Saturday, March 10, 2012

“Jurisdiction and Classification: Essentials Made Simple” -- A Timely Workshop You Do NOT Want to Miss!

If you are attending this year’s ICPA Conference in Atlanta, there is a Thursday Morning, March 22nd, Workshop made just for you and your organization.

This excellent practical application and case study-based effort covers the basics of how to consistently and methodically determine jurisdiction and classification. Decisions here are the essential basis from which all other compliance decisions flow. Making a mistake poses a huge risk and the possibility of numerous violations of the Export Administration Regulations and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

This timely program focuses on step-by-step processes with real life examples. Participants will gain invaluable hands-on experience and learn useful tips to apply day-to-day in their own unique organizations. Attendees will receive invaluable insight on Export Control Reform and the direct impact and implications on the movement of Articles and Services from the US Department of State to the US Department of Commerce.

You need to know now just how the 600 series Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and the new holding ECCN will change how you do business. The session is guaranteed to be educational, entertaining and interactive. There are also some special surprises for seasoned export compliance practitioners who attend.

As a result of meetings over the last few weeks with representatives from both the Commerce and State Departments, this timely workshop will have up-to-date details on statistics, trends, what’s coming and how best to prepare for migration from the US Munitions List to the Commerce Control List and Commerce Munitions List. Along with the PowerPoint slides there are also a variety of useful supplemental materials.

Monday, February 13, 2012

REMINDER: Do NOT Miss the Sunday Evening Networking Reception at the Export Control Forum - A Perfect Way to Kick Things Off - You Are Invited!

For those of you who plan to attend the Bureau of Industry & Security Export Control Forum (ECF) in Irvine CA, 27-28 February, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, do not miss this no cost and timely opportunity to get things started, eat, drink and meet attendees, exhibitors, organizers and speakers….

This Networking Reception hosted by Amber Road (formerly Management Dynamics, Inc.) is Sunday February 26, 2012, 7-9 PM, at the 6ix Park Grill, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, CA 92614 (inside the Hyatt Regency where the ECF is being held). If you plan to go, please RSVP at http://bit.ly/AmberRoadReception.

Also: Please do all you can to help spread the word to your counterparts....

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Dr. Roth Finally Begins Four-Year Sentence Term…

Former University of Tennessee professor Dr. John Reece Roth has begun a four-year sentence term stemming from his conviction after a jury trial for conspiracy, wire fraud and 15 counts of exporting defense articles and services without a license. Basically he was found guilty of illegally exporting military research data.

The high-profile case has received enormous and ongoing press and a great deal of attention in and across the academic community as well as research and development facilities across the country. As a direct result of the Roth case and increased US Government outreach, education and training, colleges, universities and other academic institutions are placing a great deal more emphasis and focus on deemed exports, export controls and regulatory compliance.

Dr. Roth and this case quickly became “the example” to drive home the importance of compliance and technology protection. Dr. Roth took his case all the way to the Supreme Court, but they elected not to hear it. Thus he exhausted all his options to avoid going to prison.

The February 1st, 2012, Department of Justice Press Release from the US Attorney in the Eastern District of Tennessee is available at http://www.scribd.com/doc/80175332/Dr-Roth-Begins-Four-Year-Sentence. For an updated concise one page summary on the case, go to http://www.scribd.com/doc/80177478/Dr-Roth-Indictment-Summary.

One positive outcome in the aftermath of this case is the creation of the Association of University Export Control Officers. More about this close net group on their website at http://aueco.org/.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Join Trade Compliance Professionals at the 2012 NETWORKING RECEPTION Kick-off for the Export Control Forum in Irvine, CA – Sunday, February 26, 7-9 PM

You, your clients, counterparts and anyone interested are all enthusiastically invited to attend the Amber Road (formerly Management Dynamics) Sunday Evening, February 26th, Networking Reception at the 6ix Park Grill, in the Hyatt Regency Hotel, prior to the 2012 Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) Export Control Forum (ECF).

Please do what you can to get this message out to all your connections in and across academia, industry and applicable/interested local, state and US Government organizations as soon as possible. Anything you can do to energize your network to attend is most gratefully appreciated. A one-page invitation is available at http://www.scribd.com/doc/78609999/DOC-BIS-ECF-Networking-Reception-Invitation.

This is a GREAT way to connect. Last year’s Sunday Networking Reception proved to be a perfect way to kick things off and lay groundwork for the ECF and future--free food, drinks and even better company!

If you or anyone you know plan to attend the 2012 BIS ECF in Irvine CA, 27-28 February, 2012, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, do NOT miss this no cost and timely opportunity to meet & greet attendees, exhibitors, organizers, speakers…. If anyone decides to go, they need to RSVP using the Internet address/link on the attached flyer/invitation.

For the complete US Department of Commerce, BIS, ECF agenda, more details and registration, go to: http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/irvine_ca_february_27_28_2012.htm.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

CERTIFIED GLOBAL BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL (CGBP) a Proven and Viable Program – Very Much Worth Considering!

For those of you who are looking for a truly valid, independently verified certification program, this is one. Based on analysis by Betty Fishman, a reputable, experienced, unbiased, third-party Certification and Testing Consultant, with no vested interest, the CGBP program is, in fact, a credible certification that meets the requisite standards with all the necessary independent safeguards and no conflicts of interest.

Here is a link to the NASBITE International [a 501(c)(3) non-profit] website that validates the CGBP credential: http://nasbite.org/cgbp-info/. Check it out for yourself.

