Reminder – No More Paper SEDs – New Electronic Export Information (EEI) Effective Now

This is a reminder that the grace period for filing of paper Shipper's Export Declarations has expired as of September 30, 2008. All filings of export documents must now take place electronically through the Automated Export System - AES. Shippers who continue to submit paper SEDs are subject to penalties. Details are available on the website of the Foreign Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau at http://www.census.gov/trade

New Mandatory Electronic Filing of Export and Re-export License Applications

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published its final rule in the August 21, 2008 Federal Register. Beginning October 20, 2008, this rule requires that export and reexport license applications, classification requests, encryption review requests, License Exception AGR notifications and related documents must be submitted to the BIS via its Simplified Network Application Process (SNAP-R) system. For more information, please visit: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-18852.pdf

Update on REACH

REACH is a major reform of EU chemicals policy, affecting all global supply chains that produce and use chemicals. The first deadline is December 1, 2008 for the pre-registration of chemicals with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The webpage below is for U.S. exporters to Europe, particularly SMEs, to inform them about requirements under REACH and to help them prepare for compliance. For more information and guidance, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/reach.html Please see related upcoming webinars in this newsletter.

Tips on Traveling Overseas with Mobile Phones, Laptops, PDAs, and Other Electronic Devices

The Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive recently published some valuable tips on what you should know about traveling overseas with cell phones, PDAs, laptops and other electronic devices. If you travel overseas, please read about these important tips at: http://www.ncix.gov/publications/reports/traveltips.pdf

What You Need to Know About Sending Samples to Mexico

How to send the samples to Mexico? What qualifies as a sample? Is there a special process under NAFTA procedures for sending samples? How much does it cost? Can the U.S. exporter send the samples through a regular courier service? What are the steps the U.S. exporter needs to follow to send samples successfully to Mexico? Contact your local U.S. Commercial Service office for more information.

Ex-Im Bank Reduces Premiums on Small Business Insurance Policies

As of October 1, 2008, U.S. small businesses now receive a 15 percent premium rate reduction on two types of Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) export credit insurance: short-term small business multibuyer policies, and short-term small business environmental multibuyer policies. Similar pricing benefits are available to any new customers who request these policy types. The short-term small business multibuyer policy protects the exporter's entire portfolio of foreign buyer credit risks on total annual shipments of $5,000,000 or less. For more information on how you can take advantage of Ex-Im Bank programs, please visit: http://www.exim.gov/pressrelease.cfm/DDC0FA46-98B5-F8E7-C5AD425011681395/

Automotive Supply Chain Mission to Monterrey-Saltillo, Mexico

Mexico presents a growing diversity of opportunities for U.S. exporters of auto parts and supplies. The goal of the U.S. Commercial Service Automotive Industry Trade Mission is to facilitate an effective presence for small and medium sized companies to export to automotive companies in Monterrey and Saltillo. The mission, taking place December 2-5, 2008, will enable U.S. automotive companies to familiarize themselves with this important market, to conduct market research, and to explore export opportunities through pre-arranged meetings with potential partners. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/auto/mission_monterrey_mexico.html

Market of the Month: Thailand

Thailand is the United States' 24th largest trading partner. Two-way trade in 2007 was about US$31 billion. Thailand’s economic growth has created opportunities for U.S. companies in a number of infrastructure sectors, including electrical power, telecommunications and renewable energy. Thai consumers are creating opportunities for U.S. medical products, cosmetics, security equipment, food supplements and educational services. Thailand also continues to look for U.S. suppliers of automotive accessories, defense equipment, broadcast equipment, food processing and packaging equipment, and laboratory and scientific instruments. To learn more about this dynamic market, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/marketofmonth/mom_thai.asp

Energy eMarket Express Newsletter

To receive NEW market research, trade leads and event notices for Oil/Gas, Alternative/Renewable Energy and Power Generation, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/eme/energy.html

EXPORT PROMOTION TOOLS

Expand Exports to Europe with QuickTake Service

QuickTake (QT) is a fast, Europe-wide, coordinated counseling service for qualified American companies. For $750, up to 28 market specialists at U.S. Embassies in Europe who monitor priority industry sectors will give you, within 15 business days, a concise report covering your product's current demand, future demand, competition, standards, partners, next steps and more. The QuickTake service is available for eight sectors, including Automotive, Aviation, Energy, Environment, Franchising, Healthcare, IT & Security. For more information on this service, please visit https://www.buyusa.gov/quicktake/register.html

