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MGTA Export Management System Seminar 5/13/08
May 1st, 2008
Midwest Global Trade Association - Export Management Seminar
May 13, 2008
7:30am Registration
8:00am–4:00pm Program
What will you learn?
The Export Management System (EMS) is a program that is established to manage export-related decisions and transactions and to ensure compliance with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). During this seminar, you will learn:

• What an Export Management System (EMS) is.
• Why an EMS is important.
• How companies use the EMS.
• How to educate management about the importance of an EMS.
• Who provides compliance services.
• How to work with your legal counsel on the EMS.
• How an EMS can help your company mitigate violations.

Who should attend?
International trade professionals in the areas of management, trade compliance, business development, contracts, international sales/marketing and shipping/logistics.

Register Online: Click Here to Register

 
US-Israel Free Trade Agreement Certificates of Origin Available
April 23rd, 2007
The U.S. Commercial Service-Minneapolis office has official US-Israel Certificates of Origin for sale.

Price:
$15.00 per Certificate of Origin - if mailed ($5.00 for each additional copy being mailed to same address)
$5.00 per Certificate of Origin - if you pick it up at our office

Please contact the U.S. Commercial Service-Minneapolis office to request this document:

Telephone: 612-348-1638
Email: Minneapolis.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov
 
Trade Networking Cocktail:
International Business People and Topics - May. 13, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Event Updated:
January 8th, 2008
Every quarter the Minnesota District Export Council and the U.S. Commercial Service organize a Networking Cocktail for people interested in international business. Enjoy a buffet dinner and two happy hour drinks for only $20. Mix and mingle with international trade professionals. Featured Speaker: Holly Vineyard, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia
  • Sponsor: TBD
  • Tuesday May 13, 2008, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Atrium of Butler Square Building
  • Butler Square Building (Next to Target Center), 100 North 6th St. (at North First Ave.)
  • $20 per person is collected at the door (cash is appreciated); includes generous appetizers and two beverages (beer, wine & soft drinks)
  • Register Online: Click Here to Register

     
    The Bush Administration published several Presidential proclamations on January 4, 2007, to enact changes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of the U.S. These changes are intended to bring the HTS in line with the World Customs Organization\'s (WCO) standardized nomenclature for international trade.
    January 19th, 2007
    Changes to Harmonized Tariff Schedule

    The publication of today's proclamations allows the tariff changes to take effect on or about February 3, 2007. The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection followed with a directive on January 8, 2007, announcing a 17-day grace period to provide the trade community with additional time to convert product classifications.

    The changes to the HTS categorization are substantial. Alterations have been made to 83 of the HTS chapters, and two-hundred forty headings have been reconstructed. Chapters 84, 85 and 90 are most heavily impacted.

    The new DRAFT HTS can be accessed on-line at:
    http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/. The final version of the 2007 HTS will be posted on this website on or about February 3, 2007, and a hard copy version will be published by the Government Printing Office.
     
    Canada Border Services Agency Clearance Procedures and Customs Requirements in Canada for Trade Show Booths and Supplies
    October 12th, 2006
    November 29, 2006 - Canada Border Services Agency Clearance Procedures and Customs Requirements in Canada for Trade Show Booths and Supplies The U.S. Commercial Service in Montreal is proud to partner with their sponsors, the Canadian Tourism Commission and Tourisme Montréal, to provide an on-line seminar (webinar) on Canada Border Services Agency Clearance Procedures and Customs Requirements in Canada for Trade Show Booths and Supplies, on November 29th at 1:00pm CST. All U.S. trade show and convention organizers, industry associations, freight forwarders, customs brokers, U.S. Chambers of Commerce, Tourism Bureaus and client/members who are planning to exhibit at a trade show in Canada are invited to participate right from your office or conference room. Don’t miss this webinar. For more details and to register, please visit: Canada Trade Show Webinar
     
    European Union: EU Marking, Labeling and Packaging Overview
    October 12th, 2006
    European Union: EU Marking, Labeling and Packaging Overview
    There is a broad array of EU legislation pertaining to the marking, labeling and packaging of products. However, there is neither an “umbrella” law covering all goods nor any central directory containing information on these requirements. The first step in investigating the marketing, labeling and packaging legislation that might apply to a product entering the EU is to distinguish between what is mandatory and what is voluntary. For a copy of a 16-page overview, which covers some of the mandatory packaging requirements and the more common voluntary marks and/or labels used in the EU markets, please contact your nearest US Export Assistance Center. US Export Assistance Centers
     
