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Dozens of Webinars for WTM

World Trade Month begins in May. It’s a month that’s focused on helping importers and exporters learn more about various aspects of international trade. Federal agencies, state trade offices, area chambers of commerce, World Trade Centers, trade associations and other public and private organizations participate, hosting dozens of events, many of them free and online. Check out the Events Calendar. 

What You Need to Know About Exporting Samples and Repaired Goods

WED., June 21, 2023, 1:00 P.M. EDT

Potential customers may want to get a first-hand look at what they're buying. Or after they place an order, sometimes things break and need to be repaired. Learn how to minimize or avoid extra duties and taxes for shipping samples and repairs.

Protecting Your Imports and Exports: Carriers' Liability vs. Cargo Insurance

WED., July 19, 2023, 1:00 P.M. EDT

While carriers may be liable for any damage they cause, the limit to their liability is surprisingly low. Join us to learn about the limits to carrier liability and how to determine if, when and how to find the proper type of cargo insurance for your imports and exports.

Choosing the Correct Payment Option for Your Exports

WED., August 16, 2023, 1:00 P.M. EDT

When you are competing against other potential suppliers, you need to choose a payment option that minimizes your risk while accommodating the needs of the buyer and maximizing the competitiveness of your products. Learn about the different payment options and when to use each of them.

Check Back Often

We've got a lot more live events in the pipeline! Check back often to be the first to see what's coming next. Do you have ideas for topics or speakers? Please fill out the feedback form at the bottom of the page.

International Trade Briefing

May 2023

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• A change in how BIS handles voluntary self-disclosures of compliance violations and whistleblowing.
• Concerns over the reduction of government personnel helping small and medium-sized exporters.
• A warning about Russia's attempts to evade sanctions and red flags to watch for.
• Digital trade is booming.
• The USTR's annual report on intellectual property protection and enforcement.

Time (min:sec): 06:25

International Trade Briefing

April 2023

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• EAR amended to include human rights protection and 11 added to entity list.
• A new way to monitor forced labor enforcement.
• New tariffs on Russian-made aluminum could have broad impact on supply chains.
• Who really paid for Section 301 and 232 tariffs?
• DDTC Extends Open General Licenses 
• Ocean Shipping Roundup

Time (min:sec): 08:11

International Trade Briefing

March 2023

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Commerce imposes additional export restrictions on Russia.
• U.S. launches strike force to monitor tech export law violations.
• DOJ formalizes efforts to incentivize self-disclosure.
• Top container lines commit to shift to electronic bills of lading.
• Turkey/Syria earthquake affects global supply chains.
• Trade sets new records in 2022.
• Congress bumps up CBPS forced labor budget.
• Chinese companies are investing billions in Mexico.

Time (min:sec): 07:22

International Trade Briefing

February 2023

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Defense Trade Controls: What’s coming in 2023.
• Two new laws with implications for sanctions and export controls.
• More incentive to self-report compliance violations.
• Two new AES alerts.
• Nearly 1500 respond to section 301 review process.
• Warehouse leasing tumbles; ports slow.

Time (min:sec): 07:22

International Trade Briefing

January 2023

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• HTSUS updated for 2023.
• USTR extends some Section 301 tariff exclusions.
• WTO: Section 232 steel tariffs violated global trade rules.
• DDTC issues ITAR compliance program guidelines.
• Proposal related to export requirements for defense articles.
• 36 added to entity list for support of People’s Republic of China.
• A shift in top U.S. trading partners.

Time (min:sec): 07:00

International Trade Briefing

December 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Rail strike averted.
• New BIS policy targets uncooperative foreign governments. 
• Remember: Electronic Export Information may not be disclosed to foreign governments. 
• Congress considers shifting export control jurisdiction from Commerce. 
• A reversal: Shipping container surplus now affecting the supply chain.

