Today's Headlines | Tuesday, April 21, 2009
I.E.Canada
News
Emerging
Issues in Customs and Trade Compliance Conference
The three-day conference
will be held from April 20-22, 2009, at the Hilton Toronto Airport
Hote, 5875 Airport Road, by the Toronto airport. One-, two- and three-day packages
are available.
This is a unique opportunity to hear from speakers from across North America, including the heads of both Canada and United States customs administrations, Canada’s Trade Minister, industry leaders and service providers, who will provide you will the tools to keep your global business competitive. These speakers – all experts in their fields – will share their experiences, successes, and challenges concerning the changing global economy with delegates and will offer tips and strategies to plan for today and tomorrow.
Keynote Speakers:
Canada's Trade Opportunities & Global Commerce Strategy
The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade
Global Economic Outlook for Canadian Importers & Exporters
Warren Jestin, Senior VP & Chief Economist, Bank of Nova Scotia
Supply Chain Strategies for Challenging Economic Times
Claude Germain, EVP & COO, Schenker of Canada Ltd.
For a copy of the brochure and the latest information on the conference, including the agenda, speaker and sponsor listings, trade show opportunities, registration options, and I.E.Canada contacts, please visit http://www.iecanada.com/events/2009/18th_Annual_Conference/18th_Annual_Conference.html
We look forward to seeing you, April 20-22, 2009
Top
Transfer
Pricing Conference – Leading Strategies to Boost Your Bottom Line
The two day Transfer Pricing Conference will be held from June 3 & 4, 2009 at the Westin Bristol Place Toronto Airport Hotel located at 950 Dixon Road by the Toronto airport. One- and two-day packages are available.
Top international tax experts from Canada & the U.S. will give practical advice on:
• Latest Developments in Transfer Pricing from a Canada and U.S. Perspectives
•
Transfer Pricing Analysis in the Current Economic Environment
•
Transfer Pricing Aspects of Reorganizing Business in Current Economic Environment
•
How to Deal with other Extraordinary Market Situations including Tax Treatment
of Foreign Currency Gains & Losses
•
Mergers & Acquisitions and Intangible Migration Opportunities in an Economic
Downturn
•
Recent Trends in Canada Revenue Agency Audits
•
How to Win in Competent Authority and Resolve Global Tax Conflicts
•
Making the Link between Customs, Tax and Commodity Tax
•
Case Study Workshop: How to Perform a Transfer Pricing Study and Prepare for
Proper Audit Support
Government representatives confirmed on the program include:
Jennifer Ryan, Director of International Audits, Canada Revenue Agency
Patricia Spice, Director, Competent Authority Services, Canada Revenue Agency
Every day until the "Transfer
Pricing Conference" ,
I.E.Canada will feature a conference highlight in I.E.Today.
Further details including program and a speaker listing will be posted shortly
on I.E.Canada's website at http://www.iecanada.com.
We look forward to seeing you, June 3 & 4, 2009
Managing
Financial Risk in International Trade, Montreal, May 13, 2009
Expert advice in trying times. Come learn from and challenge our financial
panel at this interactive half-day meeting.
Christian Martin, Experts LCG-ADM Inc
Bank lines of credit and safeguards offered in relation to international business
operations.
Pierre Donato, Laurentian Bank.
Importing and the “marginalization” of letters of credit.
Harold Riley, Export Development Canada
Exporter guarantee programs.
Normand Faubert, OptionDevises.
The real challenge of foreign exchange – How to optimize through the
sound management of foreign cash flows, the profitability of import/export
operations.
Carl Gravel, Business Development Bank of Canada
Partner your growth – Overview of services offered.
More information and registration form at http://www.iecanada.com/events/2009/QC/Mai_13_09_Managing_Financial_Risk.pdf
We Need Your Input
On June 3, 2009, I.E.Canada will hold its annual general meeting. At the meeting, the 2009/10 board of directors will be elected.
