` International Trade News | ABC Customs Brokers Ltd.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

 

ABC Customs Brokers Ltd.

A B C

 
 

Recent Trade News

Statement On The Passing Of Glen Todd
Mar 29, 2022


General Strike At Port Of Montreal Set To Begin Next Week
Apr 23, 2021 CSCB


Regulation Update To Pet Foods From The US
Apr 09, 2021 CFIA


Minister Ng announces Canada is ratifying the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Mar 19, 2021 Global Affairs Canada


Importing Food Into Canada With A Safe Food For Canadians Licence
Mar 15, 2021 CFIA


Reminder: Importing food into Canada with a Safe Food for Canadians licence
Feb 17, 2021 CFIA


Safe Food For Canadians Licence Renewals
Jan 08, 2021 CFIA


Statement By Minister Ng On Canada’s Request For CUSMA Dispute Settlement Consultations With United States On Canadian Solar Products
Jan 07, 2021 Global Affairs Canada


Canada Announces Steps To Ensure Stability For Canada-United Kingdom Trade In Goods
Dec 22, 2020 Global Affairs Canada


Minister Ng Introduces Legislation In House Of Commons To Implement Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement
Dec 09, 2020 Global Affairs Canada


Implementation Of Chapters Of The Animal Products Import Policy Framework
Dec 02, 2020 CFIA


Canada Successfully Concludes Talks On Transitional Trade Continuity Agreement With The United Kingdom
Nov 21, 2020 Global Affairs Canada


Updated Requirements For Importing Organic Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
Oct 02, 2020 CFIA


New And Temporary Import Requirements On Romaine Lettuce
Oct 02, 2020 CFIA


U.S. Backs Down On Aluminum Tariffs
Sep 16, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers


Canadian Tariffs On U.S. Products Coming Within Days
Sep 15, 2020 CSCB


Additional Organic Produce Import Requirements
Sep 10, 2020


Longshoremen Return To Work At The Port Of Montreal As Negotiations Continue
Aug 24, 2020


Port Of Montreal Labour Disruption – Vessel Options
Aug 19, 2020


72-Hour Strike From July 27 to 31 At Port Of Montreal
Aug 10, 2020


Canada Retaliates With New Surtaxes Imposed On Goods Imported From The U.S.
Aug 07, 2020


U.S. Imposes A 10% Duty On Canadian Aluminium Effective August 16th, 2020
Aug 06, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers


Reduced Inspection Frequencies For Meat Imported From Australia And New Zealand
Aug 04, 2020 CFIA


Reminder On SFCR Requirements For The Manufactured Food Sector
Jul 10, 2020 Pacific Customs Brokers


Safe Food For Canadians Regulations (SFCR) Requirement For The Manufactured Food Commodities
Jun 29, 2020 CFIA

Read More News »

 

7 Excellent Reasons to Invest in Trade Compliance Education

ABC Customs Brokers Sep 24, 2015

Today’s business climate is fast paced. Time is limited and precious, and there is always a long list of tasks to accomplish. So why would you take valuable time out of your busy schedule to attend a trade compliance seminar or workshop?

Like any good business person worth his or her salt, let’s examine the Return on Investment (ROI). Obviously the seminar topic has to have some relevance to your business. Here are some questions a potential attendee may ponder on as they contemplate the decision to attend or not:

  • Is there a way my company can save money?
  • Will it improve a process?
  • Will it provide potential insight to solve a problem?
  • Will it provide valuable knowledge to move a project along?
  • Is the topic one that cannot easily be ignored? (e.g. compliance issues)

 

What is Trade Compliance?

Trade compliance refers to importers and exporters meeting all of the requirements governing the movement of commercial goods across the border. To be trade compliant is to ensure that the tariff classification, origin and valuation of goods are all accurately declared in accordance with legislative requirements and that the appropriate duties and taxes are paid. There is a clear obligation under the Customs Act to provide true, accurate and complete trade information, including a proper description of the goods, and to correct wrong information regardless of dutiable status. Furthermore, an essential part of trade compliance is to ensure that all import requirements are met, such as having the appropriate import permit. If not all import requirements are met, this violates the control measures that are in place to protect the economy, the environment and the health of citizens.

