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International Trade Briefing

APRIL 2025

• Record Imports and Trade Deficit Surge Ahead of Tariff Uncertainty
• State Department Moves to Sidestep Trade Rule Transparency
• Executive Order Tightens White House Control Over Trade Regulations
• Business Groups Push Back Against Chinese Ship Fee Proposal

International Trade Briefing

MARCH 2025

• Shifts in FCPA Enforcement
• Federal Workforce Cuts Impacting Export Services
• Potential Fees on Chinese-Built Ships
• Jamieson Greer’s Confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative
• Extended OFAC Recordkeeping Requirements

International Trade Briefing

FEBRUARY 2025

• Major Trade Shifts: Tariffs, Sanctions & Export Control Overhauls
• New AI Chip Export Controls and License Exceptions
• Relaxed Syria Sanctions Following Regime Collapse
• A new Fillable Form for Voluntary Self-Disclosures Launching In March
• Mexico Easing Textile Import Restrictions Under IMMEX

International Trade Briefing

JANUARY 2025

• BIS Tightening Export Controls on Semiconductor Equipment
• Updates to the Boycott Requester List
• Changes to AES Filing Requirements for 2025
• The USTR’s Investigation into Nicaragua’s Labor Practices
• Lacey Act Updates
• Mexico’s Import Ban Under IMMEX 

International Trade Briefing

DECEMBER 2024

• President-Elect Trump’s Proposed Import Tariffs
• New BIS Export Controls on Pakistan
• Updates to Foreign Trade Regulations
• Delayed EU Deforestation Rules
• Details on CBP’s Revised Origin Document Guidance
• Changes to the SNAP-R System

International Trade Briefing

NOVEMBER 2024

• CARM Launches: What U.S. Exporters to Canada Need to Know
• BIS Adds Entities and Tightens Controls Related to Russia
• BIS Updates Boycott Requester List
• CBP to Enforce Strict Requirements on Air Cargo Descriptions Starting November 12
• EU Imposes Up to 45% Tariffs on Chinese EV Imports

International Trade Briefing

OCTOBER 2024

• Section 301 Tariff Increases Effective September 27
• BIS Updates Voluntary Self-Disclosure Rules; New Controls on Emerging Tech
• Updated Guidelines for Deemed Export Licenses
• Possible Trade Restrictions on Canada Over Digital Service Tax
• New CTPAT Benefit for Forced Labor Detentions
• OFAC Extends Recordkeeping Requirements

International Trade Briefing

SEPTEMBER 2024

• BIS Cracks Down on Illicit Networks Supplying Russia
• Major Changes Ahead for U.S., UK, and Australia Defense Trade
• China Tariff Relief Delayed Again—What’s Next?
• Senate Moves to Close Loophole Allowing Duty-Free Imports
• Trade Growth Surges Amid Global Tensions.

International Trade Briefing

AUGUST 2024

• BIS Guidance to Mitigate Export Diversion Risk
• ITAR and EAR Rule Changes
• OFAC Extends Sanctions Violation Liability and Changes Recordkeeping Rules
• West Coast Ports Import Surge
• DHS Updates Forced Labor Strategy

International Trade Briefing

JULY 2024

• New export restrictions to counter Russia
• Updates to the boycott requester list
• Industry reaction to Section 301 tariffs
• Mandatory EEI filing requirement for Form 486
• Updated Schedule B and HTS codes for July 2024

International Trade Briefing

JUNE 2024

• How will Section 301 impact the industry/broader trade landscape?
• U.S. ports are experiencing an unprecedented surge, driving up shipping costs.
• A recent Federal Reserve survey reveals ongoing supply chain struggles.
• Congress has just doubled the statute of limitations for sanctions violations.

International Trade Briefing

MAY 2024

• A new resource to help businesses comply with anti-boycott laws 
• Eased export licensing requirements for the UK and Australia
• New rules to crack down on unfair trade practices
• The latest U.S. sanctions on Iran
• The economic impact of geopolitical tensions on trade

International Trade Briefing

APRIL 2024

• U.S. Steps Up Enforcement: What It Means for Foreign Companies
• Commerce Cracks Down on Exports to OFAC Sanctioned Entities
• Mexico Challenges Labeling Rules—What it Means for USMCA
• World Trade Month: Don't Miss These Events