In preparation for the election, the association’s board of directors has formed a nominating committee to seek nominations to fill vacancies on the board.
The nominating committee
is now issuing a “call for expression of interest” from I.E.Canada
members. Nominations of individuals who have consented to be nominated for
election as directors may be sent by any association member to the association
office, to the attention of Ms. Carol Buckton, corporate secretary. Please
send your e-mail to Amesika Baëta at: abaeta@iecanada.com.
Top
News of the Day
Canadian
Wholesale Sales Drop Further in February
(CEP
News – Stephen Huebl)
Canadian wholesale sales fell in February despite expectations for a rise, Statistics Canada reported Tuesday. The 0.6% decrease to $41.0 billion was worse than the 1.0% rise expected by analysts and follows a 3.9% decline in January, which was initially reported as a 4.2% fall.
Statistics Canada said falling sales in the machinery and equipment trade group and the "other products" sector were major factors contributing to the decrease.
Summary statistics and a link to the data files are on the Statistics Canada website at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/090421/dq090421a-eng.htm.
U.S.
Index Suggests Economic Weakness, but Less Intense
(Industry
Week – Agence France-Presse)
Contraction in activity could become less severe in upcoming months, says Conference Board
A forward-looking U.S. economic index fell again in March, but pointed to
a contraction that is not as intense as over the past few months, the Conference
Board said on April 20. The business research firm said its index of leading
economic indicators declined 0.3% in March, following a 0.2% fall in February,
and a 0.2% drop in January.
The index "remains on a general downtrend that began in July 2007, with
widespread weaknesses among its components," the Conference Board said. "However,
its rate of decline has moderated somewhat this year."
The report "suggests that the economic recession that started in December
2007 will continue in the near term, but that the contraction in activity could
become less severe in upcoming months," it added.
"The recession may continue through the summer, but the intensity will
ease. There have been some intermittent signs of improvement in the economy in
April,
but the leading economic index and most of its components are still pointing
down, said Ken Goldstein, economist at the Conference Board.
Other indexes in the survey were also weaker. The coincident index of current
conditions fell 0.4% in March after a 0.6% drop in February.
No
Need to Renegotiate NAFTA to Improve It – Kirk
(Reuters – Doug
Palmer)
It is not necessary to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement
to honor President Barack Obama's campaign promise to add stronger labor and
environmental provisions, the top U.S. trade official said Monday.
"The president has said we will look at all options, but I think they
can be addressed without having to reopen the agreement," U.S. Trade Representative
Ron Kirk told reporters in a conference call on trade issues discussed at the
Summit of Americas meeting this past weekend in Trinidad.
Kirk's statement was the latest indication that Obama would not press for a
full-fledged renegotiation of the 15-year-old North American trade accord,
despite complaints he made about the pact in last year's campaign.
At the height of his primary-season contest against Democratic rival Hillary
Clinton, Obama said the United States should use the "hammer" of
threatening to withdraw from NAFTA if Canada and Mexico did not agree to change
the pact.
Obama stopped in Mexico City for meetings with President Felipe Calderon on
his way to the Trinidad meeting. It was his second meeting with Calderon and
followed a February trip to Ottawa to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen
Harper.
All three leaders were "of the mind that we should be looking for opportunities
to strengthen NAFTA, and at an appropriate time I will be meeting with our
colleagues to try to put a little more form to that," Kirk said.
Although most mainstream U.S. business and farm groups credit NAFTA with boosting
U.S. exports and increasing economic efficiency in North America, union groups
in many manufacturing states blame the pact for heavy job losses.
Obama promised last year to add "enforceable" labor and environmental
provisions to the core of the text agreement and change investment provisions
that critics say give business too much leeway to flout government regulations.
Kirk did not completely shut the door to a formal renegotiation, but said the
three countries should be able to find ways "to strengthen the agreement" without
opening up the whole pact. Experts have said it should be possible to add enforceable
labor and environmental provisions to the core text, partly because those issues
are already covered in side agreements.
