The morning session will include the following:

• Update on revised regulations
• Dialogue on ways to improve the FTZ program
• Training on key aspects of the FTZ program

The afternoon session will include the following:

• Online FTZ Information System (OFIS) demonstrations
• OFIS discussions
• OFIS assistance on usage

For those that may not be familiar with OFIS, it will be used by grantees to submit the annual reports to the FTZ Board and to update key information about the zones. The FTZ Board (FTZB) will also try to accommodate a discussion of any other topics of interest to grantees that afternoon, as well.

RSVPs are required for this outreach event and should include the individual’s name and title, as well as the grantee organization/public agency of which the attendee is an official. To register, please email ftz@trade.gov or call Marsha Foust at (202) 482-2862.

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How does CBP determine if the HTS number I am using is valid when I am processing my zone week, if I have one product that could have 2 different HTS numbers during that time? CBP approves CF3461s for FTZs based on Release Date, or Duty Computation Date, which, for most zones, is the start of the zone week.

What do I do if I have an HTS number that is valid at the start of the zone week and it is not valid at the end? For HTS numbers that are valid on the release date (or first day of your zone week) you will use that HTS number for both the CF3461 and the CF7501. You will submit your first CF3461 with the new HTS numbers when the release date (or first day of your zone week) falls after the first day of the new active HTS numbers.

When can I start preparing for the use of these new HTS numbers? This can be done at any time and the US HTS changes are published. The sooner the better so that you are sure you have everything ready.

When should I start the process of using the HTS numbers? You will want to start the process on February 3^rd, 2012 when the new US HTS numbers go into effect before you submit your CF214 for that day.  The CF214, unlike your entry (CF3461), looks at the day that is submitted to see if the HTS numbers used are valid.

What will happen if I submitted my CF3461 with a future HTS number? Your entry will still be accepted, with warnings, because the HTS number is not valid at that time.

To provide an example of how this would work, download this calendar which notes when old HTS numbers are no longer valid and when new HTS numbers should be used.  Download here.

If you are looking for a way to automate your global trade compliance processes and implement an easier process for implementing regulatory changes, Integration Point offers a full suite of products.  For more information on Integration Point solutions, visit our website.

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This report includes:

• All US FTZs by state
• All board orders
• Movement of merchandise in zones
• Summary of statistics
• Summary of main foreign-status products received in zones

Daniel Griswold, President of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), noted that the 23% annual growth in exports from FTZs in 2010 was significantly faster than overall US export growth.

To see the 72^nd Annual Report of the Foreign-Trade Zones Board, click here.

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The various topics covered by these tutorials include:

• Accessing Public Information, including site information and Federal Register notices
• Logging into OFIS
• Updating Zone Information and Requesting Operator Accounts – for grantees
• Creating and Submitting Your Annual Report – for grantees
• Creating and Submitting Your Annual Report to the Grantee – for operators

In addition to these free, online tutorials, the FTZB is also planning several free webinars and training sessions for grantees and operators. While there is no set schedule for these sessions at this time, the FTZB will be making them available on their website and in grantee updates that are sent out.

If you have any questions on OFIS or the annual report process, you can contact Liz Whiteman at Elizabeth.Whiteman@trade.gov or Marsha Foust at Marsha.Foust@trade.gov.

Don’t wait for the dates of these free webinars and training sessions to figure out OFIS, get started with the tutorials by clicking here.

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Deck the trade lanes with goods a flowing,

Fa la la la la, la la la la.

‘Tis the season to be a shipping.

Fa la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our global trade compliance,

Fa la la la, la la la la.

So we can be Santa’s biggest alliance.

Fa la la la, la la la la.

See the Customs agent before us,

Fa la la la, la la la la.

With compliance there is no fuss.

Fa la la la, la la la la.

Our goods keep moving in merry measure,

Fa la la la, la la la la.

While we talk of GTM software treasure.

Fa la la la, la la la la.

Forget the days of high duties and fines

Fa la la la, la la la la.

With Integration Point your compliance is divine.

Fa la la la, la la la la.

Sing we now together in jubilation,

Fa la la la, la la la la.

Our goods have made it to their location.

Fa la la la, la la la la!

From everyone at Integration Point, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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During a congressional recess in April 2010, Commissioner Bersin was appointed to this position on a temporary basis by US President Obama. But under the existing statute, the recess appointment expires at the end of this year, 2011. Commissioner Bersin expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to US President Obama and US Secretary Napolitano for the opportunity to have led such an exceptional organization.

It was also announced that Deputy Commissioner David V. Aguilar is slated to serve as Acting Commissioner.

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However, it has been confirmed with the FTZ Board that there should be no action required in regards to the scope of authority changes for petroleum refineries as it relates to the WCO 2012 HS Update changes. This is because the scope of authority for petroleum companies has been granted based on the description associated to an HS number and not the actual HS number.

Please note that the above information applies to products containing biodiesel, but it does not pertain to the new biodiesel heading for true biodiesel.

To see more information on the WCO 2012 HS Updates, check out this great, new resource.

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The blanket authorization does not apply to absolute quota merchandise and merchandise moved under an immediate transportation entry (type 61). Tariff rate quota merchandise previously authorized for ID release may still be released under ID, but the entry summary shall be presented within the time specified in 19 CFR 142.23, or within the quota period, whichever expires first.

When using US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 3461 and CBP Form 3461 (ALT) as the entry document and the importers wish to elect ID, a line must be drawn through the word ENTRY on the document. Automated Broker Interface (ABI) entry transmissions, including the paperless provisional message, will establish the desired entry date by using the estimated entry date in the summary transmission. This will identify the change from Entry to ID and allow filers to elect a date of entry in order to take advantage of tariff changes or special programs.

No grace period will be granted for the purpose of timely filing ID entry summaries under this one-time allowance.

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CBP has already begun processing refunds for entries filed via the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) with the Special Program Indicator (SPI) A, for duties deposited on GSP-eligible goods during that period. CBP will re-liquidate with the retroactive GSP benefits any entries filed with the SPI indicator that have already reached their liquidation date.

On non-ABI entries or entries filed without the SPI A, claims for retroactive GSP benefits must be filed by April 18, 2012, or 180 days from the date of enactment of the Act, and should be filed at the port where the goods were entered. CBP recommends that importers monitor refunds to ensure receipt of applicable duties. Claims for retroactive GSP refunds do not have a separate 180-day protest period, in addition to the time period in H.R. 2832.

Instructions on how to request these GSP refunds can be found here and the official notice about the GSP Refund date can be found here.

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The textile and apparel industry has been showing a significant growth in new zone activations, especially when compared to other industries like the long time FTZ industry leader – electronics. A reason for this could be that quota/visa filing requirements have gone away, and the unusually high duty rates still remain, making the deferral of duties within a FTZ more attractive to these textile and apparel companies. But, the textile and apparel industry isn’t the only one to catch on to the benefits of an FTZ.

FTZ’s are probably best known for their duty deferral and inverted tariff benefits that they offer, however there is another trend in new zone activations showing that companies are looking for the benefits of exporting from a FTZ.  When companies export goods directly from a FTZ they can eliminate the payment of duties entirely to US Customs and can also eliminate the time-consuming and complicated drawback process.

Regardless of the reasons, a FTZ can provide major benefits to not only a company or an industry, but also the economy as it plays an important role in retaining jobs in the US. Check out more information on FTZs with these FTZ resources.

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