WTCU SURVEY

Have You Answered Your World Trade Center Utah Survey Yet?

We are working in collaboration with the University of Utah to better identify your international business needs as we expand and define the WTCU. To that end, the WTCU Research Team recently distributed a 10-15 minute online survey to many of you in the business community, and we would greatly appreciate your time in responding to it. Those of you who complete the survey will be eligible for a $500 gift to be applied to your Chamber of Commerce membership. Please take the time to give us your valuable input, as we are eager to design your World Trade Center Utah to fit your international business needs.

If you did not receive the survey and would like to participate in this research, please email mike.miller@business.utah.edu, and he will send you the link to the online WTCU survey.
 

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

A Primer on Export Compliance: Ask Yourself What, Where and To Whom?

First in a two-part series

Source: Exportfolio, Inc.
With increasing attention directed toward export compliance, both from the federal government and from private industry, companies have become painfully aware of the dire consequences that attend an export compliance misstep—like an unpleasant encounter with an investigator or a prosecutor.

Some companies and organizations have had robust export compliance systems in place for years, while others are scrambling to put a rudimentary system in place. If your company or organization has or is about to undertake export compliance efforts, here are some general guidelines to follow.

Start with classification by asking yourself: “What am I exporting?”

IS IT AN ITAR ITEM?
If you are exporting a product, technology, or service (collectively referred to as an “item”), then compliance begins with classification. You must know what it is you are exporting. To begin with, you must first determine if your item is governed by ITAR, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Administered by the State Department, ITAR governs and regulates munitions list items. These are items specifically designed or modified for military use. The Munitions List can be changed, or be clarified, from time to time by the State Department. For example, recently the State Department asserted its jurisdiction over the airframe of the C-130 military aircraft. Any item that is governed by ITAR requires a license, or a license exception, to be exported.

IF NOT AN ITAR ITEM, THEN WHAT KIND OF CCL ITEM IS IT?
If an item does not fall under the jurisdiction of ITAR (i.e. it is not a munitions list item), then it falls under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Department and its classification is covered by the Commerce Control List (“CCL”). Although the Commerce Department restrictions might be less than those applicable to an ITAR item, the jurisdictional classification scheme of the CCL is much more complex. Each item must be assigned a specific ECCN number (the “export control classification number”). There are hundreds of ECCN numbers and sub-numbers. Often the CCL classification analysis can be complex, with the ultimate determination being made by an engineer. It is also important to understand that parts or products have different classification numbers than technical data. The ECCN number is the key to making an export determination under Commerce Department regulations. Proper ECCN classification and appropriate paperwork will help speed your item through customs.

A few other recommendations regarding export classification:

• Once an item has been classified as a munitions list item, and falls under the jurisdiction of ITAR, it stays that way. Even years later, it is still an ITAR item until specifically released by the State Department by official commodity jurisdiction.
• A company can submit items to the State Department for a Commodity Jurisdiction (also know as a “CJ”) or to the Commerce Department. This process can take time and may require the help of an expert.
• A company can also self-classify certain items, but you must be careful. Classifications can be very complex—and sometimes the result is not intuitive.
• Don’t forget that technical data must also be classified before being exported.

TRADE FACTS

Today, the United States has FTAs with 14 countries. Congress has four Free Trade Agreements with Peru, Colombia, Panama and Korea to be considered. If enacted, these four pending FTAs would expand market opportunities between the United States and countries having nearly 126 million consumers and a combined GDP of $1.1 trillion (2006 based on market exchange rates).

Source: International Trade Administration

EVENTS

World Trade Association
of Utah invites You to 'Trade Issues in U.S. – China Relations'

Luncheon Discussion with Wang Haichen

Mr. Wang Haichen is responsible for industrial development of the Shunyi District of Beijing. In this capacity, he maintains and operates many economic zones, including those for airport telecommunication, printing, motor manufacturing, among others. With a primary focus on airport logistics, he manages a complex relationship between the Shunyi District government and the Beijing International Airport, which is also located nearby. All aqua sports during the 2008 Olympics will take place within the Shunyi District, thus Mr. Wang is a key organizer of next year’s Olympic Games. His plans for the future include exploring social development in large cities, learning how U.S. cities cope with changing populations from rural areas, and learning about how major airports support and/or hinder expansion of local economies.


When: Friday, October 12, 2007

Where: Little America Hotel & Towers, 500 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm (lunch)

Cost: Non-Member rate: $30.00 (to include both the presentation and lunch). Paid-Members: Depends on your membership status. For membership information, please email us at info@WTAofUtah.com.

To RSVP, please call Jennifer at the Global Management Center at 801-422-6495 and be ready with your Name, company, email address and phone number. Or, email the preceding information to info@WTAofUtah.com.

All RSVPs are due by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2007. Any cancellations after Wednesday or failing to attend the meeting will result in an invoice for the cost.

                                  * * * *

Access Asia at Westminster College

The Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to Access Asia, a complimentary after-hours reception ideal for making profitable business contacts and referrals.

Guests will enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, refreshments (hosted bar) and a casual atmosphere for networking and developing business opportunities.

When: October 5 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Westminster College, Norman and Barbara Tanner Atrium (inside the Jewett Center), on the corner of 1700 South and 1200 East. Free parking in front and back of building. Please RSVP to Agnes Higley at 801.842.2150 or e-mail agneshigley@remax.net.
 

INTERNSHIPS

Applications Accepted for Internships with U.S. Department of State

Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 Summer Student Internship Program at the US Department of State.

Please use the following link: http://careers.state.gov/students/programs.html#SIP for more information, and to start the online application process.

The deadline to submit completed applications is November 1, 2007.
 

WHO'S NEWS?

GOED's Rovira Attends USHCC Convention in Puerto Rico

Miguel R. Rovira, regional director for the Americas in the Governor's Office of Economic Development, recently attended the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's international convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The USHCC convention brings together one of the largest gatherings of Latino entrepreneurs, business owners and representatives from Corporate America to network and build relationships, obtain training, improve procurement opportunities and augment business growth in North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. This year's workshops covered a broad range of topics concerning international business and trade.

Sen. Valentine and UVSC VP
Go to Krygyzstan

Advertise in Global Utah