World Customs Organization 2009 Forum

Vancouver, WA (PRWEB) AUGUST 12, 2009 – The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Trusted Trade Alliance, LLC (TTA) today announced the details of the third annual World Customs Forum. This globally acclaimed forum brings together world leaders in international trade andcustoms to discuss and debate new and emerging issues confronting global trade today.

The 2009 World Customs Forum will be held on October 5th and 6th at the Bell Harbor ConferenceCenter, Seattle, Washington, USA.

This year’s theme, Trade Facilitation in a Time of Economic Crisis - Preserving the Engine of Global Economic Growth will draw speakers and participants from key sectors of theinternational trade community including supply chain practitioners, senior level governmentofficials, academia and legal advisors. With a clear focus on the need to stem the imposition ofadditional regulatory burdens on international trade in the current economic climate, the forum willaddress a broad range of pressing issues critical to the growth of global trade. Sessions willinclude vigorous discussions of the impact of government demands on commercial imperatives,emerging security mandates, coordination between national governments, cross border challengesand best practices in global import and export processes.

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya, Department of Homeland Security Secretary JanetNapolitano, Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, and other high level officials fromaround the world are among the invited list of high profile speakers, with confirmed panelistsincluding Susanne Aigner from the EU Commission, Graeme Ludlow from the InternationalMonetary Fund, and a number of senior figures from the public and private sector tradecommunity on five continents. The conference is being conducted in partnership with host tradeassociation the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), the Canadian nationaltrade association IE Canada, the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA), as wellas the major customs & trade associations in Europe and Asia.

The Forum will be co-chaired by Professor David Widdowson, CEO of the Centre for Customs andExcise Studies at the University of Canberra, Australia; Mr. Allen Bruford, Deputy Director,Compliance and Facilitation Directorate at the WCO; and Mr. Michael Laden, Chief Financial Officerfor TTA.

This annual event has been previously held in Europe, at WCO Headquarters in Brussels.However, the WCO and TTA believe it is essential to expand the reach of the Forum by bringing itto other key international trading centers, and this event will allow US based members of the tradecommunity to engage Customs at the world level and have first-hand exposure to WCO views and processes.

The conference is expected to sell out quickly and seating is limited. Registration will be open onAugust 11th, and can be accomplished by visiting the following link: http://www.trustedtrade.net/en/world-customs-forum/.

TRG has been offering a direct buy option on the Customs bond since 1991. WIth 18 years in the business, TRG considers itself to be an innovator in the Customs bond. The company's experience

has allowed them to offer services beyond the bond.

Barrington, IL (PRWEB) August 5, 2009 -- To many importers, the U.S. Customs bond is considered a commodity item. Even so, this government mandated "contract" is purchased on a continuous basis and therefore is a never-ending recurring cost. TRG entered the Customs bond market back in 1991 as a direct provider. Prior to offering this option, an importer purchased the bond from a Customs broker, who had obtained the bond from a Surety agent. By cutting out the middle man, TRG found a niche in the market and has grown over the past 18 years. http://www.trgbond.com/

"If they are consistently receiving a fair and competitively priced Customs bond, then we're happy to let them know they have a great provider," TRG Senior Account Executive Tony Haag said. "Beside cost savings [on the Customs bond], we are continually finding ways to set us apart from the competition. 18 years in the business allows us to offer mult-year pricing, an entry monitoring system, monthly newsletters and in-house claims mitigation."

The growth of the company has not gone unnoticed by TRG's competitors. Other Customs bond providers have made price cuts; however, many will only cut their price for one year and increase it at renewal time. TRG advertises on their website that they have only marginally increased their Customs bond rates twice since 1991 and has never increased rates on the most common Customs bond ($50,000 Importer Bond). http://www.trgbond.com/

With over 6,000 clients, TRG is making an impact in the market. The Robert Bosch Corporation said, "We want to thank you and the TRG staff for your assistance in placing our US Customs Bond. We appreciate the excellent service you have given us and the prompt responses to our inquiries. We continue to be pleased with the decision to have a specialized agency provide our US Customs Bonds and in addition save a substantial amount of money. Robert Bosch looks forward to a continuing relationship with TRG."

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Our latest release...

