New - Mandatory Electronic Filing for all Shipments Requiring SED, Effective July 2, 2008

The U.S. Census Bureau has issued the final rule, which is requiring mandatory filing of export information through the Automated Export System (AES) or through the AESDirect for all shipments where a Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) is required, effective July 2, 2008. There will be a 90-day implementation period, which ends September 30, 2008. After that, you must file your export information electronically through the AES or AESDirect. These new regulations, published in the Federal Register on June 2, 2008, have tougher penalty provisions that affect everyone in the export process. Penalties may be imposed per violation of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) from $1,100 to $10,000 both civil and criminal. Anyone submitting paper SEDs after September 30, 2008, will be in violation and subject to penalties. For more information on this important rule, please visit: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/aes/mandatory/index.html

Important - REACH the New European Chemicals Regulation, Pre-Registration Starts June 1, 2008

REACH is a major reform of EU chemicals policy, affecting all global supply chains that produce and use chemicals. The first business relevant deadline is on June 1, 2008 when pre-registration starts. REACH requires that chemical substances on their own, in preparations and those which are intentionally released from articles have to be registered to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The regulation applies to substances manufactured in, or imported to the EU in annual quantities of 1 ton or more per company, unless the regulation indicates otherwise. The chemicals currently on the EU market which meet the definition of phase-in substances should be pre-registered between June 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008. For more on REACH resources and link to a brochure on REACH information for exporters to the European Union, please visit the U.S Mission to the European Union website at: http://www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion/reach.html

BIS Seeks Public Comments on Refining Deemed Export Policy

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) seeks public comments on recommendations made by the Deemed Export Advisory Committee (DEAC) in its December 2007 report. BIS seeks public input on whether the scope of technologies on the Commerce Control List (CCL) subject to deemed export licensing requirements should be narrowed, and if so, which technologies should be subject to deemed export licensing requirements. BIS also seeks comments on whether a more comprehensive set of criteria should be used to assess country affiliation for foreign nationals with respect to deemed exports. Comments must be submit by August 18, 2008, by any of the following methods: http://www.regulations.gov, eMail to: rpd2@bis.doc.gov, or fax to: 202-482-3355. For more information, please visit: http://www.bis.doc.gov/news/2008/deac_pr05192008.htm

BIS Establishes On-line Export Control Training for Exporters

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has launched the BIS On-line Training Room, an innovative new resource for companies interested in learning about U.S. dual-use export control regulations. The BIS Online Training Room will be a great help to exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to learn about export control regulations. The easy to use modules include the first half of the Essentials of Export Controls seminar that BIS currently offers around the country, as well as pre-recorded webinars covering a variety of topics. For more information, please visit: http://www.bis.doc.gov/seminarsandtraining/seminar-training.htm

Global Opportunities - Upcoming Trade Missions, Trade Events, Webinars and More

Medical Equipment Trade Mission to Southeast Asia, August 4-12, 2008

The U.S. Commercial Service invites Healthcare industry exporters to participate in the Medical Equipment Trade Mission to Southeast Asia (SEA), August 4-12, 2008. The medical equipment trade mission will showcase U.S. medical equipment and technology to improve health care delivery and support the health care programs in the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. The mission offers an excellent opportunity for U.S. companies to promote products in these markets. Southeast Asian markets have dynamic economies and are key U.S. export destinations. The region has almost 600 million consumers and a combined GDP of US$2.8 trillion. Please see related webinar in this newsletter. For more information, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/healthcare/seasia.html

The Americas Competitiveness Forum, Atlanta, Georgia, August 17-19, 2008

The Americas Competitiveness Forum will provide a venue for government ministers from the Western Hemisphere to come together with leaders from the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations, to explore cutting edge ideas and best practices in several key areas of competitiveness.The ACF's main tracks are: International Trade Logistics, Market Opportunities in the Americas, Environmental Sustainability, Alliances in Business and Education. For more information, and to register, please visit: http://www.competitivenessforum.com/

Clean Energy and Environment Trade Mission to China and India, Sept 1-12, 2008

The U.S. Department of Commerce will sponsor this mission aimed to match participating U.S. companies with opportunities in these fast-growing markets, where American clean energy and environmental goods and services can help address energy security and climate change, improving the environment. The mission will promote U.S. technologies for renewable energy, biofuels, energy efficiency, clean coal, distributed generation, waste and wastewater treatment, packaging recycling, and drinking water treatment. The itinerary includes Beijing, Jinan, and Shanghai, China, and New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, India. For further details, please visit: http://www.export.gov/cleanenergymission/.

FedEx Certified Trade Mission to India, November 9-15, 2008

FedEx is sponsoring its first U.S. Department of Commerce-Certified Trade Mission to India, November 9-15, 2008, with stops in New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. This trade mission offers a unique opportunity for U.S. firms to launch or expand business in one of the world's most dynamic markets, the mission will put participants in face-to-face contact with Indian business executives, industry decision-makers, government officials, commercial specialists, and others. The U.S. Commercial Service will help participants find partners, distributors, agents and buyers in India. For more information, please visit the mission website: http://offer.van.fedex.com/m/p/fdx/ind/trademission.asp.