Meanwhile, Kirk said he expected U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to
soon give Obama his recommendations for resolving a NAFTA dispute with Mexico
over trucking. Mexico imposed retaliatory duties on $2.4 billion worth of U.S.
manufacturing and agricultural goods after Congress canceled a pilot program
to let Mexican long-haul trucks operate in the United States.
"This is an issue of great concern for us," Kirk said, adding that
Obama had asked his entire economic team to work under Lahood's leadership
to resolve
the spat.
"Autopilot" Not
an Option for Freight Forwarders in the Future [Security]
(Logistics
Management – Patrick Burnson)
A major industry figure told shippers to be ready for a “turbulent ride” in the days ahead when it comes to security mandates.
“Given all the political changes in Washington, the future of our industry is in serious jeopardy,” said Brandon Fried, executive director of the Air Forwarders Association (AfA). “Under the Obama administration, we can expect aviation security measures to double, and that will mean higher costs placed on all of us.”
Speaking at a luncheon organized by the San Francisco Air Cargo Association (SFACA) last week, Fried noted that the implementation of the “Certified Cargo Screening Program” is making slow but steady progress, and “is here to stay.” “And with no federal dollars being spent on it, we will have to shoulder the burden of providing equipment, personnel and training,” he said.
At the same time, he said, many airports don’t even have the room necessary to store screening machines, and forwarders are still waiting for the government to approve machines capable of screening palletized cargo. “Without that,” he said, “freight may only be accepted on a ‘loose’ basis, requiring airlines to inspect each load on a piece level.”
The Certified Cargo Screening program is still the most “pragmatic” plan out there, allowed Fried, noting that a repeal might take as long as three years. “And it’s unlikely to be overturned due to the political firestorm around its passage,” he added.
At the same time the AfA is taking a stand against airport screening done by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Fried said that the TSA lacks performance benchmarks and may result in lost freight and irregularities in free market pricing. “As forwarders, we can’t afford a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach that lacks the complexity of process,” he said. “The result would be missed flights and compromises in our business models.”
Fried also observed that the TSA has yet to name a new administrator. His hope is that the candidate will have the necessary background in cargo operations to oversee security mandates and help forwarders with compliance. “So far only two airport pilot programs were given any money,” he said. “Forwarders are now looking to the government for help with low cost loans and federal grants to make the transition a little easier.”
Meanwhile, said Fried, “going on auto-pilot” is not an option. “We must educate the TSA staff, be advocates for sound legislation and rulemakings, and work with other industry associations to achieve a sustainable solution to all of this.”
[U.S.]
Industry Makes Another Attempt to Invoke China Product-Specific Safeguard
(World
Trade Interactive)
Following a string of unsuccessful attempts during the Bush administration, U.S. companies are again attempting to invoke a China product-specific safeguard negotiated as part of China’s 2001 accession to the World Trade Organization. On April 20 the International Trade Commission received a so-called Section 421 petition that seeks safeguards against imports of consumer tires from China. Section 421 allows the president to provide up to three years of relief in the form of increased duties or quantitative restrictions for domestic industries threatened by market disruption caused by increased imports from China. This provision will remain available through 2013.
This is the first Section 421 petition filed in several years and will put to the test President Obama’s campaign vow to decide trade remedy cases “on their merits, not on the basis of an ideological rejection of import relief.” The Bush administration had ultimately rejected each of the seven Section 421 petitions submitted to it, in some cases because it found no injury and in others because the president determined that although there was injury it was in the economic interests of the U.S. not to take safeguard action.
A press release from petitioner United Steelworkers states that between 2004 and 2008 imports of consumer tires from China increased by 215% in volume and 295% by value while domestic production declined more than 25%. In 2008 China exported to the U.S. nearly 46 million consumer tires with a value of more than $1.7 billion, the USW asserts, making it the largest source of U.S. consumer tire imports. In response the union has requested an annual import quota of 21 million Chinese consumer tires used on passenger cars, light trucks, minivans and sport utility vehicles. This quota would increase 5% per year over a three-year period.