U.S. Customs Bonds Direct from TRG Reaches 18 Year Milestone TRG has been offering a direct buy option on the Customs bond since 1991. WIth 18 years in the business, TRG considers itself to be an innovator in the Customs bond. The company's experience has allowed them to offer services beyond the bond.

Barrington, IL (PRWEB) August 5, 2009 -- To many importers, the U.S. Customs bond is considered a commodity item. Even so, this government mandated "contract" is purchased on a continuous basis and therefore is a never-ending recurring cost. TRG entered the Customs bond market back in 1991 as a direct provider. Prior to offering this option, an importer purchased the bond from a Customs broker, who had obtained the bond from a Surety agent. By cutting out the middle man, TRG found a niche in the market and has grown over the past 18 years. www.trgbond.com

"If they are consistently receiving a fair and competitively priced Customs bond, then we're happy to let them know they have a great provider," TRG Senior Account Executive Tony Haag said. "Beside cost savings [on the Customs bond], we are continually finding ways to set us apart from the competition. 18 years in the business allows us to offer mult-year pricing, an entry monitoring system, monthly newsletters and in-house claims mitigation."

The growth of the company has not gone unnoticed by TRG's competitors. Other Customs bond providers have made price cuts; however, many will only cut their price for one year and increase it at renewal time. TRG advertises on their website that they have only marginally increased their Customs bond rates twice since 1991 and has never increased rates on the most common Customs bond ($50,000 Importer Bond).

With over 6,000 clients, TRG is making an impact in the market. The Robert Bosch Corporation said, "We want to thank you and the TRG staff for your assistance in placing our US Customs Bond. We appreciate the excellent service you have given us and the prompt responses to our inquiries. We continue to be pleased with the decision to have a specialized agency provide our US Customs Bonds and in addition save a substantial amount of money. Robert Bosch looks forward to a continuing relationship with TRG."

About TRG: TRG offers other import solutions beyond the Customs bond, including marine insurance (shipping insurance) and direct filing. Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG) Brokerage Services LLC is a licensed insurance agency, having agency agreements with Hanover Insurance Company of Worcester, Massachusetts, and Great American Insurance Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, both of which are insurance companies approved by the Department of the U.S. Treasury to issue U.S. Customs bonds.

Importer Security Filing - 6 Months to Compliance

10+2 Importer Security Filing

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also known as 10+2, is a new US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulation requiring importers and vessel carriers to provide advanced data elements electronically to CBP for non-bulk cargo shipments in-bound into the United States by vessel. The focus of this initiative is to improve CBP's ability to recognize high-risk shipments in advance to ensure the safety of America's borders. ISF went into effect January 26th 2009. As a resident or non-resident US importer, or as one of their suppliers, are you prepared to provide the required Importer Security Filing elements 24 hours prior to vessel lading? If you are not doing this today, you may be in non-compliance with the new requirements.

Mitigation Guidelines Published on July 17th

Are you still contemplating how to establish and enforce the advanced data reporting requirements under Importer Security Filing? Like anything, good communication and training is imperative, especially with something like this that carries stiff monetary penalties or that could result in a “Do Not Load” message next January and requires significant change to the current methods in place for centuries.Importer Security Filing PreparationTo reinforce the necessity for the ten (10) Importer Security Filing data (excluding the bill of lading number, called the “phantom eleventh”) elements, we strongly suggests that you consider amending your purchase order or other contractual agreements used in the transaction to require the vendor or supplier’s compliance with ISF requirements.

What Some Importers Are Doing

Some importers are also adding conditions to financial instruments like letters of credit. Placing such language in your contractual documents could prove to be a mitigating factor if CBP issues you a penalty for untimely or inaccurate data after January 2010.We also suggest that you contact and closely coordinate activities with the ocean carriers, NVOCC’s and freight forwarders that participate in your import program. Meetings between your supplier base and the carrier(s) at origin should be implemented for purposes of ironing out new protocols and procedures for issuing the bill of lading number in advance. Most major ocean carriers (Maersk, APL/NOL, Evergreen, Hanjin, NYK, K-Line, OOCL and others) are well informed on Importer Security Filing; therefore, if leveraged properly, their overseas offices can assist you with educating your vendor and supplier base. We recommend that you contact your US-based carrier representative and request their overseas offices engage problematic vendors or otherwise help you communicate this new requirement.Some importers are instituting vendor penalties through their vendor compliance programs to incentivize compliance and to help offset the potential cost of CBP penalties levied against the importer.

