David Noah
|
October 11, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
As an exporter, you must be concerned with the proper classification of your goods and products.
I hear from many exporters who are confused about the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) classification for their product and the Harmonized System (HS), Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and Schedule B numbers for their products.
First, it’s critical to understand that these classification systems have different purposes.
Arnesh Roy
|
September 29, 2021
|
Export Compliance
U.S. exporters quickly develop an awareness of two acronyms: ITAR, the U.S. Department of State’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations, and EAR, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations. I often get calls from exporters asking similar questions: “How do I know if my items are controlled by ITAR or EAR?” or “I’ve determined that my items are covered by the EAR. Now what?”
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), which is charged with enforcing the EAR, explains that there is a specific Order of Review process for determining export controls jurisdiction (which agency controls the export) and classification (the correct commodity classification code to use for the product being exported). This article breaks it down.
David Noah
|
September 22, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
Biologists classify living things in an ever-more-precise system of groups so that these organisms are easier to study. This classification system starts with domains and kingdoms and narrows down to specific genus and species. This system of classification is recognized and used by biologists around the world.
Likewise, countries classify products by a standardized series of numbers in order to assess duties and taxes on goods that are imported into their countries and to collect importing and exporting statistics. This classification system starts with the six-digit Harmonized System (HS) codes that are used by almost every country when classifying products and then narrows to longer and more specific classification codes that may be unique to each country.
Matthew Silverman
|
September 20, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
Trade compliance provides avalue to companies that is simple enough for management and mostemployees to appreciate and understand—helping the company avoid legal violations that can result in monetary penalties, loss of import/export privileges and reputational damage that can in turn have negative business and financial implications.But as withmost compliance functions, the added value of trade compliance can often be overlooked or underappreciated (even by trade compliance professionals themselves).
David Noah
|
August 18, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
Product classification codes are required for most exports. They are used by the Census Bureau through the Automated Export System (AES) to help compile trade statistics and used by the country of import for assessing duties and taxes.
For some exporters, getting started with product classification can be difficult. “I need a Schedule B number. How do I find the right number?” “Should I just start Googling?” “Is there a recommended place to start?” These are all questions we’ve been asked, and today, we’ll address them.
David Noah
|
August 11, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
I frequently hear from people who need help using or finding an export declaration document, and I cringe! The export declaration they’re looking for—officially called the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED)—shouldn’t be used for exports anymore.
Here’s why it should be avoided, and what to use instead.
Arnesh Roy
|
August 9, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
Depending on your industry, you may have heard mention of 600 series Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs). The 600 series includes items that were previously listed in the United States Munitions List (USML) and controlled by the U.S. State Department per the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), or were covered by the Wassenaar Arrangement Munitions List (WAML). Instead, these items now have been moved to the Commerce Control List (CCL), administered by the U.S. Commerce Department under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
The first 600 series ECCNs went into effect in 2013. Though the 600 series has existed for almost a decade, many are still scratching their heads wondering what it’s all about.
David Noah
|
July 28, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
From time to time, I hear new or inexperienced exporters ask what trade compliance certifications they should get. My answer? There is no one, single certification out there for export compliance that is necessary—or in my opinion, recommended!
Matthew Silverman
|
July 7, 2021
|
Export Compliance
In addition to controlling tangible shipments of U.S. products and software from one country to another, U.S. export regulations also control the transfer of U.S.-controlled technology to non-U.S. persons. This type of transfer or “release” is called a deemed export. A deemed export can occur via a number of channels, including verbal exchanges or visual inspections. Therefore, companies must be discreet and secure with regard to export-controlled documents, products and technology that could be viewed or discussed during on-site meetings or site tours—hence the importance of visitor management in the field of export compliance.
David Noah
|
June 9, 2021
|
Export Compliance,
Export Basics
Exporting software is an area of increasing inquiry and concern. A growing number of companies doing business online or adding “Internet of Things” functionality to their products are using software that is subject to U.S. export control and sanctions laws—whether or not they acknowledge it.
Often, companies fall into a pattern of developing and exporting their own software without thoroughly (or intentionally) thinking through how they’re doing it, which puts them at risk for compliance issues.