German
Recovery Not Likely Before 2010 Despite Improved Investor Confidence
(CEP News – Todd
Wailoo)
Economists warn against excessive optimism following a stronger-than-expected German investor sentiment report, noting that "hard" data will likely point to further deterioration in the economy, with a significant recovery not expected before 2010.
According to the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), growing optimism towards Germany's six-month economic outlook pushed the research firm's economic sentiment indicator to +13.0 in April, higher than both the +2.0 reading expected and March's -3.5 level.
However, despite the upside surprise in sentiment, ING Wholesale Banking senior economist Carsten Brzeski warned against becoming overly enthusiastic, noting that the figure remains below its long-term average of 26.1 points and that the current conditions component is at near six-year lows and close to its lower bound of -100.
In its publication, ZEW also reported that sentiment towards the current German economic situation fell more than forecast to -91.6. Economists had expected a slight decline to -90.0 from March's -89.4 level.
"In fact, the real economy is still in the doldrums and almost all economic data is still falling: industrial production, new orders, retail sales," Brzeski said. "The economic contraction in the first quarter will be at least as bad as in the last quarter of 2008."
Nevertheless, the sharp gain in the ZEW headline figure suggests that a turnaround for the German economy may be within sight, Commerzbank analyst Ralph Solveen said. He added that the Ifo Institute's business expectations component, a measurement of business managers' confidence in the six-month economic outlook of the country, will likely point to the same conclusion.
"After already brightening a little over the past three months, a further rise [in Ifo] in April would turn the 6-month average upwards," Solveen said. "This has been quite a reliable indicator for a turning point at the lower end in the past."
Yet, Solveen added that "hard" data will likely continue to underwhelm in the near term. "And a potentially dynamic upwards momentum of the leading indicators, as the ZEW shows, does not necessarily mean a dynamic upswing," he said. "For the moment, it only suggests that we could be over the worst in a few months' time."
Brzeski agreed, adding that a stabilisation is not expected before next year. "It might be sooner than later that a fish called 'stabilisation' bites," he said. "A fish called 'recovery', however, will only nibble in 2010."
Immediately following the ZEW release, the euro rose to 1.2988 USD, up 0.3 cents from previous levels. However, the jump was short-lived, as the currency gave back all of its gains approximately 10 minutes later.
In fixed income, the German Schatz managed a gain to 1.44% from 1.39% following the ZEW report, only to give it all back over the course of several hours. A similar pattern was noted in the German 10-year bond, with yields increasing 0.55% to 3.175%, only to fall back to pre-release level a few hours later.
"A positive expectations index is not sufficient cause for euphoria as the headline index remains relatively weak in historical terms," Calyon Credit Agricole senior FX strategist Stuart Bennett noted.
Rail
Cutbacks Concern European Shippers
(American
Shipper)
The European Shippers Council said Monday more cargo might shift from rail to road if single-wagon rail service is cut further.
"A large number of industry sectors and other regular rail freight users rely on the provision of single-wagon services as they are often unable to provide sufficient volume for a block train," said the council, reporting on the results of a meeting held last week in Brussels by its newly established Rail Freight Council.
Georges Di Lallow of steel producer ArcelorMittals said provision of single wagon service by railway operators is under increasing threat, and their elimination "would inevitably lead to an exodus of freight away from rail services and onto road.”
“We understand why rail freight operators would prefer to provide block-train services rather than single-wagon load: it is easier and more profitable,” said Nicolette van der Jagt, ESC’s secretary general. “But we think it is important for politicians, civil servants and the public to understand that the economics can be stacked against the use of rail freight and that together, rail freight customers and railway undertakings must look urgently for solutions to this problem. That does not mean turning to your customers and demanding more money from them; but trying to find real, practical solutions. Competition in the rail freight sector would encourage that customer-focused approach, but competition is sadly still lacking in many European countries.