    Libya Update
    October 12th, 2006
    Libya-Update
    In a series of positive steps that reflects improving U.S.- Libya relations the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule removing Libya from the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as a state sponsor of terrorism. The new Libya export licensing policy significantly reduces the level of U.S. Government’s controls over commercial exports to Libya. Under this rule, items subject to the EAR but not listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) (i.e. EAR99 items), will generally not be subject to license requirements for export or re-export to Libya except for end-use/end-user controls. In addition, items controlled only for anti-terrorism (AT) reasons on the CCL will no longer be subject to a licensing requirement, except again for end-use/end-user controls. This rule is effective August 31, 2006. If you have questions, please call the BIS hotline at 202-482-4811 or for guidance on the rule, please click here: Libya Update
     
    Market of the Month: Georgia
    October 12th, 2006
    Market of the Month: Georgia
    Georgia is a regional center in the South Caucasus situated on the Black Sea and neighboring Turkey to the southwest, Armenia to the south, Azerbaijan to the southeast, and Russia to the north. A beautiful country at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, Georgia represents a key transit hub for energy resources and goods through the region. Georgia is seeking to capitalize on its natural assets and favorable geo-political location to promote democracy and gain stability and prosperity. Georgia has made great strides in improving its business and investment climate and increasing budget revenues. Best prospects for U.S. companies include construction, electrical power, agribusiness, telecommunications, transportation and many more. To learn about trade opportunities in Georgia, please visit: Georgia Market Information
     
    Bush Administration Releases Report on IP Enforcement and Protection
    October 12th, 2006
    Bush Admin. Releases Report on IP Enforcement and Protection
    On September 29, the Bush Administration released the 2006 Report to the President and Congress on Coordination of Intellectual Property Enforcement and Protection. The report sets forth the actions and initiatives that the U.S. government has taken over the past year to combat the rising tide of global counterfeiting and piracy, and notes the importance of these efforts because of the critical role intellectual Property (IP) plays in the country’s economic strength and the health and safety of consumers. Highlights of the 2006 report include: 1) Working with U.S. Industry and Engaging our Trading Partners; 2) Increasing Efforts to Seize Counterfeit Goods at Our Borders; 3) Pursuing Criminal Enterprises; 4) Congressional Direction and Presidential Leadership; 5) Demonstrating the Impact of Coordination and 6) Priorities for the Coming Year. A copy of the full report is available at: IP Enforcement and Protection
     
    CHINA: New Draft Standards Available for China RoHS
    June 1st, 2006
    An unofficial translations of draft Chinese Labeling Standards and Concentration Limits for their RoHS-like regulation Management Methods [Regulations] for Pollution Control of Electro Information Products are available from Wilmer Hales China RoHS Online Newsletter.The draft Concentration Limits are similar to the EUs Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Maximum Concentration Values (MCV) - 0.01% for cadmium, all other RoHS substances 0.1%.Chinas Ministry of Information Industry (MII) published its RoHS-like regulation Management Methods [Regulations] for Pollution Controlof Electro Information Products on February 28, 2006.The Regulation is available (in Chinese) on their website. AeA's unofficial translation is on their China RoHS web page. The regulation affects electronic information products.MII published a list of Electro-Information products on its website.AeA's unofficial translation is available here.Although patterned after the EU's RoHS Directive, China RoHSs provisions differ. China RoHS goes into effect March 1, 2007.
     
    GST on Imported Goods
    June 1st, 2006
    GST, at the rate of 6 per cent, will apply to goods that are either imported on or after July 1, 2006, or released from Customs’ control on or after July 1, 2006. REGULATORY INFORMATION - CANADA 2006 federal budget highlights: a significant focus on customs and trade-related issues The 2006 federal budget allocates funds to border security and highway and border infrastructure, and announces changes to the GST, excise taxes and excise duties. http://www.livingstonintl.com/tradenewsarticle.cfm?id=3235
     
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