Suggested Notifications For Your Suppliers & Vendors

It seems that the two most troubling situations for importers right now are the inability to get the bill of lading number in advance and/or lack of suppliers and vendors. If you are currently direct filing with TRG Direct, you can access these letters within your account under Resources. Suggested reading or attachments to your correspondence might include an Adobe copy of CBP Interim Final Rule (Federal Register Notice), copies of your new company polices or procedures, copies of other publications concerning ISF, and/or letters underscoring the importance and their support for the initiative from Senior Management.

Our Importer Security Filing direct filing customers are free to use our suggested language or some variation thereof for their company or particular situation in an effort to get compliance with their ISF program; of course, the tone can also be adjusted according to personal preferences and corporate culture.

Imports Decreasing?

TRG is conducting a survey to help us determine what factors are effecting the import community. Take the short 5 question survey. We will post the results online. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Qv3leIVS0NLLd6bdPaqbvA_3d_3d

You Don't Need to Purchase Your Customs Bond From Your Broker

Yes, you need an import bond to bring goods into the United States. No, you do not need to purchase this bond from your broker.

Odds are when you first began importing into the U.S. your broker did two things for you. 1) Purchased a customs bond from a surety agent and 2) began clearing your entries. What most importers don't know is that they can purchase the exact same bond directly from TRG. Your broker comes to a company such as TRG, purchases the bond, marks up the price and sells it to you. They are doing you a service, but you shouldn't have to pay for this service when you can easily purchase the import bond on your own.

Your Continuous Customs bond is a universal bond that is good at any port. The bond renews every year and your broker sends you a bill every year. This year, purchase it from TRG for a 3 year renewal term and notice the cost savings. Year after year this savings adds up. Get a quote and well tell you about our other services (if you don't already know).

TRG is rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has implemented a new rating system for all companies within the database including Trade Risk Guaranty (TRG). Each company is rated on 17 different categories and given a letter grade from A+ to F. TRG is rated A+, the highest rating available.

The complaint history of a company is the most highly weighted of all of the factors. As of May 2009, TRG does not have any history of customer complaints through the BBB. TRG works hard to maintain positive customer relationships and values the trust it has earned from the company’s client base since 1991.

TRG import solutions offers U.S. Customs bonds, marine insurance and direct filing of consumption entries and ISF. The difference between TRG and other markets for import-related products is their marketing approach, which is reflected in their prices and excellent customer service. TRG contacts importers direct with the goal of introducing and educating. TRG is proud to have received this A+ BBB rating and will continue strive to maintain this rating.

Find out more about us at www.traderiskguaranty.com or www.trgdirect.com.

TRG Direct Produces Study on Importing

Check out this study contracted out by TRG Direct. It was conducted by an independent party, Empire Research. The main focus of this presentation is educate companies on increasing compliance and control of their import practices while driving down costs. The study addresses the many obstacles effecting every company’s import profitability, closing with a look at new ways to address these challenges.

I was going to upload this video but I will just leave this link. So click here! You can download it in Flash, Adobe and Power Point.

Lacey Act Declaration

Illegal harvesting competes with those companies complying with the rules and regulations of legitimate trade. The Lacey Act has been around for decades battling illegal trafficking of fish, wildlife and plants. In 2008 the Lacey Act was effectively amended to extend the protection to a broader range of plants, encompassing products that are derived from illegally harvested plants and require an import declaration on any plant or plant product imported into the U.S. A phased in approach is in place based on the plant´s degree of processing and complexity of its composition. As of April 1st 2009, Phase 2 plants & plant products will require a declaration. A full list of Phase 2 plants is available on TRG's website.

Are you prepared?

Have you…

◦ identified any/all products that contain plant or plant products,

◦ prioritized products based on plant,◦ determined the original purchaser of the plant or plant material,

◦ determined the plant name, source and value to be included on Lacey declaration,

◦ worked with suppliers to included Lacey information on commercial invoices?