Market Your Products Worldwide for Just $399

Advertise in the new USA Product Showcase section of Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The catalog-style magazine reaches an estimated 400,000 readers in 176 countries worldwide. For the special low price of only $399, you'll get: 35 word write-up; inclusion of a color photo or logo; high visibility in the magazine; free listing on the Commercial News USA website; and free inclusion in both the print and online Reader Service Response Forms. Any product not advertised during the past 12 months – from January 1, 2008 – is eligible. For more information, please visit: https://www.thinkglobal.us/forms/showcase

Save $100 on Your Next Ad in Commercial News USA

All other U.S. companies are welcome to advertise in the January-February 2009 issue and save $100 on any size ad. The January-February issue of the magazine will include special sections featuring trade shows and building and construction. The deadline for space reservations for the next issue is November 7, 2008. American companies interested in learning more about advertising in Commercial News USA can call 1-800-581-8533 or visit: http://www.thinkglobal.us/

UPCOMING WEBINARS

October 20 - Strategies to Recruit Students from Hong Kong Webinar

Please join the U.S. Commercial Service for this interactive webinar on October 20, which will discuss strategies for recruiting students from Hong Kong, the educational system and economic overview of this market, Hong Kong student flow trends and projections to the U.S., important education fair venues, and assistance from the U.S. Department of Commerce and State in Hong Kong. To register for this webinar, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=28448

October 30 – Selling Ag Machinery to the Former Soviet Union

Are you interested in marketing your products to countries in the former Soviet Union, then register for this webinar. The market for US agricultural machinery and services in the Former Soviet Union has exploded in recent years. US Ag machinery exports to Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan are up to $727 million in 2007. This webinar will provide practical insights on how you can sell your products into the former Soviet Union. U.S. Commercial Service country specialist and exporters who have sold to the region will share their insights and Dos and Don’ts for export success. To register for this webinar, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q11

October 29 - The REACH Regulation and Its Impact on the Aviation Sector

Are you a U.S. aviation company that supplies customers in Europe? Please join the U.S. Commercial Service Aerospace & Defense Team and ERA Technology for a webinar to address how the REACH regulations impact the aviation industry and U.S. aviation suppliers to the EU. It has been assumed by some that because this regulation concerns "chemicals" it is of no relevance to the engineering and electrical products sector - this is not at all the case. All products are made of chemicals and REACH has both direct legal and indirect impacts on this sector. Learn the surprising way that the European Union REACH regulations affect you. To register for this very import webinar, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=28528

November 6 - Are You Ready for REACH?

REACH is a major overhaul of the European Union’s chemical management regime and extends to products made with chemicals and having chemicals in their components, as well as chemical producers. The U.S. Commercial Service invites you to join this webinar to help you prepare and comply with this important regulation, on November 6, 2008 at 11:00am (CST). This webinar will address important questions surrounding REACH including: deadlines & timelines; preregistration; the Candidate List; new developments in REACH; and appointing Only Representatives. Sectors impacted by REACH, include electronic and electrical equipment, automotive, aerospace, cosmetics, and paints just to name a few. To register or get more details, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/europe/team_events.html

November 12 - Mexico: Opportunities and Strategies for New-to-Export U.S. Companies

The U.S. Commercial Service in conjunction with Comerica Bank and FedEx brings to you a webinar on exporting to Mexico. In this webinar you will learn how to find buyers, get paid, ship your goods, as well as learn how to mitigate risks and challenges in structuring your financial agreements with Mexico. Strategies to facilitate exporting to Mexico include an overview of the Mexican market and business opportunities; an introduction to export finance and insurance payments; and transportation and logistics according to NAFTA regulations. To register for this important webinar, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=9Q12

November 13 – Health Information Technology Opportunities in China

Wondering how you can successfully enter the Chinese market with your Health IT products and services? Who should you talk to? What regulations affect your industry? How can you avoid pitfalls, find the right partner, and set up for success? Please join this webinar, hear the experts, participate in the Q&A session and find out what you need to know. To register for this webinar, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/healthcare/hitchina.html

December 3 - Strategies to Recruit Students from Chile

There is great opportunity to recruit students from Chile given the Chilean government's recent launch of a new scholarship program, which provides new opportunities for students to study abroad. This interactive webinar will present strategies for recruiting students from Chile, the educational system and economic overview of this market, Chilean student flow trends and projections to the U.S., the latest visa procedures and guidance, the latest scholarship opportunities, and assistance from the U.S. Departments of Commerce in Chile. To register for this webinar, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=28543