International Trade Briefing

MARCH 2024

• U.S. Announces Sweeping New Sanctions on Russia 
• New Census Trade Numbers Reveal Shifting Landscape
• WTO Summit Ends in Stalemate 
• "Forwarding Agent" Changing to "Authorized Agent" in AES

Time (min:sec): 06:24

International Trade Briefing

FEBRUARY 2024

• Exporters Beware: Stiffer Penalties Coming for Compliance Violations
• Imports and Exports Fall as Attack on Container Ships Continue
• WCO Considers Revamping Global Trade Classification System
• 2024 Harmonized Tariff Schedule Posted

Time (min:sec): 04:59

International Trade Briefing

JANUARY 2024

• Shipping Crisis in Red Sea
• USTR Grants Five-Month Extension for Section 301 Product Exclusions
• EU and US Extend Trade Truce Beyond U.S. Presidential Election
• Biden Administration Guidance Emphasizes Freight Forwarders’ Role in Strengthening Trade Compliance

Time (min:sec): 07:04

What Changing FCPA Enforcement Means for Exporters

FEBRUARY 20, 2025

This video explains the recent Executive Order that pauses new Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) cases, shifts enforcement priorities and what it all means for U.S. exporters. Should companies relax their compliance programs—or is this just a temporary change? Watch now to understand the risks, international regulations that still apply, and how to stay compliant in a shifting enforcement landscape.

Time (min:sec): 4:46

Phase VII of the Lacey Act Now In Effect

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Phase VII of the Lacey Act is now in effect, requiring importers to file declarations for over 250 new plant-based HTS codes. Learn what products are impacted, how to stay compliant and what this means for your supply chain. Plus, get a look ahead at Phase VIII.

Time (min:sec): 4:38

Understanding When You Need an End-User Certificate

JANUARY 1, 2025

When it comes to export compliance, End-User Certificates (EUCs)—like Form BIS-711—can be an essential tool for proving due diligence and preventing unauthorized access to your exported goods. But when are they required? And how do you know when using an EUC is just good business?

Time (min:sec): 3:26

How De Minimis Changes Will Impact Exporters and Importers

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Upcoming changes to de minimis rules will affect U.S. exporters and importers by tightening exemptions for low-value shipments. In this episode, we explains the de minimis exemption, the reasons for new restrictions and the steps U.S. businesses should take to stay compliant.

Time (min:sec): 6:00

BIS Implements New Rules on Voluntary Self-Disclosures of Export Violations

OCTOBER 15, 2024

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently made significant changes to its policies regarding voluntary self-disclosures and penalty determinations for export violations. These updates include harsher penalties for companies who choose not to self-disclose their violations.

Time (min:sec): 8:08

Mitigating Diversion Risks to Russia and Belarus

AUGUST 27, 2024

The Bureau of Industry and Security has published new guidance to help companies and universities identify and mitigate risks of diversion to Russia and Belarus. In this episode, we explain the recent guidance, which goes far beyond just screening shipments against the Entity List.

Time (min:sec): 4:23

BIS Emphasizes Due Diligence and Compliance Responsibilities

JULY 27, 2024

BIS emphasizes the importance of stringent compliance in today's heightened enforcement landscape. We explain what to expect, including increased end-use and end-user checks, updated freight forwarder guidance, enhanced cooperation with international partners and new antiboycot requirements. 

Time (min:sec): 5:18

New Export Restrictions to Counter Russia

JUNE 28, 2024

Changes to export controls and sanctions against Russia, recently announced by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), are far-reaching and have the potential to affect anyone involved in international trade.

Time (min:sec): 4:27

U.S. Announces Increased Section 301 Tariffs

JUNE 6, 2024

The U.S. Trade Representative proposed increased Section 301 tariffs on a wide range of products from China. We explain the latest developments and how they may impact your import and export activities.

Time (min:sec): 5:37

BIS Issues New Resource to Facilitate Antiboycott Compliance

APRIL 15, 2024

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published a new resource for companies, financial institutions, freight forwarders and others to help them identify boycott-related requests they may receive during the regular course of business. We explain what you need to understand.

Time (min:sec): 6:41

Non-U.S.-Based Parties Aren't Exempt from U.S. Sanctions and Export Controls

MARCH 25, 2024

The U.S. is cracking down on sanctions and export control evasion by foreign-based entities. We talk with Marvin McPherson, associate at Barnes/Richardson Global Trade Law, about what exporters and importers need to know about this change.