International Trade Briefing

November 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Commerce enacts far-reaching export controls on China. 
• Updated guidance on antiboycott enforcement policies. 
• OFAC/BIS update on Russia sanctions. 
• Enhancing the U.S.-UK sanctions partnership.
• Section 301 comment period opens. 
• World population hits 8 billion.  

Time (min:sec): 05:07

International Trade Briefing

October 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• New Export Controls on Russia
• Tensions Affecting U.S. Operations in China
• Biden Delays Decision on China Tariffs Put in Place by Trump
• Forced Labor Update
• Proposed Bill Would Pay Retroactive GSP Benefits
• BIS Ameds EAR to Authorize Transfer of Certain Items to Entities on the Entity List 

International Trade Briefing

September 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• The U.S. International Trade Administration's Russian Sanctions Updates
• Federal Register Notice of Reinstatement of Certain Section 301 Tariff Exclusions
• The Office of the United States Trade Representative's Annual Report Fact Sheet

Time (min:sec): 06:01

International Trade Briefing

August 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• The Chips and Science Act invest billions into U.S. manufacturing.
• U.S. - Taiwan Trade.
• DDTC authorizes two new export licenses for the UK, Canada and Australia.
• BIS announces first new non-monetary settlement under its export enforcement rules.

Time (min:sec): 05:29

International Trade Briefing

July 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• New Russian sanctions based on Schedule B and HTS codes.
• Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act takes effect.
• USMCA complaint against Mexico.
• A crack down on rising shipping costs.
• West Coast dockworker's contract expires.

Time (min:sec): 04:59

International Trade Briefing

June 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Shipping industry faces slowdown.
• USTR to review Section 301 Tariffs.
• BIS considers more expensive and public penalties for export violations.
• WTO launches new data portal.
• Biden launches Indo-Pacific economic framework.

Time (min:sec): 06:00

International Trade Briefing

May 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Welcome to World Trade Month.
• OFAC issues new sanctions against Russia.
• WTO sees slowing world economy.
• ACE not properly processing some Section 301 exclusions.
• FTC issues its first enforcement action under the new Made in USA labeling rule.

Time (min:sec): 05:06

International Trade Briefing

April 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• U.S. introduces sanctions against Russia after invasion of Ukraine.
• Section 301 tariff exclusions reinstated.
• U.S. ends UK steel and aluminum tariffs.
• Buy American Act increases domestic content requirements.
• USTR releases its 2021 Annual Report.

Time (min:sec): 06:01

International Trade Briefing

March 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Wide-ranging sanctions imposed on Russia for Ukraine invasion.
• Proposed change to ITAR's nationality rules.
• AES will begin flagging improper use of C33 license type to unauthorized countries.
• EEI filing requirements remain for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.
• CBP enforcement activities grew in 2021. 

Time (min:sec): 06:43

International Trade Briefing

February 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Deadline looms for exporters to transition to new ACE portal.
• Census proposes requirement for identifying country of origin.
• BIS delays tighter controls on exports of cybersecurity items.
• U.S. and EU preparing potential sanctions against Russia.
• Biden to continue Section 301 Tariffs against China.

Time (min:sec): 06:07

International Trade Briefing

January 2022

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Freight rates increased across the board in 2021.
• New HTSUS codes take effect on January 27.
• Biden signs Uyghur Forced Labor Prevent Act banning imports from China's Xinjiang region.
• U.S. restricts exports to Cambodia.
• New export controls targeting Cambodia.

Time (min:sec): 06:05

International Trade Briefing

December 2021

Here's what we're talking about this month:

• Potential changes to the use of Section 301 Tariffs on Chinese goods.
• Congress considering boosts to U.S. competitiveness with China.
• Biden committed to Buy American Act.
• U.S. and EU agree on steel and aluminum tariff revisions.
• Updates to the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule expected in January.

Time (min:sec): 05:23

Understanding Your Ocean Freight Invoice

April 24, 2023

We talk with Sean Whitworth about his recent article breaking down all of the fees you see on your ocean freight invoice. He shares advice on which rates are fixed and which can be negotiated, strategies importers and exporters can use to keep fees under control, and more.