Market of the Month: Indonesia

The U.S. travel warning on Indonesia had been lifted, which will benefit commercial travel and allow the increase of sales opportunities for American firms. With a population of over 230 million, Indonesia is the world's fourth largest country – providing endless opportunities for U.S. companies looking to do business in the Southeast Asia region. Indonesia’s internal growth continues to fuel consumer demand and American products and services that have great appeal – as illustrated by the arrival of multiple U.S. franchises such as A&W, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Serta. For more information, please visit: http://www.export.gov/articles/mom_indonesia.asp

Special Offer: Two Free Commercial News Ads Commercial News USA

Take advantage of the relatively low value of the dollar and increase your worldwide sales. Advertise in the next two issues of Commercial News USA and receive your third ad for free. Plus, reserve your space in the September-October 2008 issue of Commercial News USA by July 11, and you will receive a free banner ad on our website from September 1 through October 31. The September-October issue will feature a special sections on the following sectors: automotive, aviation, marine, manufacturing, and industrial. Commercial News USA, the official export promotion magazine of the U.S. Department of Commerce, reaches 400,000 readers in 176 countries worldwide. For more information about receiving your free ads, call 1-800-581-8533 ext. 806 or send e-mail to advertise@thinkglobal.us. For more information and to review the current issue of Commercial News USA, please visit: http://www.thinkglobal.us/

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rolling Meadows, IL , August 13, 2008

If you don't know, think, or are uncertain as to whether your company's export and imports are regulated by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you should attend this seminar. You will learn the players, policies, and processes of US export controls and compliance; how to minimize your company's exposure, liability, and risk; and understand the importance of ethics in trade compliance and why it's so important. Free one-hour counseling sessions will be available on Thursday, August 14 with the seminar experts on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional seminar details and on-line registration, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/midwest/227.html.

Aerospace Executive Service (AES) at Africa Aerospace & Defense 2008, September 16-19, 2008

The U.S. Commercial Service, Aerospace & Defense Team will offer an Aerospace Executive Service (AES) at Africa Aerospace & Defense 2008, September 16-19, 2008. The goal of the AES is to facilitate an effective presence for small- and medium-sized companies without the major expenses associated with purchasing and staffing exhibition space. The AES will consist of two days of pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with pre-screened firms; facilitation of transport requirements to and from the show; VIP pass admission to the Air Show; literature on display in the meeting area; dedicated meeting area for AES participants; pre-show briefing with welcome kits; and a networking reception. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=27773

Central Asia Mining 2008 Catalog Show & Outreach - Kazakhstan, September 17 - October 17, 2008

The U.S. Commercial Service Almaty is hosting a unique event that will promote US firms products and services at a US catalog booth at the largest mining trade show in Central Asia, (http://www.miningworld.kz/en/2008/), and promote these same products during a road show to some of Kazakhstan's largest mining centers. Participants will be able to gauge interest in their product while also creating brand recognition. Regional outreach trips will include CS Almaty staff making US product presentations to mining experts and engineers in the field. For more information and to register, please visit:http://www.export.gov/eac/show_detail_trade_events.asp?EventID=15341

Upcoming Webinars

June 17, 2008 - Southeast Asia Opportunities for Medical Equipment and Devices

This webinar will focusing on the market opportunities and best prospects for U.S. medical equipment, instruments, disposables and diagnostics in Southeast Asia. Countries highlighted are the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. Each country will present a market overview, best prospects, and market opportunities for U.S. medical equipment and devices. This webinar will give you the edge you need to understand the lucrative Southeast Asian markets. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/healthcare/asiawebinar.html

June 19, 2008 - India's High-Tech Sectors

Learn about lucrative opportunities in India's dynamic high-technology sectors. This webinar will focus on India's expanding high-tech market and upcoming trade promotion initiatives such as the November trade mission to India organized by FedEx in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service. For more information and to register, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q5S

June 24, 2008 - China's Publishing Industry: Market Opportunities & Challenges for U.S. Exporters

This webinar explores China's book and publishing industry. Learn about what sells, who buys, and how to navigate the restrictive environment of state owned enterprises, regulations and piracy. Receive a detailed market research report not yet released to the public as part of your registration. Submit your questions to the presenters in advance to ensure your concerns are raised. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/asianow/china_publishingwebinar.html

June 26, 2008 - U.S. Opportunities in Mexico's Aviation, Aerospace, and Airports

This webinar briefing will provide an overview of the market conditions in the growing Mexican aviation industry. You will learn more about the Government of Mexico’s plans for continued growth in these sectors; business opportunities for U.S. products and services; and about the key events in Mexico to promote aviation and aerospace products and services. For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.buyusa.gov/mexico/en/aviation_aerospace_airports.html

July 8, 2008 - China's Natural Products Regulation

This webinar briefing will help you to learn how to navigate the evolving and complex regulatory environment for natural products in China. Learn about current market opportunities: what sells and who buys and important considerations for entering the Natural Products Market in China. This webinar will address regulatory challenges US firms now face in China; what's being done; resources available to US Exporters, and what are the rumored regulatory changes ahead. For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/asianow/chinanaturalproducts.html

July 10, 2008 - CE Mark Your Medical Device in the EU

Is your medical device ready for the European Union? The U.S. Commercial Service Healthcare Team invites you to the upcoming webinar on how to CE Mark your Medical Device in the European Union. A leading European company, Winckels Medical Device Expertise (WMDE) , from The Netherlands with years of experience will cover the following topics: what is the CE Mark, what is the current status of laws regarding the CE Mark, is the CE Mark mandatory or voluntary? what is the cost and time frame associated with obtaining the CE Mark, and how can WMDE assist me with the process. For more information and to register for this dynamic program, please visit: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=8Q68