August 2021 | Customs & International Trade Law Blog

Understanding Organic Equivalency Arrangements

An Introduction to the National Organic Program Established by Congress and announced in 2000, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (“USDA”) National Organic Program (“NOP”) is a federal regulatory program which develops and enforces uniform national standards for organically-produced agricultural products sold in the United States. NOP operates as a public-private partnership which accredits third-party organizations to certify that farms and businesses meet the national organic standards. By enforcing its standards, NOP ensures a level playing field for producers while protecting consumer confidence in the integrity of the USDA organic seal.

The NOP’s Compliance & Enforcement Division (“C&E”) is involved in enforcement organic standards. C&E enforces rules by working with independent certifying agencies. Independent certifying agencies accredited by the USDA conduct periodic inspections or audits.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2021-10-07T14:36:07-04:00August 31, 2021|Best Practices, Export, Import, International Trade, Labeling, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)|Comments Off

Understanding the GOV Export License Exception

Background on Export Administration Regulations

Over 95% of the world’s consumers are outside of the United States. Opportunities abound for U.S. companies that export. However, exporting is a privilege and not a right. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”).

Administered by the U.S. Commerce Department, the EAR is a set of regulations which governs whether U.S. persons may export or transfer goods, software, and technology outside of the United States or to non-U.S. citizens. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to the EAR. Violations of the EAR carry hefty civil and criminal penalties. Exporters can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties, lose export privileges, and even be imprisoned.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2021-10-07T14:37:05-04:00August 24, 2021|Best Practices, EAR, EEI, Export, International Trade, U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)|Comments Off

Customs Valuation 101

What is Valuation and Why Does it Matter? Customs Valuation is a procedure to determine the customs value of imported goods. The customs value is essential to calculate the total duty to be paid on an imported good. Because there was a need for the international community to have a standardized system for valuing imports, many nations became signatories to a World Trade Organization (“WTO”) agreement that established valuation norms known as the Tokyo Round Valuation Code (later amended into the WTO Agreement on Implementation of Article VII of the GATT 1994).

The United States was a signatory to these treaties and currently maintains and enforces a rigorous valuation system. The U.S. Customs valuation methodology (as well as a summary of relevant Customs rulings) are described in detail in the Valuation Encyclopedia. A common customs valuation standard is important because it ensures that:

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By Jennifer Diaz|2021-10-07T14:38:05-04:00August 17, 2021|Enforcement, Import, International Trade, Penalty, Pre-compliance, Reasonable Care, Supply Chain, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)|Comments Off

Don’t Let FDA Target Your Medical Device Company

Did you know FDA has issued 1,569 enforcement actions against medical device companies? Now is the time to ensure your medical devices are in compliance with FDA laws and regulations prior to importation. If your business is manufacturing, repackaging, relabeling, and/or importing medical devices into the U.S., or wants to start, our one-hour webinar on “Importing Medical Devices in Compliance with U.S. FDA” is for you. We will provide TOP tips to avoid U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement action, and best practices to navigate and mitigate FDA enforcement.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2021-10-07T14:48:15-04:00August 10, 2021|COVID-19, Import, Import Alert, International Business, International Law, International Trade, Labeling, Medical Devices, PPE, Pre-compliance, Speaking, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)|Comments Off

Understanding the Computer Export License Exception (APP)

Background on Export Administration Regulations

Over 95% of the world’s consumers are outside of the United States. Opportunities abound for U.S. companies that export. However, exporting is a privilege and not a right. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”).

Administered by the U.S. Commerce Department, the EAR is a set of regulations which governs whether U.S. persons may export or transfer goods, software, and technology outside of the United States or to non-U.S. citizens. U.S. exporters have an important responsibility to adhere to the EAR. Violations of the EAR carry hefty civil and criminal penalties. Exporters can pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in penalties, lose export privileges, and even be imprisoned.

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By Jennifer Diaz|2021-10-07T14:47:23-04:00August 3, 2021|EAR, EEI, Export, Supply Chain, U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)|1 Comment