Time (min:sec): 22:41

New U.S. Sanctions Imposed on Russia on One-Year Anniversary of Ukraine Invasion

March 27, 2023

Olga Torres, founder and managing member of Torres Law and its affiliate advisory firm, Torres Trade Advisory, explains the new sanctions announced against Russia on the one-year anniversary of the Ukraine invasion.

Time (min:sec): 28:12

Ramification of a Recent Court Decision on Determining Country of Origin for Imports

March 13, 2023

Ted Murphy, partner at Sidley Austin LLP, explains how a court decision could signal a shift in country of origin determinations.

Time (min:sec): 22:06

Something to Watch for in 2023: Domestic/Origin Preference Provisions

January 6, 2023

A conversation with Ted Murphy, partner at Sidley Austin, LLP in Washington, D.C.

Time (min:sec): 23:11

Bill to Shift Export Controls from Commerce to the DTSA

December 6, 2022

A conversation with Marvin McPherson, an Associate at the law firm Barnes/Richardson.

Time (min:sec): 14:32

Importer Security Filing (ISF): What Is It and Who's Responsible for Filing

November 15, 2022

A conversation with Sean Whitworth, a trusted international trade expert in the 3PL space, serving clients in a broad range of industries.

Time (min:sec): 15:14

First Round of ITAR Restructuring Amendments Go Into Effect

October 14, 2022

A conversation with Thomas B. McVey, Partner, Williams Mullen Law.

Time (min:sec): 24:23

Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Places the Burden on Importers

July 18, 2022

A conversation with Leslie Glick, co-chair of the International Trade and Customs Specialty Team in the law firm of Butzel Long P.C.

Time (min:sec): 21:21

How to Sell International Expansion to Your Company's Top Decision Makers

June 9, 2022

A conversation with Richard Corson, President, Corson International Trade Consulting, LLC.

Time (min:sec): 31:50

Understanding the New Russian Sanctions

March 2, 2022

A conversation with Olga Torres, Founder and Managing Member, Torres Law PLLC and Torres Trade Advisory LLC.

Time (min:sec): 20:09

Export Agencies Continue Emphasis on Restricted Party Screening

January 19, 2022

A conversation with Thomas B. McVey, Partner, Williams Mullen Law.

Time (min:sec): 38:44

How to Develop and Implement an Export Compliance Manual

December 10, 2021

A conversation with Matthew Silverman, Global Trade Director & Senior Counsel at VIAVI Solutions.

Time (min:sec): 36:42

Selecting the Right Distributors for Your Exports

December 6, 2021

A conversation with Roberto Rodriguez-Baez, International Marketing Manager, TBM Consulting Group.

Time (min:sec): 27:39

Why Managing Political Risk Is Critical for Exporters

November 30, 2021

A conversation with Richard Corson, President, Corson International Trade Consulting, LLC.

Time (min:sec): 35:39

AMA: Export Controls: ITAR and EAR

March 15, 2023

Are you confused about the differences between ITAR and EAR, or unsure of how these regulations impact your business? During this AMA, Robert Imbriani answered questions about classification, restricted party screening and more. 

AMA: Understanding Origin Declarations and Requirements

February 1, 2023

During this AMA session, Alex Sonifrank from the American World Trade Chamber of Commerce (AWTCC), answered questions origin determination, origin transformations, preparing certificates of origin and a number of other topics related to origin declarations and requirements. Chances are good that someone asked a question similar to yours!

AMA: Incoterms 2020

November 16, 2022

During this AMA session, Robert Imbriani answered questions about using the right Incoterms 2020 rules. Is EXW or FCA a better choice? How risky is EXW for a small business? How can you use Incoterms to make your product more appealing to buy? These questions and more.   