“If we cannot find solutions then we must accept that shippers will have no choice but to move their freight to other modes that can deliver the services they need, with the desired service quality, and at the prices which are affordable and competitive,” she added.
China
Must Do More Says EU as Unsafe Products Hit Record High
(Industry
Week – Agence France-Presse)
EU say 16% increase in unsafe products with 60% coming from China
The European Commission is not satisfied with China's record on dealing with
consumer product safety, a commissioner said on April 20, unveiling record
high levels of dangerous goods.
The comment came as the EU's executive arm released new figures on dangerous
goods, showing that a record number were found throughout the EU last year,
with more than half coming from China, in particular hazardous toys.
The commission's rapid alert system for non-food goods, RAPEX, said a total
of 1,866 unsafe products were brought to its attention in 2008, a 16% increase
on the previous year.
Products from China accounted for 59% of the goods reported, substantially
up from 52% in 2007 and 49% in 2006.
In only half of the Chinese cases which came to light, preventive or restrictive
measures were carried out to deal with the problem. One of the biggest problems
was identifying the responsible Chinese companies involved. "This is not
good enough as we stated in 2007," said EU Consumer Affairs Commissioner
Maglena Kuneva, though admitting that the level of action was much better than
in previous years. "It is an improvement (but) no I am not satisfied,
and I am working with Chinese authorities " to remedy the problems, she
said. "We shouldn't take this as a signal to close our markets. We need
good, non-dangerous products from China, but not at the expense of safety," she
stressed.
Last November the EU and China signed a deal to improve consumer safety amid
the continuing health fears over Chinese products imported into Europe. Under
the agreement China is obliged to inform the EU about what it is doing to track
down dangerous goods. It also allows for officials from the two sides to carry
out coordinated checks on producers to ensure safety standards are being met.
Toys made up almost a third of the dangerous products recalled worldwide. The
flood of Chinese-made toys has been a growing concern in recent years, with
Mattel recalling more than 21 million such items in 2007 alone.
The next largest sectors for recalls were electrical appliances, which made
up 11% of the total cases, motor vehicles (10%) and clothing (9%).
After China, the EU as a bloc was the next largest culprit being responsible
for one in five reported hazardous consumer products. Germany alone accounted
for 5% of the world total of products deemed to present a risk of physical
or chemical injury, choking, electric shock, fire and other hazards.
Top
China
to Bail Out Logistics Sector
(Cargonews
Asia – Susan Geng)
Beijing will inject funds into China's struggling logistics industry with the
main focus of the bailout falling on the development of neglected multimodal
transport. No figures were given in the blueprint, approved by the State Council
last month, but a highlight is the consolidation of various 3PLs and 4PLs in
China's fragmented logistics industry to increase the scope, capacity, utilisation,
operation and efficiency of these entities.
Wang Wei, deputy director of the Institute of Market Economy, under the wing of the Development Research Centre of the State Council, said: "It is vital to connect the different modes of transport. Transhipment facilities will be built to end the disconnection between roads, railway and ports as well as air and ground transport. The ultimate goal is to achieve seamless connection to ease the transport of cargo."
Multimodal transport of cargo will be consolidated in ports, airports and logistics parks with emphasis on rail-sea transport. Transhipment hubs will be set up at international ports with purchasing, dispatching and transfer abilities. Customs clearance procedures will also be streamlined making it simpler for exporters and importers. The use of IT and high-tech equipment will be encouraged following the set-up of an electronics system for Customs clearance. Finally, a standardised system will be developed for logistics in the multimodal sector.
