At Risk for a Customs Exam?

One of the big changes at U.S. Customs in the last five years is that they now rely on the Automated Targeting System (ATS) to screen inbound shipments. Data is fed to the system through various channels, including AMS, ISF, Customs entry, law enforcement, and other sources that Customs refuses to reveal. The system assigns…

Read More »

10/2 Geneseo NY, Go Global Export 101 Seminar

Rochester's International Business Council Presents: Go Global Export 101 Seminar 10/2 at Geneseo College, Geneseo NY Event Description: Network with Trade Experts & Learn: How to Use Local Resources to Establish International Sales Channels Tips on International Shipping Logistics How To Enter Foreign Markets: Entry Modes & Resources Trade Finance 101 Insights from Local Business…

Read More »

Don’t Miss These Tweets

Twitter lets you tap into the pulse of any topic, connecting you to the very latest and greatest. When it comes to Mohawk's line of work, there are a few twitter users that break the mold. Here's a list of twitter users you won't want to miss. 1. FDA @US_FDA Covers the latest updates to…

Read More »

China Adds 6% VAT

The government of China recently announced a new value added tax (VAT). Beginning August 1, a 6% VAT will be levied on top of every local charge in China. This charge will be assessed in local currency on that portion of the freight invoice paid in China. Outbound shipments under prepaid terms and inbound shipments…

Read More »

We’ll Never Get Caught

Export controls exist to protect the national security of the U.S. It's up to the Bureau of Industry & Security to enforce our export control laws. They focus on companies and individuals who engage in the export of controlled commodities, software, and technology. Their agenda is simple: What's the end use of exported item? Are…

Read More »

Exporters Use with Caution: Online Decision Tree Tools

Much has been written about forthcoming U.S. export control reforms and the impact it will have on exporters. Many exporters hoped these reforms would make the export control process easier by limiting it to the authority of one government agency, the Department of Commerce. Unfortunately, one can gather from recently published changes that the one…

Read More »

US Customs to Begin Issuing ISF Liquidated Damages

Today, U.S. Customs & Border Protection announced that they will begin to enforce existing liquidated damages provisions for Importer Security Filings (ISF) required to be filed on or after July 9, 2013. Enforcement actions will not apply to ISF-5 transactions, which involve goods transiting, but not remaining in, the US. Liquidated damages enforcement actions instituted…

Read More »

Container Security Checklist

When you receive freight containers at your warehouse, how thoroughly do you inspect the container itself? If you aren't the one that does the inspection, how do you know it's being done properly? If you're unsure about the answers to either of these questions, then consider incorporating a container security checklist into your receiving procedures.…

Read More »