The Customs and International Trade Department of the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff* regularly holds workshops. Attendees learn the most recent information regarding compliance with the import and export requirements of the various Federal agencies of the United States Government.  Our next workshops will focus on one of my favorite subjects – FOOD, and its increasing regulation by the FDA.  The workshops take place in both Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The 2010 Import/Export Fall Workshop Series hosted in cooperation with the Office of Economic Development  & International Trade of Miami-Dade County  (OEDIT) is entitled "Importing Food into the United States for International Trade Professionals".  The speakers are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Miami Imports Branch and ABC Research Corp., a food testing laboratory, and the Customs and International Trade Department.  The presentation will be from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 4, at the Miami Free Zone. The workshop will focus on food, but also include cosmetics, medical devices, and dietary supplements, all of which are also regulated by the FDA.  For more information, you may contact me or the OEDIT at 305-375-1254 or e-mail oedit@miamidade.gov.  The seminar is open only to Miami-Dade County companies.

On Tuesday, November 16, 2010, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Port Everglades Administration Building, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, my law firm, in cooperation with Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development, and the City of Hollywood, will host "Importing Food Products in Compliance with FDA and U.S. Customs Rules".  The seminar is open to all persons and companies.  Registration for the seminar may be easily done on-line.  The seminar is interactive, and focuses on practical "what you need to know" information.  Handouts and real-life scenarios will be discussed regarding detentions by the FDA, liquidated damage claims by CBP, refusals by the FDA because a company is on an Import Alert, Nutrition Facts labeling and medical claims,  Bioterrorism Act registration of food facilities, etc.

I look forward to seeing you at both excellent seminars above.  Importers, customs brokers, attorneys, consultants, and anyone involved in the importation and logistics businesses will benefit.

*Becker & Poliakoff was honored to be listed in the 2010 U.S. News & World Report review of law firms in the area of FDA Law.