"This blueprint is the first complete bailout to support the logistic
industry in the past three decades," said He Dengcai, vice-secretary general
of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
One of the main goals, according to the blueprint, "is to foster a number
of globally competitive logistic corporate groups by 2011" and raise the
levels of efficiency of specialised logistics providers and increase the number
of third-party service providers. "Logistic enterprises will also be encouraged
to engage in asset restructuring through shareholding, controlling shares,
mergers, unions, joint ventures and/or cooperative operations," according
to the blueprint.
Third-party supply chain services "will be greatly expanded" and
outsourcing is high on the blueprint's agenda. Manufacturers will be encouraged
to focus on their core businesses and outsource logistics services.
"Existing transport, warehousing, freight forwarding, multimodal transport
and express companies will be encouraged to consolidate their functions and extend
services so as to grow into modern enterprises."
The aim is to create several international level logistics enterprises to compete
on a level playing field in the global environment.
The construction and upgrading of logistic parks was second, after multimodal transport, in the ranking of key projects identified in the blueprint. "Several logistic parks will be built, featuring optimised location, strict land use, concentration of industries, integrated functions and intensified operations," the blueprint stated. The government stressed that there would be emphasis on preventing "blind" investment and repetitive construction, which results in "white elephants''. The rush by several provinces to build their own logistics parks in recent years has been a big headache for the Beijing administration.
"The key projects listed in the stimulus plan are exactly what the logistic operators want to see," said Ye Weilong, general manager of Cosco Logistics. "Expanding logistics market demand is the basis for a healthy development of the sector,'' Ye said, "while cultivating internationally competitive companies, enhancing infrastructure and raising standardisation levels are in line with trends to close the gap between China and other developed countries.''
The blueprint's goal is to realise a 10% annual growth in output and lower the proportion of logistics expenses in the country's GDP, which is currently around 18% or double the amount in developed countries.
According to the blueprint, the Chinese mainland will be divided into nine logistic regions with key cities in regions being the main hubs. The regions are Northern China, with Beijing and Tianjin the main hubs; Northeast China, with hubs at Shenyang and Dalian; the Shandong peninsula, centred on Qingdao; Yangtze River Delta, with Shanghai, Nanjing and Ningbo key centres; Southeast Coast, centred on Xiamen; Pearl River Delta with Guangzhou and Shenzhen the main hubs; Central China centering on Wuhan and Zhengzhou; Northwest China with Xi'an, Lanzhou and Urumqi as main centres; and Southwest China with Chongqing, Chengdu and Nanning acting as hubs.
The 17 second-grade cities in the regions will be considered regional logistics centres. They are Harbin and Changchun in the northeast; Baotou, Hohhot, Shijiazhuang, Tangshan and Taiyuan in the north; Hefei, Fuzhou and Nanchang in the east, Changsha in central China; Haikou in the south; and Kunming, Guiyang Xining, Yinchuan and Lasha in the west.
While the coastal regions will focus on improvement of technology and creating top enterprises, the central and western regions will speed up restructuring and consolidation of third-party supply chain service providers.
The blueprint specifies nine key projects in the logistics sector which will
draw the bulk of the investment in coming years, with multimodal development
heading the list, followed by the set-up of logistics parks.
The other projects include urban distribution, bulk commodities and rural logistics,
cooperative operation of manufacturing and logistic sectors, spread of logistics
standards and technology, public information platforms, advancement of key
science and technology, and emergency logistics.
Top
Seoul
to Respond to Canada's Beef Complaint
(The
Chosun Ilbo)
Korea will respond to Canada's petition to the World Trade Organization to settle
a bilateral dispute over beef imports. That's according to Seoul's trade and
agriculture ministries Saturday – but when and where the two sides will
meet has not been decided.
A consultation would be
the first step to sorting out a trade dispute under WTO law. Canada is complaining
about Korea's ban on its beef, put in place
due to fears over mad cow disease back in 2003. Canada argues that the ban
is unjustified since it is now a "controlled risk" country for beef,
just as the United States. Korea banished U.S. beef imports until last year,
when it partially lifted the ban.
