Monthly Archives: January 2018

2018 Houston BIS Export Compliance Event – Register Now.

January 9, 2018 By in Attorney, compliance, Customs Lawyer, ECCN, Export, trade compliance, Uncategorized Tags: , Leave a comment

hall-congress-architecture-building-159213.jpegSave the date if you are in Houston and want to learn more about BIS export compliance.

The first two-day program session will be led by BIS staff and provide in depth information regarding Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Covered topics include EAR, how to determine export control classification numbers (ECCN); when to reexport without applying for a license, Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP) and more!

Additionally, session 2 on day three covers technology controls, specifically how to comply with U.S. export and reexport controls related to technology and software. Topics include export or reexport of technology, kinds of tech and software subject to EAR, license exceptions and more!

The 3-day seminar will be held at the Norris Conference Center in City Centre Houston near Beltway 8 and I-10 West.

For more details, click the link below:

http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=qg6pm6iab&oeidk=a07eeqlbbsq77507f3b

Flying back to the US after the holidays? Be wary of these items that are prohibited from entering the U.S.

January 4, 2018 By in Attorney, citrus, Customs Lawyer, Import, Import Export Attorney, Kinder Eggs, moon cakes, prohibited foods, Travel, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

pexels-photo-123013.jpegTraveling overseas is a great opportunity to take a break from work, visit family, or just visit and explore what the world has to offer.

After a nice trip abroad, it is easy to forget about the many prohibited items U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not allow to enter the US. Here’s a summary of some prohibited items from CBP’s most recent revisions as of December 8, 2017:

Please note, that all passengers carrying fruit, vegetables, meat and/or poultry products still must declare these products to CBP for inspection – regardless whether or not it is allowed into the US.

Prohibited:
1. Muraya or “orange jasmine” is used in the construction of alters. Orange jasmine greenery may carry the Asian Citrus Psyllid, an insect that carries citrus greening disease.
2. Oranges, Grapefruit, Tangerines, Sour Oranges, Sweet Limes, Guavas, Mangoes, Peaches, Pomegranates from Mexico are prohibited.
3. Most fruits from outside the US.
4. Cut flowers with berries.
5. Kinder eggs, they pose a choking hazard and are illegal for consumption in the US.
6. Moon cakes containing egg, beef, poultry or pork NOT from Canada. If CBP officer can not confirm the filling of a non-Canadian mooncake, it may be denied entry.

Allowed:
1. Fruit from Canada with proof of origin.
2. Cut flowers (does not include dried, bleached, dyed, or treated plants, filler, greenery, fern fronds.
3. Ethrogs, also known as Citrus medica is allowed after inspection. Travelers will need to open the container and unwrap it. In the event insect stings or pests are found, the ehtrog will be prohibited from entering the US.
4. Twigs of myrtle and palm fronds require inspection.
5. Gift baskets may be allowed after inspection by FDA, CBP and USPS (if mailed)
6. Baked goods (bread, cereal, crackers, cakes).
7. Moon cakes with verified Canadian origin.

Safe travels everyone! If you or anyone you know has had property or currency seized by CBP, give us a call for a free consultation at 832.896.6288 or attorney.dave@yahoo.com

Why do some overseas suppliers request my social security number, EIN, importer or IRS number?

January 4, 2018 By in Attorney, compliance, Customs Lawyer, due diligence, Import, Import Export Attorney, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Uncategorized Tags: Leave a comment

belgium-antwerp-shipping-container-163726.jpeg

If you import goods into the US, you may have received an e-mail from a supplier asking for you to provide your SSN, EIN, importer or IRS number.

Before I answer the question, let’s go back to the beginning of the import process. Any goods entering the US from overseas will be considered an importation. All importations must be “cleared” by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

As the importer in the US, CBP considers you (whether individually, or your company) as the ultimate importer. You as the ultimate importer can clear the goods or have a Customs Broker (Broker) clear them for you.

Formal entry of goods requires the Broker to write down your identification number on CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary). This identification number is either your EIN/tax identification number or a number assigned by the IRS or your social security number.

On the other hand, goods can also be cleared informally (usually less than $2,500 in value) and not in “commercial quantities”.

As most foreign suppliers are now aware that CBP requires an ID number, they will often ask for you (the purchaser’s) SSN to include on the export documents.

If you have any import questions, feel free to give us a call, 832.896.6288 or email us at attorney.dave@yahoo.com. Looking forward to hearing from you.

CBP seizes $110,000 in money from travelers going to Taiwan.

January 3, 2018 By in Attorney, FinCen, Import Export Attorney, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

pexels-photo-260566.jpeg

According to a CBP Public Affairs release on December 12, 2017, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston (IAH) seized over $110,000 USD from a couple flying from Houston (IAH) to Taipei (TPE).

International travelers leaving or entering the US can carry an unlimited amount of money must report any currency (checks, cash, money orders, etc.) in any denomination (USD, Euro, Yen, RMB, NTD, etc.) over $10,000.

The travelers subject of the December 12th press release reported $50,000 to CBP but a subsequent search resulted in a total finding of $110,204. The money was seized by CBP and the travelers departed to Taiwan.

The press release also indicates that CBP seizes approximately $289,609 in undeclared or illicit currency each day at the various air, land, and sea ports of entry into the United States.

If you or anyone you know has had money seized at any airport, border crossing or seaport while entering or leaving the US, contact David Hsu at 713.932.1540 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com for a free consultation.

Importers of “durable infant or toddler products” now includes children’s folding chairs and stools.

January 3, 2018 By in CPSC, Customs Lawyer, Import, infant products, toddler products, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Uncategorized Tags: Leave a comment

pexels-photo-374756.jpegIn early December, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) approved the final rules for Safety Standard for Children’s Folding Chairs and Stools. The final amended rule to 16 CFR Part 1130 includes children’s folding chairs and stools.

As indicated in the Federal Register, the “Commission considers folding stools to be a subset of folding chairs. The configuration of children’s folding chairs and folding stools are similar”. As the designs are similar, the Commission found the potential hazards in the folding mechanism are also similar.

The final rule amends section 1130.2(a)(13) to make clear that children’s folding chairs and children’s folding stools are now considered durable infant or toddler products.

The CPSC gives suppliers 6 months to come into compliance with the new standard and the final rule will apply to products manufactured or imported on or after June 15, 2018.

Producers and importers of infant and toddler products must follow safety standards to minimize the risk to children using the products. Additionally, the nation’s border security agency, CBP, enforces over 400 laws regulated by about 40 different agencies (such as the CPSC) at 328 air, land and sea ports of entry.

If you or your company receives any notices from CBP or the CPSC and you would like a free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact David Hsu at 713.932.1540 or by email at attorney.dave@yahoo.com

Merchandise Processing Fee Increases Starting January 1, 2018.

January 2, 2018 By in Attorney, Customs Lawyer, Import, Import Export Attorney, MPF, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Uncategorized Tags: Leave a comment

pexels-photo.jpgU.S. Customs and Border Protection is adjusting certain customs user fees and will increase the Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) to reflect inflation. Effective the first of the new year, the minimum fee has increased to $25.67 and the maximum fee has also increased to $497.99.