Incoterms® – an abbreviation for International Commercial Terms – are the rules first issued by the International Chamber of Commerce in 1936 as a way of unifying the shipping practices and legal interpretations between those involved in global trade around the world. As international trade has grown over the decades, so have Incoterms® rules evolved to meet the needs of sellers and buyers.   What Are Incoterms®?   Incoterms® rules have [...]

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a state’s body. Vested with the power and authority to issue custom legal rulings. It also deals with other legal decisions that relate to the importation of merchandise.  The rulings enable the international trade community to understand how the CPB will treat a prospective carrier transaction or import. [...]

Early morning wake up call, Brooks running shoes laced up, and hundreds, if not thousands (depending on your location) of running fanatics, donning colorful tutus and silly turkey outfits, all lined up for yet another 5K Turkey Trot.  Meanwhile the kitchen is humming with activity as the non-running crowd begins preparations for the day’s feast. [...]

Never is your supply chain as important as when you no longer have access to it. Even the smallest business realizes the impact of losing just one step of the chain. One weakness in a link can often mean a breakdown of the entire chain. These disruptions and delays can have a massive impact, potentially [...]

Trade Compliance Training  Compliance: noun /kəmˈplʌɪəns/ the action or fact of complying with a wish or command. the state or fact of according with or meeting rules or standards. "all imports are in compliance with regulations" Synonyms:  Obedience to, accordance with, observation of, adherence to, "the company's compliance with international law" It sounds simple enough, [...]

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a state’s body. Vested with the power and authority to issue custom legal rulings. It also deals with other legal decisions that relate to the importation of merchandizes.  The rulings enable the international trade community to understand how the CPB will treat a prospective carrier transaction or import. [...]

The US is in a full-blown “trade war” with China. The possibility of tariffs on goods from Mexico, combined with other trade actions by the Trump administration, could send the entire US economy off the rails. The Federal Reserve is already looking at ways to prevent this disaster in the making. History teaches that global [...]

In most of the world and, indeed, in much of the United States the parties to a transaction often do not know each other and are concerned that the transaction will not proceed without problems. The manufacturer or supplier is concerned that it will not be paid for goods or services rendered. The buyer is [...]

While enforcement of ISF (Importer Security Filing) violations began in May 2015, the enforcement environment has stiffened markedly in the last year. ISF requires importers and carriers to provide a set of information for any shipments being imported into the United States within at least 24 hours before loading their shipments or else they may face major [...]

Just like the mysterious influx of pumpkin shipments in October, at the start of every February there is a monumental increase in the purchase of flowers, chocolates and jewelry in the U.S. If you love the thriving beauty, health and vigor of delicate flowers, the delicious gooey center of a s'more by a campfire, or [...]