Time (min:sec): 11:48

BIS Signals New Enforcement Initiative for Antiboycott Compliance

OCTOBER 11, 2023

We talk with Alex Cotoia of Volkov Law about his blog post, BIS Signals New Enforcement Initiative for Antiboycott Compliance—Pratt and Whitney Settles Antiboycott Violations. Alex explains more about the recent uptick in enforcement actions from BIS and what companies need to do to ensure they're in compliance.

Time (min:sec): 14:19

The ITAR-Controlled Item You Never Knew You Had

September 27, 2023

We talk with Lindsay Bernsen Wardlaw, Vice President of Trade Advisory Services for Amalie Trade Compliance Consulting, about how many exporters may not realize that some of the dual-use items that they think are controlled by the EAR may be, in fact, ITAR-controlled.

Time (min:sec): 10:00

3M Corp Pays SEC $6.5 Million to Resolve FCPA Charges

September 5, 2023

We talk with Michael Volkov of Volkov Law about his blog post 3M Corp Pays SEC $6.5 Million to Resolve FCPA Charges. He explains what this settlement can teach companies of all sizes and what you need to know about Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance.

Time (min:sec): 26:18

The Benefits of Free Trade Agreements 

June 19, 2023

Jodi Ader, a manager in RSM’s trade advisory services practice, explains how companies can expand their reach, reduce costs and stay competitive by using free trade agreements. You'll learn how to set up a supply chain to qualify and why small and mid-size companies can especially benefit from FTAs.

Time (min:sec): 16:42

Think Twice Before Sharing Technical Drawings or Data 

June 7, 2023

We talk with Lindsay Bernsen Wardlaw, Director of Trade Advisory Services for Amalie Trade Compliance Consulting, about why U.S. companies that import need to be aware of U.S. export regulations before sharing technical and other information with their foreign vendors.

Time (min:sec): 9:02

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: Filing Your Export Information through AES

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Experts for the U.S. Census Bureau answer questions about filing Electronic Export Information (EEI) through AESDirect on the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) during this one-hour webinar.   

AMA: Building a Champions Network for Trade Compliance

NOVEMBER 1, 2023

Champions networks can focus on a range of compliance areas, including global trade. While many companies are now following the trend of building trade-compliance champions networks, there is little guidance available to effectively design and implement successful networks. Matt Silverman joined us to answer questions about how to build an effective network.  

AMA: The USMCA and Other Free Trade Agreements

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

Earlier this year, Robert P. Imbriani joined us to explain the principles of the various U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs). Robert graciously agreed to return for one-hour session dedicated to answering attendees specific questions about free trade agreements.

AMA: Applying De Minimis Rules to Importing and Exporting

AUGUST 30, 2023

It's essential to understand that even if your product is entirely manufactured overseas, it may still be subject to U.S. export controls. The complexity arises when your bill of materials includes U.S.-origin components or relies heavily on U.S. expertise. An expert answers questions about de minimis rules.

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.

Using the GRI to Find the Correct Schedule B Codes for Your Exports

Recorded March 19, 2025

In this one-hour webinar, officials from the U.S. Census Bureau, who administer the FTR, provide tips to exporters to find the correct Schedule B codes for their products using the six General Rules of Interpretation found in the regulations.

Export Compliance Essentials

Recorded February 19, 2025

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

12 Documents Required for Exporting

Recorded January 15, 2025

As an exporter, you are required to provide a variety of documents to facilitate the transport, customs clearance, and payment for your shipment. This webinar explains the most common forms you may need, including new requirements around end-user certification using form BIS-711, the Statement by Ultimate Consignee and Purchaser.

Growing Your Exports: What the EXIM Bank Can Do for You

Recorded December 11, 2024

For American businesses, navigating the complexities of export financing can be a challenge. That’s where the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) steps in to bridge the gap, providing critical financial tools that help U.S. companies of all sizes enter and thrive in global markets. It fills gaps left by the private sector, providing programs and products that help make selling internationally less risky.

Growing Your Exports: What the Small Business Development Centers Can Do for Me

Recorded July 17, 2024

With a network of over 1,000 local centers across the U.S, the SBDC provides invaluable support to small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of international trade. Learn about the resources and services available.

Certificate of Free Sale Your Exports: What the U.S. Commercial Service Can Do for Me

Recorded June 19, 2024

Certificates of free sale prove that your goods are legally sold or distributed in the open market in the U.S. Learn about when and why you need one for your exports and how to obtain one.

