I have found some important websites which might be useful for those who are related to export-import business or logistics business;
1.) http://www.cscb.ca/ - Canadian Society of Customs Broker
2.) http://globaledge.msu.edu/ - Source for Global Business Knowledge
3.) http://www.foreign-trade.com/ - Import - Export Resources:Foreign Trade Online
4.) http://www.ciffa.com/index.asp - CIFFA
5.) http://www.fita.org/ - The Federation of International Trade Associations
6.) http://www.globalsources.com/ - Manufacturers Global Sources
7.) http://toboc.com/ - Global Trade Platform
8.) http://www.ctl.ca - Canadian Transportation and Logistics
9.) http://www.goodmoves.ca/en/home.asp - Logistics Resources
Monday, June 2, 2008
Selecting a customs Broker
More than 150,000 importers deal with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) each year. Most rely on the services of a licensed customs broker to get their shipments cleared at the border. For each of these transactions, reams of critical business data must be generated, about everything from country of origin and destinations, to suppliers, tariff classifications, routings, and intended use. Traditionally, importers rely on customs brokers to pull that information together and clear the goods through customs. But many importers are learning that it is only part of the story. Customs brokers are now helping importers leverage that information into a strategic advantage, turning information into critical business intelligence. They are offering a growing range of specialized services to help importers develop new product lines, explore new markets, evaluate the impact of global change, and cut costs.
When selecting a Canadian customs broker, it is important to ask the following questions:
1. Does your firm have a specific area of expertise? How do you let your clients know of regulatory changes that affect the goods they import or export?
2. Do you have experience with and current knowledge of the goods that will be imported by my business? Can you provide me with some references from clients who import the same or similar items? What do you require from me to begin development of my database records?
3. How will we work together to develop a compliance plan to clarify our responsibilities and minimize our exposure to administrative monetary penalties (AMPS)?
4. Can you communicate electronically with me, my vendors, carriers, CBSA, and other government departments? What has your company done to prepare for the new CBSA programs that require advance electronic communication of data? How can you help me prepare and comply with these requirements?
5. What are your release procedures? What are your accounting procedures? What are my security options? Will you require a deposit from me to cover duties and taxes?
6. What are your charges based upon? How do you define any “consulting” that may be required? What are my billing options? Is there a minimum or maximum fee?
7. Should an error be made in calculating the amount owed to CBSA, what are your recovery procedures? What are my obligations?
8. What information do you have concerning exporting to Canada that I can provide to my suppliers?
9. How many Certified Customs Specialists do you have on staff? Will one of these individuals be handling my importations?
10. Are you affiliated with any foreign customs brokers? Carriers? Freight Forwarders?
11. Can you provide me with a regular report that details my import and export history?
12. Are you a member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers? If so, do you subscribe to their e-mail service that provides timely, up-to-date operational and policy information from CBSA and other international trade resources?
Some additional information you should provide to your customs broker
Details about the goods you import and export, including: who manufactures the goods, where the goods are manufactured, the end-use and/or user of the goods, and the value of the goods.
For more information:
Visit web site at http://www.cscb.ca, email us at cscb@cscb.ca or phone us at 1-613-562-3543.
(Source: http://www.cscb.ca/070/pb_fs02_e.html)
When selecting a Canadian customs broker, it is important to ask the following questions:
1. Does your firm have a specific area of expertise? How do you let your clients know of regulatory changes that affect the goods they import or export?
2. Do you have experience with and current knowledge of the goods that will be imported by my business? Can you provide me with some references from clients who import the same or similar items? What do you require from me to begin development of my database records?
3. How will we work together to develop a compliance plan to clarify our responsibilities and minimize our exposure to administrative monetary penalties (AMPS)?
4. Can you communicate electronically with me, my vendors, carriers, CBSA, and other government departments? What has your company done to prepare for the new CBSA programs that require advance electronic communication of data? How can you help me prepare and comply with these requirements?
5. What are your release procedures? What are your accounting procedures? What are my security options? Will you require a deposit from me to cover duties and taxes?
