20 Awesome Research Sites for the Compliance Nerd

Posted by Jim Conrad
Blog originally posted on 05/09/2014 11:29 AM

nerdy-manI’m often asked for a link to one government site or another.  There are certainly hundreds of sites to choose from. Sometimes you can’t see the forest for the trees.  Here is a short list of web sites that contain some basic guidance for a laundry list of compliance issues. 

Have a favorite of your own that didn't make the list? Let us know in the comments below. 

 

  1. Accredited CPSC Testing Labs
    A comprehensive list for importers of children’s products & ASTM Standards.

 

  1. Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms 
    This site will help you to locate firearms regulations and related enforcement programs.

 

  1. APHIS (USDA)
    This site will help you to understand about the permit and certification process and has a variety of manuals & guidelines.

 

  1. BIS
    A great site for policy, guidance and news for the export of dual use items.

 

  1. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection 
    A lot of the old links have been “retired” with no redirects. The color scheme is difficult but this is still THE site for import/export compliance.

 

  1. Census Schedule B
    We advise our clients to classify for export using the Harmonized Tariff, but for those who still use Schedule B…..  The newsroom is still a decent read.

 

  1. Consumer Product Safety Commission
    News regarding the latest product recalls, standards and rulemaking for importers and consumers.

 

  1. Department of Fish and Wildlife 
    Protecting wildlife and plants.  Information about CITES, the Lacey Act, port permits, and information about licensing and fees.

 

  1. Drug Enforcement Administration
    You’ll find information on the Controlled Substances Act as well as drug fact sheets and diversion control.

 

  1. Environmental Protection Agency 
    Some of our staff use this site quite a bit – regulations, policy, enforcement of toxic substances.

 

  1. Federal Trade Commission  &  Made in USA 
    Made in USA rules, health claims and my favorite - the Do Not Call List if you can’t stomach phone solicitation while you’re having dinner.

 

  1. Food & Drug Administration 
    There is little in the way of formal training for FDA issues so this has become one of my favorite sites for links to the regulations about medical devices, drugs, radiation emitting products etc. as well as a listing of laws and products that the FDA has jurisdiction over.

 

  1. Hazardous Materials
    Everything you need to know about transporting hazardous materials by truck, train, air, sea and pipeline.  Well-constructed, simple user interface.

 

  1. International Chamber of Commerce 
    The Chamber site has a lot of “news of the day” articles as well as information about the trade community’s favorite – understanding INCOTERMS® 2010.

 

  1. Library of Congress
    The Library of Congress is a beta site for active legislation and public laws.  It’s a great resource for researching upcoming trade legislation.

 

  1. United States International Trade Commission 
    Research tools are found here – ADD/CVD investigations, Intellectual property investigations and on-line harmonized Tariff Schedule.  Be careful with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule as we’ve found errors from time to time.

 

  1. U.S. Harmonized Schedule 
    Direct link to the HTS – A big help since it’s searchable. I go here first and then confirm with the printed version. 

 

  1. U.S. Munitions List
    Here’s Title 22 - Chapter I – Subchapter M - Part 121 Simply put, the U.S. Munitions List for defense articles and defense service exporters. 

 

  1. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission 
    Pretty useful information for businesses in the medical and research industries.  Regulations, guidance, licensing & inspection information.

 

  1. World Trade Organization
    Everyone involved in international trade should visit this site. You’ll find information on customs valuation, Anti-dumping duties/Countervailing duties, rules of origin, safeguard measures, import licensing and a vast library of trade topics.

 

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Topics: Export Consulting, Import Consulting, Compliance Training

Blog originally posted on 05/09/2014 11:29 AM

Jim Conrad

Written by Jim Conrad

Jim joined Tradewin in 2009, continuing a successful career in international logistics and trade compliance that began in 1980. He has spent more than three decades in leadership roles overseeing international trade compliance including the positions of corporate Director of Operations and as Chairman of the Board of Directors for a large U.S. shipper’s association. Jim’s technical background covers a wide range of international trade areas including harmonized tariff classification, valuation, anti-dumping and risk analysis. Jim is a graduate of North Shore Community College and majored in Business Administration at Salem State University. He is a member of the International Compliance Professionals Association and a U.S. Licensed Customs House Broker.