Growing Your Exports: What the U.S. Commercial Service Can Do for Me

Recorded March 20, 2024

Are you ready to take your exports to new heights? Our webinar series, "Growing Your Exports," showcases key U.S. agencies offering crucial support to companies looking to kickstart or expand their international sales. First up: The U.S. Commercial Service.

Export Compliance Essentials

Recorded February 21, 2024

It doesn’t matter how big your company is, you are required to abide by the rules of exporting. Ignore them, and you could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of future export privileges and—in the most egregious cases—even jail time. This one-hour webinar explains the essential compliance activities you and your company should be engaging in to stay compliant with these regulations.

Navigating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for Exporters and Importers

Recorded October 18, 2023

In today's interconnected world, global business opportunities are endless, but so are the compliance challenges. One critical element of global trade compliance is understanding and complying with regulations related to transactions with Foreign Governments and Foreign Government Owned Entities. These regulations can differ significantly from normal business practices you may follow when selling or entering into an agreement in the global marketplace.

Choosing the Correct Payment Option for Your Exports

Recorded August 16, 2023

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.

Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA): How to Mitigate Supply Chain Risk and Stay Compliant

Recorded August 2, 2023

Forced labor is a top-tier compliance issue, based on the thousands of shipments that have already been stopped for checks by CBP. During this webinar, Jodi Ader, a manager in RSM US LLP’s trade advisory services practice, explains the fundamentals of UFLPA and the implications for supply chain professionals.

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

Recorded July 19, 2023

While you can always cross your fingers and hope for the best, that's not a very effective business strategy for importing and exporting. Things can go wrong, and goods can be damaged, especially during transit. It happens way more often than you might think. And while carriers may be liable for any damage they cause, the limit to their liability is surprisingly low.

Join us for this one-hour webinar as our speaker, Robert P. Imbriani, discusses the limits of carrier liability and how to determine if, when and how to find the proper type of cargo insurance for your imports and exports.

What You Need to Know About Exporting Samples and Repaired Goods

Recorded June 21, 2023

Exporting would be easier if all you had to do was take an order from a foreign customer, ship the goods and then forget about them. But the sales process doesn't always work that smoothly. You may need to send samples of your goods. Or after they place an order and you've shipped the goods, you need to repair an item.

In either case, you may be on the hook for paying additional duties and taxes you weren't planning to pay. But there are ways to legally minimize or avoid these extra fees.

Join us for this one-hour webinar as our speaker, Robert P. Imbriani, outlines the procedures your company should follow whenever it’s shipping samples to buyers outside the United States or when you need to import and then re-export repaired goods.

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.

During this one-hour webinar with Robert P. Imbriani, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the principles of the various U.S. trade agreements and be able to help clients understand the programs.

Export Controls: ITAR vs. EAR

Recorded February 15, 2023

Export controls and compliance with export regulations has long been a complex issue for exporters. Determining agency jurisdiction and classification under the appropriate regulations is difficult and requires a comprehensive understanding of the regulations.

The classification and compliance process has only become more complex under various new regulations and interpretations. Noncompliance can be costly and even lead to loss of export privileges.

During this one-hour webinar, Robert P. Imbriani will help you identify what has changed and the steps necessary to stay in full compliance.

Export Compliance Essentials

Recorded January 18, 2023

It doesn’t matter how big your company is, you are required to abide by the rules of exporting. Ignore them, and you could face hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, the loss of future export privileges and—in the most egregious cases—even jail time. This one-hour webinar explains the essential compliance activities you and your company should be engaging in to stay compliant with these regulations.

For more than 25 years, David Noah, president of Shipping Solutions export documentation and compliance software, has been helping companies comply with U.S. export regulations.

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.

During this one-hour webinar, Richard Barrett will explain challenges around the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and other provincial sales taxes, and how companies can maximize GST/HST recovery.

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 will focus on finding the correct country of origin for your export goods and preparing accurate documentation. Mislabelling or not identifying the origin of your goods could mean extra penalties, delays and complications during export. Further, your origin documentation is likely to be reused by distributors in the country of import, so getting it right is vital to keeping customers.

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 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 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 Pipe and John Addessi 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.

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, a U.S.-based international trade attorney, explains what you need to know about the FCPA.

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.