MANDATORY ELECTRONIC FILING FOR SED SHIPMENTS

EFFECTIVE JULY 2 The U.S. Census Bureau has issued the final rule, which requires mandatory filing of export information through the Automated Export System (AES) or through the AESDirect for all shipments where a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is required, effective July 2, 2008. There will be a 90-day implementation period, ending September 30. After that, export information must be filed electronically through the AES or AESDirect. These new regulations, published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2008, have tougher penalty provisions that affect everyone in the export process. Penalties may be imposed per violation of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) from $1,100 to $10,000 both civil and criminal. Anyone submitting paper SEDs after September 30, 2008, will be in violation and subject to penalties. For details on this important rule, see: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/mandatory/index.html.

NORTH KOREA SANCTIONS

On June 26, President Bush signed Proclamation 8271, terminating the application of the Trading With the Enemy Act (“TWEA”) with respect to North Korea, effective June 27. The Foreign Assets Control Regulations, initially authorized under TWEA, are therefore no longer in force with respect to North Korea. Also on June 26, the President issued, under the authority of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, Executive Order 13466, continuing two of the TWEA-based restrictions against North Korea. OFAC will issue regulations implementing the Executive order. For further details, see http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/nkorea/nkorea.shtml.

REACH - EUROPEAN CHEMICALS REGULATION

PRE-REGISTRATION STARTS JUNE 1 REACH requires that chemical substances on their own, in preparations, and those which are intentionally released from articles be registered to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The regulation applies to substances manufactured in, or imported to the EU in annual quantities of 1 ton or more per company, unless the regulation indicates otherwise. The chemicals currently on the EU market which meet the definition of phase-in substances should be preregistered between June 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008. For more on REACH resources and link to a brochure on REACH information for exporters to the European Union, please visit the U.S Mission to the European Union website at: http://www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/reach.html.

MEXICO: TEMPORARY IMPORTS FOR TRADE SHOWS

To learn the procedures of how U.S. companies should ship products and equipment to a Mexican trade show, as well as some Customs topics. Contact your local export assistance center for more details.

New On-line IPR Training Tutorial

The U.S. Department of Commerce has developed a new on-line online IPR tutorial, where you can learn about evaluating, protecting, and enforcing your IPR! Complete a needs assessment, learn about the different types of IPR, including copyright, patent, and trademark, as well as the legal protections available for each of them, understand the process and benefits of acquiring and protecting your IPR, and discover resources to help you enforce your IPR. www.stopfakes.gov and click on SME IP Training Tutorial.

The Americas Competitiveness Forum, Atlanta, GA - August 17-19, 2008

The Americas Competitiveness Forum will facilitate an interactive discussion between the public and private sectors on the drivers to innovation and economic growth. The forum will emphasize four themes: renewable energy and sustainability, tourism and travel, business education, and logistics. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.competitivenessforum.org

Exporting to India Just Got Easier – New India Business Center!

Welcome to the India Business Center (IBC)! The U.S. Commercial Service has established a new business information center for India. The India Business Center (IBC) will help U.S. companies take advantage of emerging market opportunities and the fast-growing purchasing power of the middle class in India. The IBC will also help U.S. businesses understand the complexities of the market and provide strategies to enhance their chances for success. India is one of the world’s most rapidly growing markets offering exciting trade opportunities for American companies. To learn more, please visit: http://www.export.gov/india/doc_eg_india.asp

National District Export Council Conference - October 15-18, 2008

The 2008 National District Export Council Conference, "Travel & Trade: Redefining Exports," will be held in Palm Springs, CA October 15-18, 2008. This year's conference promises to be an enlightening and worthwhile event, bringing back last year's expert moderator, Gene Randall, and many speakers and panelists who are well-versed in the tools of trade and the markets most important to U.S. exporters. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.decconference.com

UPCOMING TRADE MISSIONS

Medical Equipment Trade Mission to the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia, August 4-12, 2008

This mission offers an excellent platform for U.S. companies to promote their medical equipment and technology in three dynamic markets. Participants will gain first-hand market intelligence and meet potential qualified business partners. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/philippines/en/medicaltrademission.html

Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission, China and India, September 1-12, 2008

Expand your company's clean energy, energy efficiency, and environmental products or services to the dynamic markets of China and India. These two powerhouse economies are seeking to diversify energy sources to boost energy supply and reduce carbon emissions in the context of sustained economic growth. Investments in the clean energy sector in both nations may increase over the next 10 years, so now is the time to enter these important markets. For more information, please visit: http://export.gov/cleanenergymission/

Business Mission to Costa Rica, Dominican Republic & Nicaragua, September 29-October 4, 2008

Join Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez as he leads a delegation of U.S. businesses on this business development mission. Participants will meet one-on-one with pre-screened buyers, agents/distributors and partners; receive in-depth market briefs from in-country U.S. Commercial Service trade experts; and meet with senior government officials and industry decision-makers. Best prospect sectors include: Automotive Parts and Equipment, Construction Equipment & Building Products, Education & Training, Food Processing & Packaging Equipment, Hotel & Restaurant Equipment, Medical Equipment, Printing and Graphic Arts Equipment, and Travel & Tourism Services. Application deadline: July 31, 2008. For more information, please visit: www.export.gov/CAFTADRmission.