AMA: Understanding the Harmonized System for Import-Export Classification

April 20, 2022

This AMA session featured Anthony Cambas, manager of international trade at the University of Mississippi/Mississippi Small Business Development Center who answered questions about finding the proper HS, HTS and Schedule B codes for your imports and exports.

AMA: Section 301 and Section 232 Tariffs

February 16, 2022

This AMA session featured trade attorney Leslie Glick as he answered your questions about Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs. How do you apply for an exemption? Will changes be retroactive? Are there ways to limit the impact of these tariffs in the meantime? And more.

AMA: Filing Your Export Information through AES

January 19, 2022

This AMA session featured Kiesha Downs and Eric Gauthier from the U.S. Census Bureau as they took questions about everything in the AES universe including the filing requirements as outlined in the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and the actual process of filing through the ACE portal.

The USMCA and Other Free Trade Agreements

Recorded April 19, 2023

The U.S. is experiencing trade growth and regulatory changes with regards to Free Trade and Tariff Preferences Programs; without a thorough understanding of these programs a company can encounter delays, lost opportunities and additional expenses due to compliance issues. 

Export Controls: ITAR vs. EAR

Recorded February 15, 2023

Are you confused about the differences between ITAR and EAR, or unsure of how these regulations impact your business? This is your chance to get all of your questions answered by an expert. 

Export Compliance Essentials

Recorded January 18, 2023

The advantages of exporting are numerous. But ignoring export regulations (and there are a lot of them!) is dangerous. Here’s the basics of what you need to know to stay compliant.

Strategies for Exporting to Canada

Recorded October 12, 2022

Exporting to Canada is an obvious choice for companies looking to grow their international sales in a lower-risk market (it’s one of the top export destinations for U.S. companies). But there are challenges to be aware of before getting started, and, even if you’ve been exporting to Canada for decades, ways to make it a more lucrative market.

Determining the Country of Origin for Your Products

Recorded September 22, 2022

Country of origin is important for determining and regulating duty rates, preferential trade agreements, trade sanctions and import quotas. This webinar focuses on finding the correct country of origin for your export goods and preparing accurate documentation.

How to Claim Duty Drawback

Recorded August 18, 2022

This webinar is geared toward businesses that operate in the global marketplace and want to improve their bottom line. It explains duty drawback, a law going back to 1789 that allows for the recovery of import duties paid on merchandise that is imported and subsequently exported. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) administers the law and estimates that more than $5 billion goes unclaimed each year. Here's how to find out if a portion of that $5 billion is yours.

Export Embargoes and Sanctions Explained

Recorded June 17, 2022

Understanding export controls and staying compliant with regulations has long been a complex issue for exporters. Recent action against Russia has highlighted one aspect that can be especially confusing: embargoes and sanctions. Understanding these types of trade restrictions is essential, because violations can be costly. Robert P. Imbriani breaks down, in simple terms, the various types and levels of U.S. embargoes and sanctions.

Small Business Export Assistance Programs

Recorded May 24, 2022

Jim Foley, CGBP shares the many programs and resources your small business can utilize to grow export sales. He explains which states offer partial reimbursement for costs associated with exhibiting at foreign trade shows; how the U.S. government assists in both finding potential trade partners in a country and confirming their viability; how to determing, at no cost, top potential export markets by obtaining export statistics of products in your industry; and how to access local, state and federal trade specialist help at not cost.

11 Documents Required for Exporting

Recorded May 23, 2022

Once you've made an international sale, it's important that you accurately complete a set of export documents. These documents will make sure the people transporting your goods know where they are going. The forms will help you clear your goods through customs in a timely manner and without unexpected fees, and they will make sure you get paid on time.

David Noah, president of Shipping Solutions, talks about the 11 most common documents required for an export shipment including what they look like, what type of information typically appears on the form, and how they are used. Lisa Nemer, vice-president of Shipping Solutions, demonstrates how using software can improve the ease and the speed of creating accurate export paperwork.

