C-TPAT
C-TPAT is the acronym for Customs-Trade Partnership
Against Terrorism. C-TPAT is a Government-Industry program designed to
increase security at U.S. borders. Industry participation is completely
voluntary. Some benefits of C-TPAT are reduced U.S. Customs inspections,
reduced border delays, and entitlement to a U.S. Customs account
manager.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/apply_ctpat/
FAST
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a
border accord initiative between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. This
program allows U.S./Canada and U.S./Mexico partnering importers
expedited release for qualifying commercial shipments. Participation is
voluntary.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/cargo_security/ctpat/fast/
NEXUS
The NEXUS program is a joint initiative designed,
developed and implemented by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This alternative
inspection program allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be
processed with little or no delay by United States and Canadian border
officials. Approved applicants have a photograph of their iris captured
and receive a photo-identification membership card. Once approved by
both Canada and the United States as low-risk travelers, NEXUS members
enjoy a simplified entry process while traveling across the Canada –
U.S. border by land or air. All Buffalo-Niagara Regional Crossings allow
the use of the Nexus program.
Canada Border Services Agency – Cross Often
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html
NEXUS Air
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/air-aerien-eng.html
NEXUS Highway
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/land-terre-eng.html
Incoterms
Incoterms is an abbreviation of "International
Commercial Terms" published by the
International
Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They are a set of rules for the
interpretation of the most commonly used trade terms in foreign trade
which parties to a contract can agree upon to avoid misunderstandings,
disputes and litigation.
For a comprehensive list of incoterms visit
http://www.export.gov/logistics/exp_incoterms_internatl_logist.asp
Container
Information
A container is a reusable, rigid, exterior "box" in
which merchandise is shipped by air, vessel, truck, or rail. Shipping
containers are designed to keep cargo safe and secure during transit;
they come in various sizes and can be dry, heated or refrigerated.
Although the following websites are geared toward selling shipping
containers, they give a very good overview of the different types of
containers, their dimensions and suggested uses.
IPort – Shipping Containers
http://www.iport.com/sales.html
Worldwide – Shipping Containers
http://www.shipping-worldwide.com/container-sales/spec.htm
Foreign Trade Zones/Free Trade Zones
A Foreign Trade Zone or Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is an
area within a country (a seaport, airport, warehouse or any designated
area) regarded as being outside its customs territory where importers
may bring goods of foreign origin without paying customs duties and
taxes, pending their eventual processing, transshipment or
re-exportation.
To find out if a desired country of destination may
have an FTZ, consult the Country Commercial Guides from the Department
of Commerce using the following link:
http://www.export.gov/mrktresearch/index.asp
This link will display all of the Foreign Trade
Zones in the U.S., by State.
http://ia.ita.doc.gov/ftzpage/
The following are local FTZs in the Buffalo Niagara
region:
Western New York Foreign Trade Zone
10 North Gates Avenue
Lackawanna, New York 14218
Contact: Timothy Palisano
(716) 823-2142 Voice
(716) 823-2613 Fax
Email: ftz@wnyftz.com
Website: http://wnyftz.com/
North American Trading & Drayage, Inc.
Authorized Foreign Trade Zone Operator
2221 Niagara Falls Blvd.
P.O. Box 149
Niagara Falls, NY 14304-0149
Contact: Michael A. Casale
Phone: (716) 731-4900
Fax: (716) 731-3854
Email: info@nccedev.com
Website:
http://www.nccedev.com/ftz.phtml |
