Basics of Importing

Join the Growing Businesses
wanting to learn more about the
Basics of Importing.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

8:30 a.m. - Check-in
9 a.m.-Noon - Seminar Presentation
Noon-1:30 p.m. - Networking Luncheon

This program is endorsed by
The American Association of Exporters and Importers,
a national trade association representing U.S. companies
before Congress and the Executive Branch.

ABOUT THE SEMINAR

The Customs Modernization and Informed Compliance Act has transferred substantial responsibilities directly to the Importer for the proper classification and valuation of imported merchandise.  Under the concept of “Informed Compliance,” the importer must be knowledgeable of the laws and regulations governing imports.  Customs will guide the importer to some extent, but the responsibility is put upon the importer to properly apply the Customs Regulations of the U.S. and to correctly classify, value, and mark imported merchandise.

This workshop will focus on the basics of importing, with emphasis on the laws and best practices of importing.  Specific topics to be addressed include:

• The role of the importer and Customs, civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply
• Required questions that must be answered prior to importation
• The processes of classification and valuation
• Recordkeeping requirements, and
• Internal controls and communication practices to ensure compliance.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

• Importers and their staff who are involved in purchasing, traffic, logistics, labeling, contract administration, coordination with customs brokers or with any aspect of the import process.
• Customs brokerage personnel
• Freight Forwarders
• Consultants
• In-house Counsel

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING:

• A comprehensive review of the classification, valuation and marking of merchandise under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the processes and procedures in transacting business with U.S. Customs and Border Protection during pre- and post-entry.
• In-depth discussions on new and existing regulations to assure proper compliance.
  

COST:

• $99 per person
  Register 3 or more people from the same company and pay only $89.
• Cost includes seminar and networking luncheon with Mr. Leo

HOW TO REGISTER:

To register, contact the Office of Community Education and Outreach at 814-269-2099.  Or, download the complete brochure by clicking on the link to the right and register by mail or fax.  The registration deadline is Friday, November 6.

Robert J. Leo is a partner in the New York office of Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury, a law firm specializing in US and international law and regulations governing exports and imports.

Mr. Leo is a cleared advisor to the U.S. government on customs and trade facilitation issues, and has served in that capacity since 1991.  He was recently reappointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Customs and Trade Facilitation (ITAC 14). 

Mr. Leo is a member of the Board of Governors of the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), having served as the organization’s vice president and counsel from 1989 to 1991.  He is also a member of the New York-based trade association, NEXCO, and is active in other associations including the Customs and International Trade Bar Association and the Home Fashion Products Association.  He graduated from the State University of New York at Albany, and received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School.