Exporting to Europe: Save Money By Reclaiming Your Value Added Tax (VAT)

Countries within the European Union (EU) levy an import tax called a Value Added Tax (VAT) on goods exported to their countries. The United Kingdom (UK) does so too. And it's not cheap; it can be as high as 27% of the value of the goods!

Did you know that tax may be refundable?

Don't leave money on the table. Join us for this free half-hour webinar as Gabrielle Magnani and Dean Swift from VAT IT explains the sometimes complicated procedures U.S. companies must follow to collect their refunds, including the proper registrations you must file and understanding the subtle but significant differences between each of the 27 different EU member countries.

Identifying the Global Strategic Players for Your Export Growth

Recorded October 21, 2021

As your company enters or expands sales in international markets, it's important to identify the key players in your industry and their current and future strategic impact on your company and the global industry. The key players include strategic buyers of goods and services in your industry, strategic market segments in your industry, strategic country markets, and strategic competitors in your industry.

This one-hour webinar will help you understand why it's important to begin identifying these strategic players, where this information can be found, and how to use this information to help your company improve and maintain its global competitiveness.

Elements of an International Business Plan

Recorded September 30, 2021

A robust international business plan addresses the opportunity presented by 7.8 billion potential customers while minimizing risk to the company. Laurie Piper, vice-president for entrepreneurship and business for the Greater Topeka Partnership, and John Addessi, international trade advisor with the Kansas Small Business Development Center discuss why companies should create a formal plan for entering or expanding into foreign markets, and the critical steps in the planning process and mistakes to avoid.

The speakers share resources that will enable businesses to find and utilize actionable data to determine their best foreign market(s). International trade is a robust ecosystem, and exporters have an array of tools and resources at their command to get ready to face the world. An international business plan is the first step.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: What You Need to Know

Recorded May 26, 2021

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) was enacted in the United States in 1977 in response to widespread bribery of foreign officials by U.S. companies. Beyond bribery, it also sets guidelines for what appropriate recordkeeping and accounting practices, as well as guidelines for maintaining strong internal controls and compliance.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) both have enforcement jurisdiction for the FCPA, and they take this job pretty seriously.

Your instructor, Bailey E. Reichelt, is a U.S. based international trade attorney specializing in regulatory compliance of emerging companies in the aerospace and tech industries. Her expertise includes export controls, anti-corruption laws, foreign direct investment, and defense specific compliance.

Do Your Products Require an Export License

Recorded May 19, 2021

While most goods don't require a license, it is your company's responsibility to make that determination or potentially face monetary penalties, prohibitions on exporting, or even jail time.

Brent Webster, Export Controls Counselor at the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), outlines the procedures you must follow to determine if your goods require an export license and the procedures you need to follow if they do.

Don't Let This Happen to You: Avoiding Export Compliance Failures

Recorded May 11, 2021

This webinar provides an overview of the compliance activities that apply to even the smallest exporters and includes real-world examples of companies that have paid the price for noncompliance.

International Sales: Trade Credit Insurance and Other Risk Mitigation Tools

Recorded May 8, 2021

It’s a challenging time to be an exporter. Between the pandemic and an escalation of trade remedies, companies face an increased risk in getting paid for their exports. Exporters must balance the need to get paid with protecting long-term relationships with trusted trading partners.

Fortunately, there are a variety of international credit strategies that you can utilize to mitigate these risks as you look to maintain and grow your international sales during this current environment.

Denis Griffin from the EXIM Bank and Bruce Glaub of Trade Acceptance Group will show you how a solid international credit policy will help alleviate time-wasting debate and unforeseen risk.

The Importance of Creating an Export Compliance Program

Recorded May 5, 2021

A comprehensive ECP reduces the chance of violating export regulations. It gives you a clear plan of how to audit your company's procedures and processes yourself, so you can identify and address any potential violations before they even surface. And a well-written ECP can substantially reduce penalties if your company violates export regulations, as long as you can document that you regularly follow the written ECP procedures.

