Export Achievement Certificate

If your company would like public recognition for your recent achievement(s) in exporting, consider applying for the Export Achievement Certificate through the U.S. Commercial Service. Through the summer until the end of the year high-level agency officials will be acknowledging successful efforts of U.S. exporters with the Export Achievement Certificates. Presentations will be made locally. To learn who is eligible, please read more on our EAC.

Exporter Alert: Suspicious Chinese Business Practices

SCAMS: Have you been contacted by an unknown buyer? Read this before you do anything:China Business Alert.

Seven Signs of a possible SCAM:

• The Chinese company contacted you via the web
• The Chinese company has "Import/Export" in their name
• They want to purchase a very large volume of goods
• They insist that your senior executive travel to China immediately to sign the contract with them in person
• They request money prior to the trip to pay for a reception in your honor, and/or, once in China, they request money or goods to "grease the wheels" with local officials
• They have been in business for less than one year
• They can provide no verifiable references

New Fees for U.S. Commercial Service Programs

The U.S. Commercial Service implemented a new user fee schedule on May 1, 2008. The new schedule is designed to improve customer service and enable more U.S. companies, especially small firms (in general, those with under 500 employees), to leverage the Commercial Service’s global network of trade experts to increase sales in markets around the world.

“The U.S. Commercial Service is committed to providing our customers with the best solutions possible,” said Israel Hernandez, Assistant Secretary for Trade Promotion of the Commercial Service (CS). “Under our new fee structure, our customers will now pay the same fees worldwide for a CS standard service, no matter where they do business.” For instance, the Gold Key Matchmaking Service will now be $700 for small companies across all markets worldwide. The new schedule maintains low fees for small companies, improving access to CS export assistance for those that most need it. A discount will also be offered as an incentive for qualifying new-to-export companies to try CS services for the first time.

Please review the U.S. Commercial Service’s new fee structure for a full description

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: Mandatory AES Filing

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: US Mission to the EU

China’s Second-Tier Cities Offer Opportunity

Thirteen of China’s second-tier cities account for 8% of China’s population but 53% of its total imports – which is why the untapped markets of China’s second-tier cities provide some of the most exciting and lucrative opportunities for U.S. exporters. Reasons to target these cities include:

• Surging demand
• Less saturated markets
• Less competition
• Chinese economic development policies

To identify market opportunities in these cities visit the American Trading Centers Or you can view a video presentation on these markets.

Bureau of Industry & Security Launches On-line Training Room

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:On-line Training Room.

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

Secretarial Business Development Mission to Focus on CAFTA-DR

Secretary Gutierrez will lead a U.S. business delegation to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, September 29-October 4, 2008, to explore opportunities arising from the Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). Last year, U.S. exports to the Central American and Caribbean region surpassed $22 billion -- an impressive tally likely to increase as CAFTA-DR continues to eliminate most tariffs on U.S. exports.

When he announced the mission last week, Secretary Gutierrez stated that "CAFTA-DR is transforming the competitiveness of the Western Hemisphere in the global marketplace. Since implementation two years ago, the United States has reversed our previous trade deficit to a current trade surplus of $3.7 billion in 2007 with the CAFTA-DR countries. CAFTA-DR has expanded openness and transparency in the region, which has improved the trade and investment climate for U.S. companies. I look forward to leading U.S. exporters on this business development mission to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to capitalize on the opportunities that CAFTA-DR offers to U.S. industry and agriculture.”

The application deadline to participate in this mission is July 31, 2008.

Full details and the on-line application are available on the event website.

July 8, 2008 - China's Natural Products Regulation

How can you learn to navigate the evolving and complex regulatory environment for natural products in China? Participate in our webinar which will discuss 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 U.S. firms now face in China; what's being done; resources available to U.S. exporters and what are the rumored regulatory changes ahead. For more information and to register, please visit: China Natural Products

July 15, 2008 - An Update on Mexico's National Infrastructure Program: Upcoming Business Opportunities

Mexico's National Infrastructure Program, announced in July 2007, will present over $250 billion in business opportunities for U.S. and Mexican firms through 2012. Projects in ports, airports, highways, power, oil and gas, and the environment will offer a valuable business pipeline for American primary/subcontractors and suppliers in these sectors. The U.S. Embassy's Commercial Service in Mexico City, working with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, has performed due diligence on over 300 infrastructure projects and developed a "short list" of concrete, project-by-project opportunities for U.S. exporters.

This free webinar, delivered right to your phone and desktop, will be held from 1-2pm CST (2-3pm EST; 11-12am PST) and include presentations from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and insight from a top U.S. company on conducting business in Mexico.

To register for this free webinar for U.S. exporters, please click here: Mexico's National Infrastructure Program

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

Do you know if your medical device is 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
• How can WMDE assist with the process?

For more information and to register for this dynamic program, please visit: CE Marking.

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: ITAR Seminar.

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: Southeast Asia Healthcare

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: America’s Competitiveness Forum

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, bio-fuels, 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: Clean Energy Mission .

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: Africa Aerospace.

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 our catalog booth at the largest mining trade show in Central Asia, (http://www.miningworld.kz/en/2008/). The Commercial Service will also 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:Catalog Show Details

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: India Trade Mission.

Opportunities in the Middle East and Africa

A 24-minute program has been produced by the U.S. Commercial Service offices in the region to help you learn about the markets and opportunities. The program is available in two segments via You-Tube. See: Middle East & Africa-1 Middle East & Africa-2

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: Indonesia

Special Offer: Two Free Ads with Commercial News USA

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