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In Tampa? Meet the Expert May 12, 2015
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In Tampa? Meet the Expert May 12, 2015
Cuba, Customs Expert, Export, Free Trade Agreement, Import

In Tampa? Meet the Expert May 12, 2015

I’m proud to participate in America’s SBDC’s “Meet the Expert” seminar on May 12, 2015. If you are in Tampa, you won’t want to miss this seminar. It will take place from 3:30-5:30 PM at the FSBDC at the University of South Florida, Port Tampa Bay Building, and will cover the following HOT Topics in International Law:

Pre-Compliance—How to Stay Penalty Free (including an update on PERSONAL liability for Importers!)
Cuba Update—What Does it Mean for Importers and Exporters
Complying with Free Trade Agreements
Top Tips for Importers and Exporters

For only $10, it’s a steal!

Register HERE.

See you […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2015-11-30T10:30:15-05:00May 6, 2015|Cuba, Customs Expert, Export, Free Trade Agreement, Import|0 Comments

CBP Updates Trade Community on GSP Expiration

For those of you that relied on the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and are now subject to duties, CBP sent a notice today that directly impacts you.

A previous post discussed the expiration of GSP and need for congressional action to renew it. GSP expired July 31, 2013. Importers were advised to continue to use the Special Program Indicator (SPI) “A” when importing into the U.S., which would signify a valid claim for GSP but to pay duty subsequent to that date, so that in the event of a retroactive renewal, CBP could process refunds automatically.

Unfortunately, the picture above is still correct – the trade community is in limbo – will we get our duties refunded if we are entitled to GSP? The answer… Yes, Maybe, No. Not comforting or reassuring.

Today, CBP advised the trade community that:

.. neither requests to extend liquidation under 19 CFR 159.12, nor protest under 19 CFR Part 174, should be used to stop the liquidation of claim potential subject to GSP in anticipation that GSP will be renewed. Assuming that the goods were properly classified and appraised, they should be liquidated as scheduled. CBP does not have the legal authority to further extend liquidation pending possible renewal of GSP.

If GSP were to be renewed, the legislation would specify an effective date of for the date of renewal. The renewal date, if GSP is reauthorized, might or might allow for retroactive claims. On previous occasions when GSP was renewed retroactively, the legislation […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-08T16:27:15-04:00May 20, 2014|Free Trade Agreement, GSP, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|0 Comments

Say Goodbye to GSP, ATPA and ATPDEA

The question of the day… Will GSP be extended? Yes, no, maybe??

July 31, 2013 is the date when the expiration of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Andean Trade Preference and Act (ATPA) and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) will take place.

Read on to ensure that you get your refunds expeditiously when/if GSP is renewed, likely after July 31, 2013.

CBP’s notice today states:

Barring Congressional action, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), special program indicator (SPI) “A” and “A+,” the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), SPI “J,” and the associated Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), SPI “J+,” are due to expire for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse after midnight, July 31, 2013.

Special Procedures for GSP-Eligible Goods:

Importers should pay the normal trade relations (column 1) duty rate but continue to flag GSP-eligible importations with the applicable SPI (“A” or “A+” until further notice. If the program is renewed with a retroactive clause, use of the SPI will allow CBP to process automatic duty refunds. No corresponding procedure is available for the ATPA or ATPDEA programs. [MAKE SURE YOU DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR BROKER AND DO SO!]

Clarification for African […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2013-07-12T22:21:00-04:00July 12, 2013|Free Trade Agreement|0 Comments

Jennifer Diaz Joins Governor Rick Scott in Addressing Businesses in Bogota

On December 4, 2012, I will address companies in Bogota, Colombia to discuss the “Top 10 Tips When Importing into the U.S. to Ensure Compliance.” My particular topic will go into depth on the top costly mistakes I’ve seen importers make, and most importantly, how to avoid them. I will go into compliance with the newly enacted Free Trade Agreement and compliance with other federal government agencies (like U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and more. Importantly, I will address how to effectively deal with the U.S. government, should you have trouble while importing.

The conference is in conjunction with Enterprise Florida’s Trade Mission to Colombia led by Florida’s Governor Rock Scott. The purpose of the half day conference is to address the current environment of big business opportunities in Florida, especially in light of the new U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Other panels include: The U.S. Economy and Investment Opportunities; Rules of Origin & Trade Facilitation (Compliance with the new FTA); Business Opportunities in Infrastructure and Utilities. All panelists will be available for question and answer sessions as well.

Colombia is the fifth largest economy in Latin America, with a population of approximately 45 million. During the last decade, improvements in security and political stability have fostered economic growth and a secure business climate. With 4 percent GDP growth in 2010 and an estimated 4.6 percent growth in 2011, the Colombian market presents unbounded opportunities […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2012-11-30T22:00:00-05:00November 30, 2012|Free Trade Agreement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)|0 Comments

DR-CAFTA: Si o No? ( Yes or No?)

Co-authored by Carlos Gimenez.

Just because you are importing a product from a party to the DR-CAFTA Free Trade Agreement, does not necessarily mean that the product will be granted DR-CAFTA treatment by U.S. Customs & Border Protection (“CBP”). Even if 95% of the product is made from components that all originate from DR-CAFTA party nations, that still may not be enough.

If the product has one component that originates outside of DR-CAFTA parties, whether or not the product will receive DR-CAFTA treatment will rely heavily on General Note 29(n), Chapter 61, Chapter rule 2, which states:

For purposes of determining whether a good of this chapter is originating, the rule applicable to that good shall only apply to the component that determines the tariff classification of the good and such component must satisfy the tariff change requirements set out in the rule for that good. If the rule requires that the good must also satisfy the tariff change requirements for visible lining fabrics listed in chapter rule 1 to this chapter, such requirement shall only apply to the visible lining fabric in the main body of the garment, excluding sleeves, which covers the largest surface area, and shall not apply to removable linings.

Case in point, a client requested an alaysis of whether DR-CAFTA would apply to a garment produced of components that all originated in DR-CAFTA party countries, with one exception, the lace that was used to create a decorative front panel. The lace portion […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-07T09:27:17-04:00September 13, 2012|Free Trade Agreement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|0 Comments

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