U.S. Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Archives - Page 27 of 28

“Fast Track” Bill Signed Into Law: Next Up Trans-Pacific Partnership

On Monday, President Obama signed Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) into law. TPA, also known as the “fast track” bill, was seen as a crucial component in solidifying the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Although the re-authorization of TPA grants the President greater authority in his ability to negotiate and secure a trade deal–thus speeding up the TPP negotiation process–the TPP still has some tough negotiations ahead. However, the new authority Congress granted the President will now give him the power needed to ultimately conclude negotiations on the TPP.

The TPP covers almost 40 percent of the goods and services produced in the world. The United States ships more than $1.9 billion in goods to TPP countries every day. One of the main objectives of the TPP–according to USTR and the Obama administration–is to cut the “red-tape of trade,” by reducing costs and making CBP more efficient. Specifically, the TPP looks to create commitments that would ensure the quick release of goods through customs.

The TPP is not the only trade deal the Obama administration has in their sights. The U.S. Trade Representative, Michael Froman, looks to tie up the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Agreement (TTIP), the World Trade Organization’s Information Technology Agreement, the Environmental Goods Agreement, and the 24-party Trade in International Services Agreement.

In 2014, there were over 23,000 intellectual property rights seizures by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with the property seized having an estimated MSRP value of $1.2 billion. According […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-07T10:45:32-04:00June 30, 2015|Customs Expert, Export, Free Trade Agreement, Import|0 Comments

In Tampa? Meet the Expert May 12, 2015
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In Tampa? Meet the Expert May 12, 2015
Cuba, Customs Expert, Export, Free Trade Agreement, Import

In Tampa? Meet the Expert May 12, 2015

I’m proud to participate in America’s SBDC’s “Meet the Expert” seminar on May 12, 2015. If you are in Tampa, you won’t want to miss this seminar. It will take place from 3:30-5:30 PM at the FSBDC at the University of South Florida, Port Tampa Bay Building, and will cover the following HOT Topics in International Law:

Pre-Compliance—How to Stay Penalty Free (including an update on PERSONAL liability for Importers!)
Cuba Update—What Does it Mean for Importers and Exporters
Complying with Free Trade Agreements
Top Tips for Importers and Exporters

For only $10, it’s a steal!

Register HERE.

See you […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2015-11-30T10:30:15-05:00May 6, 2015|Cuba, Customs Expert, Export, Free Trade Agreement, Import|0 Comments

Exports from China are on the Rise – What is your IPR Plan?

On April 11, amid a high demand for soccer apparel in preparation for FIFA World Cup, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized counterfeit soccer apparel shipped from China to the Port of Savannah. The value of the seized goods exceeded $1 million in manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). The apparel seized contained counterfeit trademarks of the following professional soccer clubs: Arsenal, Barcelona, Celtic, Chelsea, Mexican Federation, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid. Little did they know they should have tried to import Germany’s soccer club’s apparel. “You look at that Chelsea patch, and it just looks off,” said Steve Sapp, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “The last B is smaller than the rest, and that’s the kind of thing you often see with these counterfeit goods. Our investigators know the signs that these goods aren’t real.” Both images are provided below for you to see for yourself – check out the extra space at the top, and the “u” in club.

This month, CBP again seized a shipment of counterfeit soccer apparel from China. This time, the shipment arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the apparel consisted of Brazilian, Italian and Argentinian national soccer clubs’ uniforms. “The trade in these illegitimate goods is associated with smuggling and other criminal activities, and often funds criminal enterprises”, stated Area Port Director Juan Hurtado. The apparel shipped to Puerto Rico violated the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of Puma, Adidas and Nike.

With exports from China rising, protecting intellectual […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-08T16:46:57-04:00July 17, 2014|China, China Trade War, Intellectual Property Rights, International Business, International Law, International Trade, Seizure, Supply Chain, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|0 Comments

CBP Updates Trade Community on GSP Expiration

For those of you that relied on the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and are now subject to duties, CBP sent a notice today that directly impacts you.

A previous post discussed the expiration of GSP and need for congressional action to renew it. GSP expired July 31, 2013. Importers were advised to continue to use the Special Program Indicator (SPI) “A” when importing into the U.S., which would signify a valid claim for GSP but to pay duty subsequent to that date, so that in the event of a retroactive renewal, CBP could process refunds automatically.

Unfortunately, the picture above is still correct – the trade community is in limbo – will we get our duties refunded if we are entitled to GSP? The answer… Yes, Maybe, No. Not comforting or reassuring.

Today, CBP advised the trade community that:

.. neither requests to extend liquidation under 19 CFR 159.12, nor protest under 19 CFR Part 174, should be used to stop the liquidation of claim potential subject to GSP in anticipation that GSP will be renewed. Assuming that the goods were properly classified and appraised, they should be liquidated as scheduled. CBP does not have the legal authority to further extend liquidation pending possible renewal of GSP.

If GSP were to be renewed, the legislation would specify an effective date of for the date of renewal. The renewal date, if GSP is reauthorized, might or might allow for retroactive claims. On previous occasions when GSP was renewed retroactively, the legislation […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2022-07-08T16:27:15-04:00May 20, 2014|Free Trade Agreement, GSP, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|0 Comments

Say Goodbye to GSP, ATPA and ATPDEA

The question of the day… Will GSP be extended? Yes, no, maybe??

July 31, 2013 is the date when the expiration of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), Andean Trade Preference and Act (ATPA) and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) will take place.

Read on to ensure that you get your refunds expeditiously when/if GSP is renewed, likely after July 31, 2013.

CBP’s notice today states:

Barring Congressional action, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), special program indicator (SPI) “A” and “A+,” the Andean Trade Preference Act (ATPA), SPI “J,” and the associated Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA), SPI “J+,” are due to expire for goods entered or withdrawn from warehouse after midnight, July 31, 2013.

Special Procedures for GSP-Eligible Goods:

Importers should pay the normal trade relations (column 1) duty rate but continue to flag GSP-eligible importations with the applicable SPI (“A” or “A+” until further notice. If the program is renewed with a retroactive clause, use of the SPI will allow CBP to process automatic duty refunds. No corresponding procedure is available for the ATPA or ATPDEA programs. [MAKE SURE YOU DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR BROKER AND DO SO!]

Clarification for African […]

By Jennifer Diaz|2013-07-12T22:21:00-04:00July 12, 2013|Free Trade Agreement|0 Comments

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