6. What are your charges based upon? How do you define any “consulting” that may be required? What are my billing options? Is there a minimum or maximum fee?
7. Should an error be made in calculating the amount owed to CBSA, what are your recovery procedures? What are my obligations?
8. What information do you have concerning exporting to Canada that I can provide to my suppliers?
9. How many Certified Customs Specialists do you have on staff? Will one of these individuals be handling my importations?
10. Are you affiliated with any foreign customs brokers? Carriers? Freight Forwarders?
11. Can you provide me with a regular report that details my import and export history?
12. Are you a member of the Canadian Society of Customs Brokers? If so, do you subscribe to their e-mail service that provides timely, up-to-date operational and policy information from CBSA and other international trade resources?
Some additional information you should provide to your customs broker
Details about the goods you import and export, including: who manufactures the goods, where the goods are manufactured, the end-use and/or user of the goods, and the value of the goods.
For more information:
Visit web site at http://www.cscb.ca, email us at cscb@cscb.ca or phone us at 1-613-562-3543.
(Source: http://www.cscb.ca/070/pb_fs02_e.html)
CN storage fees at Brampton
Expectations are high that the pace of cross-border trade should match that of other parts of the economy. Unfortunately the movement of goods across borders is complicated not only by the rules and regulations of governments but also by the complexity of paths that these goods take as they journey from their country of origin to the importer’s premises. Everyone tries to work together but sometimes the business needs of one are not entirely compatible with the business decisions of another.
The implications of CN’s decision to reduce free storage time at its Brampton Intermodal Terminal and the dramatic increase of the daily storage fee have been felt throughout the supply chain. Consequently, importers are beginning to understand that because storage is no longer related to service failure, they must now make allowances for storage costs that arise as a result of CN’s business decisions.There are four significant factors that are contributing to the increased frequency of storage charges. These are:
1) enforcement of CBSA requirements relating to time frames for release document submission
2) the establishment of the Canada Border Services Agency penalty program (AMPS), which
requires that documentation must be accurate and compliant with the regulations governing submission. Compliance demands accuracy. No one wants a penalty applied to his business.
3) a reduction in "free time" at the terminals (eg CN used to give 5 free days plus the first weekend, this has now been reduced to 2 days including the weekend) and
4) a dramatic increases in storage fees (eg CN used to charge $50/day, now at $200/day or part thereof).
Here is a scenario showing that in some cases storage fees are unavoidable:
ocean container arrives at CN BIT Thursday night but freight is not deemed available for pickup
customs release has already taken place local cartage carrier will not arrange pickup unless freight is available at CN (ie Friday morning)
CN requires 24 hour notice to schedule pickup
24 hour notice translates to next business day - Monday
free time is only 2 days - storage starts Sunday at $200 / day or any part thereof
Monday morning pick-up and delivery - 2 days storage = $400
To further complicate matters, someone must guarantee payment of the storage fees before the goods are released from the terminal. If no one in the importer’s operation is available to guarantee that payment, the goods cannot be picked up. We strongly urge all clients to identify person(s) within your organization who are authorized to guarantee payment. When your customs broker contacts you, he will advise you of how the storage fees were calculated and will ask you to send written authorization guaranteeing your willingness to pay those storage fees. Without this, the broker cannot proceed.
As brokers and importers, we work together as supply chain partners. By providing your broker with relevant documentation about shipments traveling by CN as soon as you can, and by assigning a member of your organization responsibility for decisions regarding storage charges, we can mitigate the possibility of unnecessary charges. Without 24/7 operations, there will be times when storage fees cannot be avoided but as brokers we are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the costs associated with CN’s new storage fee regime.