Join our speaker from the Export Management & Compliance Division at the Bureau of Industry and Security as they outline the fundamental steps of creating an effective ECP, the importance of getting company leadership to buy into the program, and where to get help in creating your formal plan.

International Sales: Creating an International Sales Contract

Recorded May 4, 2021

You can't complete an international sale without two basic steps: an offer from the buyer and an acceptance by the seller. Those two actions constitute a sales contract. But what exactly are you agreeing to? Without a written contract agreed upon by both parties, you can end up in a "battle of the forms." What takes precedence—the exporter's quotation or the importer's purchase order.

In this webinar, attorney and licensed customs broker Jack Shelton explains the fundamentals of a sales contract including why you need a written contract, what laws govern the contract, and which of the terms and conditions on each of those forms takes precedence over the others.

Incoterms 2020 In Practice

Recorded February 26, 2021

You may already know the definitions of the 11 Incoterms 2020 rules, but do you know when to use them? This 80-minute webinar not only gives you an understanding of the definitions, it gives you actual examples of how to use each of the international commercial terms to your advantage in your purchase orders, sales agreements, and letters of credit.

As a seller, do you know which terms you should use if your shipment requires an export license and/or relies on a letter of credit to get paid? As a buyer, do you understand when to use certain terms based on the origin of the goods and other important considerations?

Make sure you're using the right Incoterms 2020 rule at the right time. Join Robert P. Imbriani to learn answers to these and other important questions.

Classifying Your Products for Importing and Exporting

If your company is involved in importing or exporting, you need to know how to properly classify your products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) or the Schedule B. Failure to do so properly can trigger audits, long delays in shipping, and substantial financial penalties.

Robert P. Imbriani guides you through the Harmonized System so you understand when to use the HTSUS versus Schedule B, how to select the proper codes, and how to use this understanding to take advantage of free trade agreements and potential product modifications that could save your company a substantial amount of money.

Filing Your Electronic Export Information through AESDirect

Recorded September 18, 2020

The vast majority of exports from the United States require exporters to file their Electronic Export Information (EEI) through the Automated Export System (AES) now located on the ACE portal. Failing to file or filing incorrect information can mean significant fines and penalties.

Even in routed export transactions where the foreign principal party in interest is responsible for ensuring the EEI gets filed, exporters are required to provide 10 important data elements so the proper information gets submitted.

Robert P. Imbriani and Lisa Nemer demonstrate the proper way to submit your EEI to AESDirect on the Automated Customs Environment (ACE).

Understanding the Inland Bill of Lading

Recorded May 11, 2020

Depending on how the inland bill of lading is used and prepared, it will be:

Chambers of Commerce and Certificates of Origin

Wendy Baggett, a former chamber president, discusses the different roles of a chamber, and Lisa Nemer, vice president of Shipping Solutions, demonstrates how easy it is to create an electronic certificate of origin for your export shipments.

Expanding Your Exports with Trade Finance Tools

Recorded March 29, 2019

Expert Laurie Wolff, CGBP, identifies the risks to your business that arise from international trade and the tools and resources available to manage those risks. Along with those extra risks come extra opportunities, because governments provide special assistance to firms seeking to grow their exports.

In addition, David Leonard, an Export Finance Manager with the Small Business Administration, answers specific questions about SBA trade finance products.

Introduction to Shipping Dangerous Goods

Recorded May 7, 2018

Compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) hazmat regulations begins with taking responsibility of the articles or substances that are deemed classified as hazardous materials. These materials must be offered for transport with a statement included in the shipping papers that certifies a hazardous material shipment is in full compliance.

This one-hour webinar explains the basics of shipping dangerous goods, including how to classify, package and pack them; and how to correctly complete dangerous goods forms. You’ll also come away with an understanding of the training you’ll need to become certified to ship these goods. The webinar also walks you through the creation of a dangerous goods form using Shipping Solutions export software.