FedEx Mission to India, November 9-15, 2008

FedEx, one of the U.S. Commercial Service’s corporate partners, is sponsoring its first U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India. This opportunity is open to U.S. companies across a broad range of industry sectors and will include site visits to leading commercial, educational and production facilities, as well as one-on-one business appointments and networking activities Sponsored by FedEx, the mission will include site visits to leading commercial, educational and production facilities, as well as one-on-one business appointments and networking activities. For more information, please visit the Mission website: http://offer.van.fedex.com/m/p/fdx/ind/trademission.asp.

Market of the Month: Vietnam

As an emerging market, Vietnam offers an increasing number of opportunities for U.S. exporters and investors. Vietnam’s economic growth rate has been among the highest in the world in recent years, expanding by approximately eight percent, while industrial production has been growing at 14 to 15 percent per year. With a market of over 85 million people, Vietnam is the 14th most populous nation in the world and has experienced economic growth of more than seven percent per year for each of the last five years. Two-way goods trade between Vietnam and the United States totaled $9.7 billion in 2006. The United States exported $1.1 billion worth of goods to Vietnam in 2007. Aviation, telecommunications, information technology, oil and gas exploration, power generation and education will continue to offer the most promising opportunities for U.S. companies over the next few years. To learn more, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/marketofmonth/mom_vietnam.asp

Commercial News USA Seeks Nominations for Exporter of the Year

ThinkGlobal Inc., publisher of Commercial News USA, is seeking nominations for the 2009 ThinkGlobal/Commercial News USA Exporter of the Year awards. Awards will be given to U.S. companies in 14 industry categories, as well as one overall winner. Companies can nominate themselves for the award. Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Commerce Department, is a catalog-style magazine distributed to an estimated 400,000 readers in 176 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.exporteroftheyear.com

UPCOMING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES - WEBINARS

July 24, 2008 - Market Opportunities in India

India is the largest democracy and fastest growing free-market in the world. With its one billion-plus population, India presents lucrative and diverse opportunities for U.S. exporters with the right products, services, and commitment. This webinar will focus on U.S. companies already succeeding in India's most promising industry sectors for U.S. exporters. To cost to participate, but registration is required. For more information and to register, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q76

July 31, 2008 – Free Trade Agreements and Understanding the Rules of Origin

Do you understand the Rules of Origin for your products under NAFTA and the other FTAs? This program will give you the tools you need to do that research, qualify your products and have a ready answer to that inquiry. Take advantage of the convenience of on-line training right from your computer that still allows you to interact with the presenter. A solid understanding of how Rules of Origin operate is necessary to take full advantage of these agreements and can speed your documentation process and improve customer service. For more information and to register, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q6P

August 26, 2008 – European CE-Marking Machinery

The CE-Mark is an essential "trade passport" for US companies that want to sell machinery in the European Union (EU). A clear understanding is crucial for anyone eyeing the European marketplace. Participants in the webinar will hear first-hand observations on the CE Mark process from a business that has gone through the process. You will become familiar with the basics of "CE-Marking", learn how to read an EU product safety directive, learn what specific requirements you need to meet, and how to get started with your machinery and the CE-Mark. For more information and to register, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q7E

On-Line Training: Antiboycott Compliance Training

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) unveiled the latest addition to its highly successful BIS Online Training Room with a presentation aimed at helping exporters better understand the antiboycott provisions of the Export Administration Regulations. The antiboycott training module is the latest in a series which includes the basics of U.S. dual-use export controls and deemed exports. The BIS Online Training Room can be found at: http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/seminar-tr.htm

UPCOMING GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES – EVENTS

EXPOCAMACOL 2008, Medellin, Colombia - August 19-23, 2008

Colombia’s international construction, architecture and design fair will provide opportunities for new contacts and businesses to meet. For more information, please visit: http://www.expocamacol.com/EN/home.html

US Export Licensing & Control Regulations: Aircraft Parts & Related Technology Transfer, Ledyard, CT - August 26-27, 2008

