TARIC is an odd word. Google provides two equally non-appealing choices. It is either the “Toronto and Region Islamic Congregation” or the “Tarif Intégré de la Communauté” (French: Integrated Tariff of the European Community). Since the word “Community” is being replaced by “Union” (check out this post on the EU Union Customs Code), soon this may change to TARIU. Rest assured, there are no synonyms for this one. TARIC is complex – like anything in the EU. There are many hidden secrets you may discover and there are moments you wonder what is going on. TARIC will challenge you and make your brain work, even though it is still only a database – a very complex and important database.

The deadline for the US ACE Single Window e-filing initiative is creeping closer - so the question is no longer “if,” but “when” companies will be held accountable for their compliance.  You will soon be required to work within the new environment and interact with a larger group of partner government agencies (PGAs) than ever before.

Brokers have, and always will, play a key role in most import organizations, but new research from American Shipper shows importers taking more interest in self-filing amid an ever-changing import environment.
 
American Shipper’s new Import Benchmark Study, produced in partnership with BPE Global, looks at how mandatory implementation this year of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), possible new sweeping free trade agreements, the new drawback law, and complex global regulatory regimes are influencing the decision to take import compliance functions in-house.
 

On July 12^th, Amber Road’s Global Trade Academy broadcasted a webinar on Labeling Apparel – Getting it Right! Our presenter, Robin Grover from Amber Road, received several questions throughout the webinar and unfortunately did not have time to address them all during the live broadcast. We have compiled his answers into a Q&A document - here is a preview:

Are there specific guidelines for faux fur labeling?

The FTC does not require faux (also called “artificial” or “fake” fur) to be labeled since it has no actual fur content[1].   Several states, however, have adopted their own regulations which mandate that if an item appears to be fur but does not so qualify the product’s label must both state that it is “faux fur” and specify the actual fiber content. As a consequence, many major U.S. retailers of artificial furs and the suppliers of such products to them will require the inclusion of a faux fur label in all such products instead of maintaining two sets of faux fur inventory.  It proves costly to maintain one set of such product inventory to be sold in states with faux fur labeling requirements and another set of inventory destined for states that do not have faux fur labeling mandates.  Those state regulations requiring the labeling of so-called “faux fur” or “artificial fur” products have been enacted by: Delaware; Massachusetts; New Jersey; New York; Wisconsin.

For the first time, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a legislative mandate to require comprehensive, preventive-based controls across the supply chain. The Food Modernization Act (FSMA) requires enhanced oversight of suppliers, with greater auditing responsibilities for the USA-based importer.

Amber Road’s Global Trade Academy webinar entitled Food Safety Modernization Act – Are You Prepared?, broadcasted live on Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 2PM EDT. During this webinar, Suzanne Richer, Director of Amber Road’s Trade Advisory Practice, provide an in-depth overview of FSMA, requirements for record-keeping, and how to leverage technology to optimize supply chain traceability. Subscribe to Amber Road’s Global Trade Academy’s eLearning platform to access a course covering this topic!

The field of global trade compliance requires a combination of centralized reporting and distributed execution. This allows organizations to benefit from unified policies, control, and measurement while maintaining agility to implement compliance activities and processes that vary greatly across different geographies and product domains. 

Next week, Amber Road will sponsor the FDRA Sourcing Intelligence Summit in New York City on July 18-19. This full-day summit at the New York Stock Exchange will explore global footwear sourcing, supply chain and factory compliance issues and trends, including T-TIP. Industry executives and other experts will share their insights through featured keynotes as well as panels covering specific countries and issues.

As you are well aware, the SOLAS container weight rule went into effect on July 1, 2016, with a transition period through October 1. This new requirement states that an accurate container weight must be provided prior to loading upon an ocean vessel.

China’s dominance as the world’s top country for sourcing hasn’t swayed under the pressures that have been the topic of discussion in the boardroom, on the campaign trail, around the dining room table, or during trade negotiations in nearly every country around the world. China has maintained its place as the foremost manufacturing hub and continues to gain momentum as the premier outsourcing destination for low-cost and fast manufacturing.

The labeling rules for apparel products are detailed and numerous.  Specialty materials such as fiber, bamboo, and fur all require an especially strong understanding of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) requirements.