 

The Importance of Trade Compliance:

In recent years, the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have shifted much of their emphasis from import inspections to post audit verifications. The responsibilities put upon Importers of Record have steadily increased as all members of the supply chain endure higher scrutiny from Customs officials. Now more than ever it is imperative that the Importer of Record maintain a high level of sophistication, demonstrate due diligence, ensure they understand their responsibilities, implement internal sets of controls and procedures for best practices as well as understand the consequences of non-compliance.

International trade no longer stands on the sidelines of corporate awareness. It is being transformed from an operational function into an evolving eco-system that helps mitigate organizational risks and strategically drives value. In order to do business efficiently, smart businesses need to strike a balance between ensuring timely movement of cross-border goods and complying with complex regulatory systems designed to ensure safe, verifi­able cross-border transactions. Effective global customs planning can help improve a company’s bottom line.

 

Benefits of Attending a Trade Compliance Seminar or Workshop:

1. Gain Insight on Key Trade Topics

A well designed seminar or workshop will help you gain a better understanding of key trade topics, teach you how to manage trade compliance and utilize free trade agreements to your benefit. The substantial knowledge you receive will aid in completing accurate documentation, understanding logistics and getting a feel for how transactions move through the regulatory process.

2. Stay Current on Customs Regulations

In our industry, where we deal with customs and other government agencies, regulations are ever-changing. A trade compliance seminar or workshop can be a convenient way for trade professionals to stay ahead of new regulations with international trade.

3. Avoid Possible Penalties and Risks By Being Informed

Customs agencies and other government departments emphasize the importance of compliance. This is monitored through increased enforcement and could result in monetary penalties to the importer. One of the most important reasons to attend a seminar or workshop is the knowledge and guidance you will receive from the presenters with regards to the steps your organization will need to take to become more compliant with government regulations.

4. Cost-effective Training and Knowledge Refreshment Tool for Logistics Professionals

Our courses make for excellent training sessions for someone in a new role, a new employee, or training for yourself. Quite often we have repeat attendees who regularly register on an annual or bi-annual basis. Part of our Trade Compliance Education Program covers general overviews of importing or exporting, but we also offer training on specific subjects (e.g. ACI eManifest, North American Free Trade Agreement, H.S. Tariff Classification), thus providing an excellent opportunity for companies to utilize this as a cost-effective training tool.

5. Access to Trade Compliance Experts

A well designed seminar or workshop should include adequate time for audience participation or a valid opportunity at the conclusion to get answers to your questions. Our sessions give you the chance to personally speak to the presenter(s) or other subject matter experts. We all agree that sometimes the best experiences occur when there are excellent inquiries that promote further ideas and discussion, particularly when you thought you were the only one with that challenge.

6. Reasonable Time Commitment

The ability to obtain some specific knowledge in a short period of time is an added benefit. Night school courses are requisite for more in-depth subject learning but often you need something that is less intensive but still provides substantial knowledge.  Half or full-day seminars are an excellent way to get a quick update.

7. Networking – Make Valuable Professional Connections

A seminar or workshop allows you to network and learn alongside other like-minded professionals, coming away with increased knowledge and understanding. Perhaps you will encounter a person who had a similar business problem to yours, or someone who can share their own experience on a certain issue and provide you with valuable insight.

Here is a quote from an attendee at one of our recent Trade Compliance Seminars  “… it’s always interesting to have an informal conversation with compliance people from other industries.” Which brings up another great point – where else would you have a chance to rub shoulders with people of similar business interests?

Hopefully this has inspired you to take the next steps in your trade compliance education. Check out our Fall 2015 Trade Compliance Education Schedule online or download and print your copy of the schedule below:

We hope you’ll join us and encourage you to share this with colleagues and business partners who might find it useful.