Notice of Intent to Impose Countermeasures Against the United States

Canadian Countermeasures Blog

On May 31st, the Canadian Department of Finance issued a notice of intent to impose tariffs on certain product of US origin imported into Canada. I usually impart some humour into my blogs or attempt to at least, however these are some pretty significant and serious countermeasures.

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Topics: North America

New Zealand: Out With the Old Act and in With the New!

Out with the old and in with the new

A review of New Zealand’s Customs and Excise Act 1996 (“the previous Act”) commenced in 2013, to address parts of the previous Act that dated up to 100 years old. After extensive discussions with stakeholders and industry professionals, the new Customs and Excise bill was introduced in November 2016. On the 22 March 2018, it passed its third reading in Parliament and has now received Royal assent.

Why the change?

As mentioned, the previous Act was, in many respects, outdated and in need of review. The Customs and Excise Act 2018 (“the Act”) will enable the New Zealand Customs Service (“NZ Customs”) to keep up with the rapid changes in international trade, travel, security, and technology.

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Topics: South Pacific

5 Strategies to Reduce Section 232 Duties

5 Strategies to reduce Section 232 duties

More news on the US trade remedies front. 

Steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) duties under Section 232 that were initiated on National Security grounds, appear to be even more onerous as the Trump administration has announced that products targeted for Section 232 advanced duties will lose the benefit of GSP trade preference. 

There is great concern that other free trade programs may be similarly affected on Section 232 products. 

Expect supply chain disruptions, higher costs, and litigation.

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Topics: Duty Drawback, HS Classification

Big Changes Are Coming to China Imports and Exports

The Restructure Reform on China Government

On March 20, the 13th National People's Congress of China has formally reached an agreement on the institutional reform plan of the Chinese governmental agencies submitted by the State Council.  According to the restructuring plan, many governmental agencies related to import and export operations will be integrated or simplified, and the related parties’ working scope shall be adjusted as well.

Tradewin has summarized the developments as relates to import/export as follows:

The responsibilities and personnel of China and Inspection Quarantine (CIQ) shall be integrated into China Customs.

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Topics: Asia, Export Consulting, Import Consulting

How Is Trade Compliance Evolving for Retail Companies in Asia?

The Brick-to-Click Momentum

With modern age online shopping, our favorite items might just be a click away. When I was living in Shanghai, logistics had become so advanced that the typical lead time from purchasing an item to having it delivered at the door should not take more than 1 or 2 days.

As a consumer, do we ever think about how it is possible for products to be delivered so quickly?

As a customs and trade consultant, I have had the privilege to work with many retailers. We analyze the flow of goods and transactions to optimize supply chain and trade compliance.

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Topics: Asia, Export Consulting, Import Consulting