This two-day program is run by senior licensing specialists from the Department of Commerce (Bureau of Industry and Security), the Department of Defense (Defense Technology Security Administration), and the Department of State (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls). The program will cover the information exporters in the aerospace and related industries need to know to comply with U.S. export control requirements on both commercial and military goods. Please Note: This program is an advanced licensing seminar and is suited for those already versed in the basics of export controls. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.ctexporters.com/dec

Free Catalogue Program at ExpoMEDICAL 2008, Argentina - September 11-13, 2008

ExpoMEDICAL is positioned as the largest multi-sector healthcare exhibition among Spanish speaking countries and it is an open gate in South America to the state-of-the-art medical and hospitality technology from Argentina and abroad. The U.S. Commercial Service in Buenos Aires has developed a catalogue program to assist with promotion of U.S. healthcare products and services at ExpoMEDICAL. If you would like to have the U.S. Commercial Service promote your products and services at ExpoMEDICAL, please contact Gabriela Zelaya at gabriela.zelaya@mail.doc.gov or Liliana Paz at liliana.paz@mail.doc.gov. For more information on ExpoMEDICAL, please visit: http://www.expomedical.com.ar/ingles/default.htm

Automechanika 2008, Frankfurt, Germany - September 16 – 21, 2008

Automechanika, held every two years in Frankfurt, is Europe’s premier trade fair for the automotive industry. Automechanika 2006, attracted 160,000 trade visitors from 145 countries. More than 4,500 exhibitors from 72 countries, including over 180 from the United States, exhibited products and services at Automechanika 2006. Automechanika is increasingly becoming a platform for original equipment fitters in the automobile industry, distinguished by innovations and new functions, systems and new technologies. American exhibitors consistently report that Automechanika leads to strong global sales. U.S. exhibitors are offered a range of trade promotion support at this show. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/germany/en/automechanika2008.html

Mexico College Fair 2008, September 29 – October 11, 2008

Education USA – and the U.S. Commercial Service encourage you to participate in the MEXICO COLLEGE FAIR 2008 to be held, September 29 – October 11, 2008. These events target bilingual and bicultural schools in Mexico’s most dynamic cities. You will have the opportunity to talk to Mexican students interested and, most importantly, able to study in the United States. Mexico is the 7th largest source of international students in the United States. Mexican students prefer to study in the U.S. because of its geographical location, commercial ties and quality of school programs. For information on each stop and school please see the following site; http://mexicocollegefairtour.googlepages.com/home

American Franchise Forum in the Caribbean, October 23-24, 2008

The U.S. Commercial Service and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic invite U.S. Franchisors to Santo Domingo for the American Franchise Forum in the Caribbean on October 23rd and 24th, 2008. This program is a cost-effective means of developing franchise investor leads in the Caribbean region. The Forum will include presentations by franchise experts on subjects such as “Considerations in a Franchise Agreement” and “How to Finance a U.S. Franchise Investment”. Cost is $750 if Franchisors register by July 23rd. Registration after that date will be $900. Please contact Ilka Gomez at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic at ilgomez@N0SPAM.amcham.org.do or 1(809)381-0777.

Made in America 2008, Beirut, Lebanon - October 9-11, 2008

This exhibition aims to showcase the latest American technology and to assist American businesses in taking advantage of the expanding commercial relations between Lebanon and the United States. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/lebanon/en/madeinamerica_.html.

Medica 2008 CEO Program, Germany, November 19 – 22, 2008

No other event compares to MEDICA, the world's largest and most prestigious medical technology and equipment show. With 4,400 exhibitors and over 137,000 trade only visitors from 100 countries in 2007, MEDICA opens markets across the globe. The U.S. Commercial Service in Düsseldorf offers a wide range of no-cost services for U.S. exhibitors to support your sales efforts in Germany and Europe before, during and after the event. In addition, the U.S. Commercial Service offers the CEO program, which is a lower cost option for U.S. companies to have a presence at MEDICA without having to incur the higher expenses as a U.S. exhibitor. Our commercial specialists in U.S. Embassies throughout Europe and beyond will actively promote your company to their very best medical industry contacts at Medica. For detailed information, please visit http://www.buyusa.gov/germany/en/medica2008_ceoprogram.html

OIL & GAS LIBYA/INFRASTRUCTURE LIBYA, Tripoli, LIBYA - February 16-19, 2009

The driving force for Libya's economic development, Libya's oil and gas industry provides the massive investment needed for the country's ambitious infrastructure plans. For details, contact Joan Williams at joanw@N0SPAM.kallman.com