(Source:http://www.cscb.ca/070/pb_fs04_e.htm)
The implications of CN’s decision to reduce free storage time at its Brampton Intermodal Terminal and the dramatic increase of the daily storage fee have been felt throughout the supply chain. Consequently, importers are beginning to understand that because storage is no longer related to service failure, they must now make allowances for storage costs that arise as a result of CN’s business decisions.There are four significant factors that are contributing to the increased frequency of storage charges. These are:
1) enforcement of CBSA requirements relating to time frames for release document submission
2) the establishment of the Canada Border Services Agency penalty program (AMPS), which
requires that documentation must be accurate and compliant with the regulations governing submission. Compliance demands accuracy. No one wants a penalty applied to his business.
3) a reduction in "free time" at the terminals (eg CN used to give 5 free days plus the first weekend, this has now been reduced to 2 days including the weekend) and
4) a dramatic increases in storage fees (eg CN used to charge $50/day, now at $200/day or part thereof).
Here is a scenario showing that in some cases storage fees are unavoidable:
ocean container arrives at CN BIT Thursday night but freight is not deemed available for pickup
customs release has already taken place local cartage carrier will not arrange pickup unless freight is available at CN (ie Friday morning)
CN requires 24 hour notice to schedule pickup
24 hour notice translates to next business day - Monday
free time is only 2 days - storage starts Sunday at $200 / day or any part thereof
Monday morning pick-up and delivery - 2 days storage = $400
To further complicate matters, someone must guarantee payment of the storage fees before the goods are released from the terminal. If no one in the importer’s operation is available to guarantee that payment, the goods cannot be picked up. We strongly urge all clients to identify person(s) within your organization who are authorized to guarantee payment. When your customs broker contacts you, he will advise you of how the storage fees were calculated and will ask you to send written authorization guaranteeing your willingness to pay those storage fees. Without this, the broker cannot proceed.
As brokers and importers, we work together as supply chain partners. By providing your broker with relevant documentation about shipments traveling by CN as soon as you can, and by assigning a member of your organization responsibility for decisions regarding storage charges, we can mitigate the possibility of unnecessary charges. Without 24/7 operations, there will be times when storage fees cannot be avoided but as brokers we are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the costs associated with CN’s new storage fee regime.
(Source:http://www.cscb.ca/070/pb_fs04_e.htm)
Purolator employees ratify latest deal
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Employees at Purolator Courier have ratified a collective agreement reached between the company and the Canada Council of Teamsters at the end of April.
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Employees at Purolator Courier have ratified a collective agreement reached between the company and the Canada Council of Teamsters at the end of April.
"We are very pleased our employees have voted to accept the contract offer presented," said Robert C. Johnson, president and CEO of Purolator. "With a new contract in place, our customers can look forward to continuing to receive the flexible solutions and responsive service they expect from Purolator."
"I personally, along with the Canada Council of Teamsters, am happy that Purolator's employees have spoken and chosen to ratify a new collective agreement," said Robert Bouvier, president of Teamsters Canada. "We are looking forward to working with Purolator toward continued success in the future."
(Source:http://www.ctl.ca/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=85016&issue=05302008)
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Employees at Purolator Courier have ratified a collective agreement reached between the company and the Canada Council of Teamsters at the end of April.
"We are very pleased our employees have voted to accept the contract offer presented," said Robert C. Johnson, president and CEO of Purolator. "With a new contract in place, our customers can look forward to continuing to receive the flexible solutions and responsive service they expect from Purolator."
"I personally, along with the Canada Council of Teamsters, am happy that Purolator's employees have spoken and chosen to ratify a new collective agreement," said Robert Bouvier, president of Teamsters Canada. "We are looking forward to working with Purolator toward continued success in the future."
(Source:http://www.ctl.ca/issues/ISArticle.asp?id=85016&issue=05302008)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
FIATA World Congress in Vancouver
FIATA & CIFFA invite you to attend the FIATA World Congress in Vancouver.
Take advantage of this networking opportunity and meet with your current agents in Canada. It's your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop new business relationships and to gain a competitive edge.
Sponsorship opportunties are available for the FIATA Annual Congress which attracts more than 1000 key decision makers in the freight logistics industry and is a must attend by anyone in this key field.