I have talked to Donna Davisson, NASBITE’s Executive Director and a variety of NASBITE CGBP’s. They have the right answers, a proven history of professionalism and the documentation to back it up. The evidence proves NASBITE took the time and thoroughly did their homework in setting it all up. Further, they accurately portray what is offered and the value of being a CGBP. Unlike other bogus certifications, they make no false or misleading claims and do not misrepresent who they are and what they do.

According to Ms. Davisson, there are more than 1200 CGBPs. Additionally, senior representatives from the US Department of Commerce indicate more than 100 US Commercial Service Trade Specialists and managers have been certified and more are slated to go through this year.

Further, NASBITE International is having their 25th Anniversary and Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, April 17-21, 2012. I am going to see first-hand and learn more about the organization and their programs. I also want to talk to as many CGBPs as possible face-to-face. I recommend you consider doing so as well in the interest of diversity, due diligence and expanding your learning and knowledge base about what is out there and what is going on in the competitive, dynamic and demanding global trade compliance community. Here is a link to their Conference website: http://nasbite.org/conference-info/. Again, check it out for yourself.

This is an opportunity to color outside our normal education and training boxes, do something different, expand the possibilities and perhaps even enhance our expertise and credibility in a more meaningful way.

I did not know NASBITE International or the CGBP program existed until the Fall of 2010 as a result of our in-depth research in conjunction with The Export Practitioner article: “Certificate vs. Certification: Buyer Beware!” I am constantly amazed about what I do not know and/or have not heard about. This is a prime example of a long overdue and timely discovery for me, but hundreds of others are already well connected with NASBITE International and the CGPB program. I recommend you find out more for yourself and your organization….

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Long Promised and Anxiously Awaited Proposed International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Part 129 Leaves Much to Be Desired….

As many seasoned trade compliance professionals have pointed out you need to be careful what you ask for. A good example of that is the proposed revision to Part 129 of the ITAR. If you have not read it carefully you most certainly should.

Additionally, if you want a right between the eyes assessment of its significant impact and implications, read the two articles in Jim Bartlett’s Ex/Im Daily Update from Clif Burns, Counsel, at Bryan Cave LLP’s Washington DC Office. The first titled “DDTC Releases New Proposed Brokering Rules” is in the Monday, December 19th, 2011, edition. The second: “And It Just Gets Worse and Worse“ is in yesterdays, December 21st edition.

If your organization or you are in any way affected by these changes, I strongly encourage you to take the time and make the effort to submit comments. They are due by February 17th, 2012. Do not expect the US Government to appreciate or understand the impact and implications, unless you tell them. In the context of changes like this or evolving Export Control Reform, you have got to speak up. If you do not, you deserve what you get. Remember: New does not necessarily mean better.

NOTE: If you are an Empowered Official or trade compliance professional at any level and you are not already on distribution for Jim Bartlett's Ex/Im Daily Update, you most definitely need to be! Make your request directly to Jim at James.Bartlett@NGC.com. I guarantee you will find it invaluable. Consider it a fitting Christmas present to yourself and your organization.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

SOUTHWEST AEROSPACE & DEFENSE TRADE COMPLIANCE FORUM, Las Cruces, New Mexico; April 4-5, 2012 - A Unique Outreach, Education and Training Opportunity!

This low-cost, high-quality, hands-on, practical-application and case study focused effort is hosted by the US Commercial Service and the New Mexico Economic Development Department. It includes a seminar, networking reception, workshops and a tour of Spaceport America.

Day one Seminar topics include: Overview and Update on US Export Controls; International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) HOT Topics: State Department Trends, Defense Service Exports, Export Control Reform Initiatives, Agreements, Brokering, Third-Country/Dual Nationals, D-Trade, Merger & Acquisition Due Diligence, and much more…; Automation & Software Essentials in Trade Compliance; Industry Panel - How to Successfully Navigate the ITAR Minefield; Enforcement Update and Latest Consequences of Non-Compliance with Important Case Studies and Lessons Learned. Day one ends with a Q&A session followed by a networking reception.

On day two attendees have two workshops to pick from.

TRACK 1 is “Challenges Facing Empowered Officials and Trade Compliance Professionals: Minimizing Exposure, Liability and Risk” and includes sessions on Investigations, Disclosures and Decision Making; What the Regulations Don’t Say and How to Prepare for What’s Ahead, Hands-on Interactive Case Studies and ends with a presenter Q&A period.

TRACK 2 is “Commercial Space and the ITAR” with sessions on What Every Commercial Space Entrepreneur Needs to Know; USML Categories IV, VIII and XV, as well as Relevant CCL Entries; Obstacles to Export; Interagency and Regulatory Conflicts Launch/Spaceflight Insurance Issues, Defense Services, etc.; Spaceports and the ITAR: Compliance Requirements for the Owner, Operators, Tenants, Suppliers, etc.; Hands-on Interactive Case Studies and also ends with a presenters Q&A.

In the afternoon of day two there is a special Spaceport America Tour.

For a flyer with additional details including hotel information, a complete agenda and registration link, go to http://www.scribd.com/doc/76317513/Southwest-Aerospace-Defense-Trade-Compliance-Forum-Flyer.

This program is intended for anyone who deals with global trade compliance (including exports, imports, customs, logistics, business development, marketing, procurement, engineering, operations, security, human resources, contracting, supply chain...) and related regulatory, compliance and enforcement issues.