International Law

China Sourcing Fair – How to Solve U.S. Customs Issues When Importing From China

 The rewards of sourcing from China are well known, but succeeding at it is far from simple. With a sluggish global economy resulting in unpredictable market changes, cost-effective sourcing is important.

To help you build or sharpen your China sourcing strategies, I am thrilled to be part of a new series of “How to Source from China” conferences at the China Sourcing Fair (July 10-12, Miami)!

The conferences are led by industry experts, and reveal real-life sourcing risks in China. We will share actionable knowledge at every step as the project moves from concept to delivery, and the conference will offer in-depth insights and practical tips on do’s and don’ts of China sourcing. Whether you’re a beginner or veteran buying professional, the FREE conference program is your chance to learn how to source efficiently and effectively from the “world’s factory”.

Register now to enhance your importing skills and knowledge today! Conference seats are limited and are on a first-come, first-served basis.

I will be speaking on “How to Solve U.S. Customs Issues When Importing From China”.

Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are a priority trade initiative for U.S. Customs. Most confiscated China imports violated US Customs’ IPR laws, which should serve as a reminder when buying from China.

In my seminar, we will look at ways of preventing and dealing with these issues. In particular, we will cover:

  • Trademark / copyright violations (What U.S. Customs looks for)
  • Top […]

Free Trade Zones Expanding in Miami-Dade County

PortMiami wants free trade zones (FTZ’s) throughout Miami-Dade county.

As we know, PortMiami is currently dredging to 50 feet in pursuit of the post Panamax ships, and wants to prepare for the massive amounts of cargo PortMiami looks forward to receiving as a result of the dredging project.  In preparation, PortMiami is looking to the South Florida business community to get engaged and prepared as well.

Under PortMiami’s plan, any business north of Southwest Eighth Street could apply for free-trade status (under FTZ 281) and be exempt from import duties (for example, for cargo heading abroad). There are many benefits to an FTZ, ultimately resulting in duty savings.

The Miami Herald reported that PortMiami’s application is expected to receive approval by the summer (UPDATE – PortMiami has officially been approved and operates FTZ 281), which will allow local businesses the opportunity to apply for foreign-trade zone status, enabling them to utilize their FTZ for duty savings, as goods shipped into a FTZ that are destined for export are exempt from paying CBP duties.  Many companies use South Florida as a transhipment hub, purchasing goods from China, using South Florida as a distribution center, and then selling those goods to customers in South America.  Using a FTZ saves the importer from having to pay customs duties on imports for exports.

The Beacon Council – Miami-Dade County’s official economic development partnership – has coined trade/logistics and aviation as two of the ‘seven pillars’ of Miami-Dade County in the One Community, One Goal […]

Do You Know the TOP 10 COMPLIANCE TIPS?

If you import, you need to!

On behalf of the Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT-South Florida), I am hosting an informal round table where members OWIT will have the opportunity to get to know one another and learn all about compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)!

Yes, men are welcome!

This session is especially important for importers and brokers and those in involved in international trade.

Attendees will receive a special “cheat sheet” providing great resources to utilize when importing, including the top 10 compliance tips.

Space is limited to OWIT members! Become a member of OWIT here (it is only $100 for a YEAR of benefits including these FREE IBR’s), and assure your spot by sending in your RSVP today!

Please email Jennifer Diaz with any questions!

Made in China, Sold in America

This weekend, I visited both Lowe’s and Home Depot looking for some new plants for my backyard. As I walked by all the newly arrived Christmas merchandise, I casually picked up a few to see where they were made.  You guessed it, from Santa to Rudolph, one by one they all clearly stated “Made in China”. I finally did find one item that stated “Assembled in USA from foreign and domestic components.” I was getting frustrated. After all, as a customs and international trade attorney for the past 20 years, including the first 5 as an attorney for U.S. Customs, I have made a living doing international trade. I wondered, what happened to our balance in international trade? What happened to “Made in America”?

Everyone knows that mountains of Chinese goods are daily shipped to and sold in the United States, but what about the reverse.  Fortunately, I also have that perspective, as I visit the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at least once a year for U.S. based clients importing from China or Chinese companies selling to the United States. I travel to China on an airplane, am transported to the hotel by car, and sometimes go down to the bar to have a drink.  The plane is made by Boeing, the car is a Ford, the hotel is a Sheraton, and the drink is a rum and Coke (Bacardi and Coca-Cola).  All of those iconic names are pure Americana. 

With 1.4 billion people in China, no wonder American companies,and the rest of […]

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