To discover the various exhibition and sponsorship opportunties , pls. visit the above web site link.
For CIFFA sponsorship opportunties for Canadian based companies, pls. send. an e-mail to fiata2008@ciffa.com
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: For those members planning to attend this exciting Congress, the discount deadline is until June 30,2008 so register now at www.fiata2008.com
If you have any questions regarding this upcoming conference,pls. do not hesitate to contact the Congress Organizer at fiata2008@mci-group.com or visit the FIATA web site at above link.
(Source: http://www.goodmoves.ca)
Take advantage of this networking opportunity and meet with your current agents in Canada. It's your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop new business relationships and to gain a competitive edge.
Sponsorship opportunties are available for the FIATA Annual Congress which attracts more than 1000 key decision makers in the freight logistics industry and is a must attend by anyone in this key field.
To discover the various exhibition and sponsorship opportunties , pls. visit the above web site link.
For CIFFA sponsorship opportunties for Canadian based companies, pls. send. an e-mail to fiata2008@ciffa.com
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: For those members planning to attend this exciting Congress, the discount deadline is until June 30,2008 so register now at www.fiata2008.com
If you have any questions regarding this upcoming conference,pls. do not hesitate to contact the Congress Organizer at fiata2008@mci-group.com or visit the FIATA web site at above link.
(Source: http://www.goodmoves.ca)
CIFFA Cargo Security Coordinator Training
(PLEASE CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW) To register please go to CIFFA website.
(Source: http://www.goodmoves.ca)
India-Canada conclude talks on FIPPA
Toronto: India and Canada have concluded negotiations on a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (FIPPA) that would safeguard investors’ rights in the two countries and boost bilateral economic ties.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Commerce Kamal Nath and Canadian Minister of International Trade David Emerson at a joint press conference here.
Nath said the agreement, which is expected to be signed soon, would promote economic relations between the two countries and accelerate two-way investments.
“The agreement, designed to protect investors by defining their legally binding rights and obligations, would give new impetus to Indo-Canada economic relations,” he said.
Emerson said the bilateral commercial ties could grow exponentially after this agreement. The deal would protect and promote two-way foreign investment and would stimulate trade and investment with India, he said.
The agreement is intended to protect foreign investments against exportation or nationalization, and improve access for Canadian firms in a rapidly growing Indian market, he said.
“We have both agreed Canada and India have an enormous amount of economic and commercial potential,” Emerson said. He dismissed concerns that the deal would jeopardize the Canadian job market.Instead he felt that Indian investment would help the Canadian economy and bring more jobs to Canada, he said.
In 2006, direct investment between Canada and India reached $528 million (Rs2112 crore) and two-way trade grew to a record level of $3.6 billion (Rs14,400 crore).
(Source: http://www.livemint.com/2007/06/17142340/IndiaCanada-conclude-talks-on.html)
The announcement was made by the Minister of Commerce Kamal Nath and Canadian Minister of International Trade David Emerson at a joint press conference here.
Nath said the agreement, which is expected to be signed soon, would promote economic relations between the two countries and accelerate two-way investments.
“The agreement, designed to protect investors by defining their legally binding rights and obligations, would give new impetus to Indo-Canada economic relations,” he said.
Emerson said the bilateral commercial ties could grow exponentially after this agreement. The deal would protect and promote two-way foreign investment and would stimulate trade and investment with India, he said.
The agreement is intended to protect foreign investments against exportation or nationalization, and improve access for Canadian firms in a rapidly growing Indian market, he said.
“We have both agreed Canada and India have an enormous amount of economic and commercial potential,” Emerson said. He dismissed concerns that the deal would jeopardize the Canadian job market.Instead he felt that Indian investment would help the Canadian economy and bring more jobs to Canada, he said.
In 2006, direct investment between Canada and India reached $528 million (Rs2112 crore) and two-way trade grew to a record level of $3.6 billion (Rs14,400 crore).
(Source: http://www.livemint.com/2007/06/17142340/IndiaCanada-conclude-talks-on.html)
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