Top
CFIA-AIRS
Updates April 21, 2009
(CFIA)
a) Chapter 44 was published to add the conditions for a Fumigation Certificate
for the following HS Codes.
44.07.10.0134 - Sawn wood, sliced or peeled wood, wood planed or not, forestry
products (not manufactured) - coniferous - treated - Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.21.0132 - Mahogany - Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.22.0132 - Virola, Imbuia and Balsa - Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.25.0132 - Dark Red Meranti, Light Red Meranti and Meranti Bakau - Not
end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.26.0132 - White Lauan, White Meranti, White Seraya, Yellow Meranti
and Alan - Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.27.0132 - Sapelli - Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.28.0132 - Iroko - Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.29.0136 - Sawn wood, sliced or peeled wood, wood planed or not, forestry
products (not manufactured) - of tropical wood species - Other (untreated)
- Not end-jointed or finger-jointed
44.07.91.0137.05 - Oak - sawn, sliced, lumber - treated - Not end-jointed
or finger-jointed
44.07.92.0138.05 - Beech - sawn, sliced, lumber - treated - Not end-jointed
or finger-jointed
44.07.93.0131.03 - Maple - sawn, sliced, lumber - treated - Not end-jointed
or finger-jointed
44.07.94.0132.03 - Cherry - sawn, sliced, lumber - treated - Not end-jointed
or finger-jointed
44.07.95.0133.03 - Ash - sawn, sliced, lumber - treated - Not end-jointed
or finger-jointed
44.07.99.0136 - Sawn wood, sliced or peeled wood, wood planed or not, forestry
products (not manufactured) - not coniferous - treated - Not end-jointed
or finger-jointed
44.20.10.0002 - Statuettes and other ornaments, of wood - Wooden components
- equal or more than 2.5 cm in thickness
44.20.90.0002 - Other - Wooden components - equal or more than 2.5 cm in
thickness
44.21.90.0139.02 - Other articles of wood - other - Wooden components - equal
or more than 2.5 cm in thickness
b) Chapter 95 was published to add the conditions for a Fumigation Certificate
for the following HS Code.
95.05.10.1000.02 - Wooden components - equal or more than 2.5 cm in thickness
Please check your version numbers before submitting through EDI.
If you have any questions, please contact your Import Service Center.
Top
Are
Shippers Incompetent?
(eyefortransport)
Do exporters, importers, manufacturers and others who ship goods around the
world know what they are doing? Are they adding costs instead of adding value?
Dr Andrew Traill, managing partner of Shippers' Voice, believes that some
shippers don't know enough about the transport of their products to understand
what they really need from their freight and logistics service providers.
"Some shippers are hugely professional and sophisticated in their understanding
of the world of international transport, but many others, sadly, are too
reliant on their logistics suppliers," says Traill. "They hand
over this vital part of their business to a third party without really knowing
what they are buying. This is bad for them – and often bad for the
logistics provider."
Shippers' Voice (http://www.shippersvoice.com/, registration required) has
been set up to help shippers become more informed, to enable them to become
better partners and work more closely with their logistics providers to reduce
supply chain costs.
"The role of the person who buys or organises the transport of goods around
the world – the shipper – is greatly undervalued in most companies," says
Traill. "Yet the on-time delivery of a product is often the most important
aspect in the customer's mind. An efficient supply chain can help to win
contracts – and an inefficient one can just as quickly lose them."
He points out that, ultimately, it is the person paying the bill – the
shipper – who is responsible for meeting legal requirements such as
ensuring Customs paperwork and duty paid is correct. "Just because you
pay someone else to do the work, does not mean you can forget about it."
Traill says that shippers need to understand the processes and take more
control. "Greater knowledge gives you the confidence to challenge the
logistics provider and carriers to work to your needs – not force you
to fit into their systems. It also helps you to work with your own colleagues
to cut costs in all sorts of ways."