Lacey Act Declaration (LAD)

The declaration must be made at time of importation, and include information on:

Scientific name of any plant,

A description of the value of importation,

Quantity of the plant,

Name of the country in which the plant was harvested.

If a plant species or country of origin cannot be determined, the plant declaration must include a list of possible plant species found in the product or a list of possible countries from which the plant originated.

How will you file this additional data element?

Lacey Act Declaration Addition to TRG Direct Available at No Extra Fee

Phase 2 of the Lacey Act Amendment went into effect on April 1st. TRG Direct's Web-based U.S. Customs entry filing system was ready for this additional data at no extra charge.

Importer's filing consumption entries with TRG Direct (who are subject to the Lacey Act Amendment) were able to begin filing the LAD on April 1st. This addition to the Web-based direct filing system comes at no additional fee to the importer. Customs entries are priced at either $20 or $30 depending on the importer's volume. Thus cost remains the same even with this upgraded feature.

The Lacey Act consists of approximately 19 data elements that need to be filed with Cargo Release and Entry Summary. Cargo Release and Entry Summary already capture some of the required information. The Lacy Act (PG) data set will capture the additional data elements such as: Intended use, description, name of constituent element, quantity of constituent element, unit of measure, percent of constituent element, Participating Government Agency (PGA) line value, scientific genus name, scientific species name container number, source type and source country code.

With TRG Direct this addition has been added to the system as an OGA or Other Government Agency dropdown. It is intended to act much like an FDA regulation. TRG Direct is completely Web-based. This keeps costs down for customers when an entry requirement change is made. There is no need for the importer to engage their IT department for system upgrades. TRG Direct takes care of it all.

Rare Medical Condition Affects Importers: Losuvimp Ortsitis

Throughout the years importers have witnessed the many effects the economy has on their import practices. Today’s economic times are no different, but this year a strange medical and highly contagious virus has blindsided many U.S. importers. Losuvimp Ortsitis has made its way to the U.S. where vaccinations are still in the testing phase. The World Customs Organization predicts that global trade will fall 9% in value this year. We have reason to believe the majority of this sudden downturn is due to Losuvimp Ortsitis. This condition strikes fast are you ready?

So what is Losuvimp Ortsitis?

In medical terms Losuvimp Ortsitis (Loss • of • imports • itis) is the inflammation of the loss of one company’s import practices. This condition is found mainly in small to medium sized enterprises but no matter how severe, the side effects are not always permanent. Many companies who are diagnosed with Losuvimp Ortsitis decide to purchase single entry bonds in order to ensure their shipments. This may seem like a temporary cost savings, but in most situations this is the least economical decision and may actually feed the virus. Depending on the value of the shipment a single entry bond could be anywhere from $55 - $400.

Is there a cure?

At this time no preventative cure is available to stop your company from experiencing Losuvimp Ortsitis, however there is a prescription to help alleviate the symptoms.

Introducing the Low Volume Continuous Import Bond (LVI):

Importers who have always or now import less than 5 shipments with less than $5,000 in duties NEED this bond. Companies such as TRG offer special pricing on the continuous import bond allowing companies to maintain their practices even at a low volume. This bond is can be priced as low as $200 per year.

This bond is the same as any other continuous import bond, but special provisions all for the lower pricing. If you decide to apply for this bond you here are some typical "special conditions" you would have to meet in order to qualify for the continuous US customs bond.

Low-Volume Importer Special conditions:

•Entries per year must be less than 5. Should total entries grow to 5 or more during any 12 month period of the bond, you will be billed the difference between the Special rate and the Standard rate.
•Total duties paid to CBP per year must be less than $5,000.
•Should duty bills reach or exceed $5,000 during any 12 month period of the bond term, you will be billed the difference between the Special and the Standard rate.
•Discounted multi-year pricing is available if you must revert to Standard pricing.
•Financial statements may be required by underwriting.
•This offer does not apply to importers subject to FDA regulations or Anti-Dumping or Countervailing Duties.
•The underwriter should be an A.M. Best A-Rated company.

The fact of the matter is that is you are purchasing multiple single entry bonds in one year, you are probably over paying for your US customs bond. If you choose to go for a low volume bond I suggest making sure the pricing on the company's "standard rates" for the continuous customs bonds are also below the industry average in pricing.