a record $190 billion U.S. in 2022, key operative word “record.” China is setting a course to become Russia’s top trade partner and prove to the world just what the “no limits” partnership can produce. An additional “maybe some limits” friend to Russia among the world’s larger economies is India.

Read More »
Exporting to Mexico legal requirements

Exporting to Mexico

By Brenda Cordova, Braumiller Law Group Mexico Legal Counsel

This article covers some of the legal requirements that should be taken into consideration if your company is already exporting to Mexico or is considering doing so.

Read More »
usmca

USMCA GURU

Of the 21 FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) that the U.S. currently has in place none is more significant than USMCA (formerly known as NAFTA). The benefits of participation can be substantial. If you need some assistance in qualifying your merchandise, BLG has USMCA Gurus (formerly known as NAFTA Gurus) on campus. Jim Holbein, D.C. counsel for Braumiller Law Group, even helped negotiate the original NAFTA agreement. Our mantra is rooted in success, drawing from decades of experience.

Read More »
ai

AI

We would like to go on the record and state that AI will not be replacing any of our attorneys in the near future. Well maybe a few by 2050 as some will be 80 years old by then. Keep in mind they will have learned everything they know from us. So they, for all intents and purposes, are us. Maybe we could all eventually just go on vacation and let our AI’s do all the work. On second thought, they are really still just infants in the machine, ever evolving but still infants. Keep in mind the next time you engage with your favorite AI app for legal advice. BLG will be here if you need us, or possibly at the beach with cell service.

Read More »
ftz

FTZs

The U.S. foreign-trade zones program was created by the Foreign-Trade Zones Act of 1934 during President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. It was amended in 1950 under Harry S. Truman’s administration and really came into play with global trade in 1984 under the Reagan administration. Today, there are over 230 foreign-trade zone projects and nearly 400 sub zones in the United States, all within or adjacent to the ports of entry. Every state has at least one port of entry, and there are 314 ports of entry categorized by 19field operations offices which they report to. These FTZs are there to eliminate and/or reduce tariff burdens on the importation of foreign inputs and on exported finished products. The cost savings can be substantial relevant to: duty exemption, duty deferral, duty reduction, invited tariff, merchandise processing fee, streamlined logistics, quota avoidance, and direct delivery. BLG has experts regarding the establishment and administration of FTZs.

Read More »
Revisions and updates to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)

Hot (or at least warm) Off the Press: Updates & Revisions to the ITAR

By Bruce Leeds, Senior Counsel, Braumiller Law Group

The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) is continuing its project to revise and update the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Some of the changes are editorial and some are substantive. If you are affected by the ITAR or think you might be, you will need to stay on top of the changes because some (or all) may affect you.

Read More »
Regenerative Finance (ReFi) is a growing Web3 field

Regenerative Finance (ReFi): Tokenizing Carbon Offsets and Incentives

By: James R. Holbein, Braumiller Law Group PLLC, Justin Holbein, Web3 Consulting LLC

Introduction to ReFi. Regenerative Finance (ReFi) is a growing Web3 field that offers an opportunity to rethink how we approach finance, investing, and sustainable economic development. ReFi takes a holistic approach to finance and development, considering the environmental, social, and economic impacts of financial decisions, and aims to create a regenerative economic ecosystem rather than following a primarily extractive approach.

Read More »
Not Buy American

That’s Not ‘Buy America’ Various Origin Requirements in the United States for Importers

By Harold Jackson, Associate Attorney, Braumiller Law Group

You’ve probably heard about the many recent changes to the “Buy America” and procurement rules, starting with Executive Orders in the late 2010’s under then President Trump, several sessions of Congress, and modifications by President Biden. These changes have prompted questions from importers. What is Buy America? What sort of waivers will, or will not, apply to my imported merchandise?

Read More »
Court of International Trade (CIT) and USTR

China Section 301 Litigation:
CIT Issues Order: The Tariffs are Here to Stay

By: Vicky Wu, Partner, and Brandon French, Associate, Braumiller Law Group

The long-awaited decision by the Court of International Trade (“CIT”) was not the outcome thousands of importer companies were hoping for. On March 17, 2023, the CIT determined that the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) legally followed Section 307 of the Trade Act of 1974.

Read More »