The Shippers' Voice website has been re-launched to give shippers – and
anyone else interested in the supply chain – a greater depth of information,
with expert opinion, policy and insight. It also runs polls to gather opinions
from shippers, and works closely with Shippers' Councils and associations
around the world to give shippers insights into the next big policy developments
that will affect the freight business.
"If we can get them to take notice, shippers will be better equipped to
do their job as professionally as possible and be prepared for what ever is
around the next corner," concluded Traill.
Customs
CBP
to Deactivate Older NEXUS Frequent Traveler Cards
(CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection today announced it will cancel old NEXUS cards
for current NEXUS members on May 1.
CBP has been mailing new NEXUS cards to all members since November. The new cards
have enhanced security features and allow U.S. and Canadian citizen cardholders
to comply with the documentary requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel
Initiative.
All members must activate their new cards within 30 days, verify and update their
U.S. mailing address by going to the GOES page on the CBP Web site: https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/
NEXUS members should destroy their old cards after activating their new
ones. If members have not received their new cards, they should go
to their local enrollment
center to either pick up their new card or to apply to have a new card issued.
Old cards will be deactivated May 1.
NEXUS is a joint CBP-Canada Border Services Agency program that both governments
implemented to enhance border security while simplifying the entry process
for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. It was established in 2002 and approximately
280,000 members participate in the program.
A similar program called Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection
(SENTRI) serves citizens of the U.S. on the southern border.
Top
Industry Events
2nd
Global Distribution Strategies Conference, Brussels October 6-7, 2009
Following the phenomenal success of Global Distribution Strategies – Europe
in 2008, plans are well underway for 2nd Global Distribution Strategies – Europe,
to be held at the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Brussels, 6-7 October 2009.
Sponsored by Agility and EVE Partners, the conference will explore the latest
trends and developments occurring in the transport and logistics industry as
the market evolves in a rapidly changing economic environment.
Delegates will hear from a host of high level speakers from companies such as;
Nike, Philips Lighting, Agility, Penske, PWC, Deutsche Bank, Cargolux and Nike.
Global Distribution Strategies – 3 ways to get involved!
1. Sponsor
Global Distribution Strategies provides the ideal forum for promoting your company
to an audience of senior decision makers drawn from the whole spectrum of the
supply chain. We are providing a limited number of opportunities for leading
companies in the industry to be associated with this market leading event.
Previous sponsors include Agility, Gazeley, Crawford, Capgemini, Magenta Technology,
Ortec, Somero Enterprises and EVE Partners.
Download the sponsorship
brochure to view the variety of sponsorship packages
available.
2. Exhibit
Global Distribution Strategies will provide the perfect platform to promote your
company to the diverse range of senior logistics professionals that attend our
conferences. Limited space is available so please contact Sarah Smith on ssmith@transportintelligence.comto secure your preferred location.
3. Attend
WHY ATTEND Global Distribution Strategies – Europe:
•
EXCLUSIVE industry and regional survey results
•
A host of influential decision makers will be sharing their unique industry insight
•
EXTENSIVE networking opportunities
•
Participate in highly interactive discussion panels
•
Knowledge-driven programme compiled by industry experts
•
Discounts on a number of Ti's comprehensive research reports
Early Bird discount SAVE €220! Book before 3 July 2009 to secure the early
bird rate!
For more information on sponsorship, exhibition and delegate opportunities please
contact Sarah Smith, ssmith@transportintelligence.com, 44 (0) 1666 511872 or
visit http://www.ticonferences.com/gds_europe/strategic-overview/.
Top
Would you
like to advertise in or sponsor I.E.Today?
Please contact Linda Bott at: lbott@iecanada.com or
by calling (416) 595-5333, ext. 28 for further
details.
If
you do not wish to continue receiving I.E.Today,
please contact Jane Carter at: jcarter@iecanada.com.
Type in Unsubscribe in the Subject line.
