In June 2010, the Consumer Product Safety Commission began posting inspectors at U.S. ports to begin a new policy of enforcing product safety statutes and regulations.

Containers were seized at both air and sea ports, requiring importers and customs brokers to produce general conformity certificates for all products and product testing compliance certificates for products specifically identified under the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act as requiring specialized testing for lead and phthalate content.

On September 22, CPSC officials will discuss provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act relevant to imports accompanied by a graphic presentation. A legal expert will discuss the potential pitfalls facing importers as well as offer advice on how to keep clear of penalties and keep your merchandise moving.

Topics will include:

• The import compliance process as it applies to products that are covered by any rules, regulations, standards, or bans enforced by CPSC
• Sampling and detention procedures
• Conditional release of imported merchandise
• Redelivery of products
• Exportation or destruction of consumer products of refused products
• Helpful tips to avoid or minimize the likelihood of penalties or other enforcement activities by CPSC and Customs.

Participants Include:
Jeremy Baskin, Legal Advisor Import Surveillance Division, Office of the General Counsel, CPSC
Susan Kohn Ross, International Trade Counsel, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP
Carol Cave, Director, Import Surveillance Division, CPSC
Robyn Nissim, The Journal of Commerce, Moderator

This webcast will be presented live September 22, 2010 - 2PM-3:30PM EST.
Questions may be submitted ahead of time to ensure coverage.

For questions, please contact Matt DeNapoli, 973-776-7813 or webcasts@joc.com

Original Broadcast: July 27, 2010

Container shipping lines have warned that importers and exporters may have trouble securing containers for the busy shipping season. This webcast focuses on the worldwide supply and demand factors behind the shortage, and will provide some ideas on what alternatives are available.

• Lack in production of standard dry freight containers in 2009
• Slow Steaming and Super Slow Steaming
• Cargo volume growth in 2010 vs. 2009
• More balanced trade
• Loss of revenue for shipping lines in 2009

It's a new era in Customs enforcement and you need to be ready. Hear discussion from leading Customs officials and your colleagues regarding current compliance and regulatory concerns. The CBP clarifies some of the more common causes of confusion and identify when and how fines will be imposed.

• Where Customs has stepped up trade enforcement
• What violations have top priority
• Whether or not you should disclose information
• The top ten steps you must take now to avoid penalties

Refrigerated cargoes are key U.S. exports and increasingly key imports, requiring sophisticated technology and processes to transport damage-free products to end user markets. In these webcasts, current forecasts on a variety of macroeconomic and industry-specific factors critical to sustainable growth are discussed in detail.

Participants Include:
Harry Butler, Web Editor, UBM Global Trade, Moderator
Mario Moreno, Economist, PIERS
Bill Duggan, Vice President, North American Refrigerated Services for Maersk Line

The end of the informed compliance phase of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Importer Security Filing requirements brings with it the potential for significant increases in costs for U.S. importers. Filing late or filing incorrect information can incur hefty charges, and gathering the required information can slow the supply chain. How can a company best address these challenges so as to minimize risks and keep a lid on costs? What lessons have been learned during the initial implementation, and what are their implications for the future? Finally, what other regulatory efforts may affect companies going forward? In these webcasts, two panels will feature government and private-sector experts to examine these topics.

Registration Options:
You can register for either Panel 1 OR Panel 2 individually
OR you can register for both Panel 1 AND Panel 2*
*if choosing to register for both panels, please complete registration on one of the two unique registration forms, by selecting the 'combined registration' option at bottom. You will receive a confirmation email for both webcasts separately within 2 business days of completing registration.

Hear from the Transportation Security Administration and leading shippers on how to meet the Aug. 1, 2010, deadline for screening expedited shipments.

Get the answers you need!

• What will you need to do to keep your goods moving seamlessly and without delay after the 100 percent air cargo screening deadline?
• How will you choose whether to create your own certified screening program or use providers that meet federal guidelines?
• How do you create a Certified Cargo Screening Program that keeps goods moving?

You’ll get these critical answers straight from the TSA, the government agency that designed the Certified Cargo Screening Program. You’ll also hear from leading companies that have put programs in place to keep their supply chains moving.

This webcast was presented live on December 10, 2009 and includes a question & answer period.

Will you be ready? August 1 will be here before you know it, so don't delay!
On-demand Archive access is only $99!

Learn how Nestle USA used best-in-class procurement processes and technology to set strategic goals, exceed financial targets and manage carrier relationships in today's unprecedented carrier market - and delivered important and measurable savings.


Many companies are under pressure to dramatically reduce transportation costs while maintaining high levels of carrier service. In this complimentary webcast, Chainalytics, i2 Technologies and Nestle USA will share their best practices, proven techniques, and lessons learned to help you bring your company real results from future transportation bids. For companies today, the stakes in transportation procurement have never been higher, and you'll learn how sophisticated shippers use the procurement process not only to realize rate reductions and reduce their carrier base but to realign networks, improve service levels and win ongoing savings, while strengthening carrier relationships.

In a fast-changing economy, shippers face tough decisions on whether and how to outsource supply chain services to third-party logistics providers. Find out the latest about trends and issues in outsourcing to 3PLs. Join a Journal of Commerce webcast for a stimulating discussion featuring representatives from C.H. Robinson Worldwide and AMR Research.

U.S. cotton exports are in a period of huge transition, in terms of who is exporting, where they produce the product and the competition they face from abroad.

There is mounting concern that infrastructure is straining to handle U.S. cotton exports efficiently . Listen as industry experts in the cotton export arena describe the challenges they are facing and the solutions that are needed in this exclusive Webcast.

Now is the season when U.S. Customs and Border Protection notifies importers that they will be the subject of an upcoming Focused Assessment audit or “FA.” An FA is the largest importer review and audit conducted by Customs and typically involves an intensive 6-month audit process of your company’s import operations conducted by a CBP audit team. The CBP team can be expected to review internal controls and Customs entries for compliance in regards to value, HTS classification, NAFTA, GSP, reconciliation, anti-dumping, and other free trade agreements. Effectively preparing for the FA is critical and has proven to reduce potential penalty liability as well as maintaining your import compliance credibility with Customs.

Part 1: Hear from senior CBP officials who oversee and implement the Focused Assessment program and have the opportunity to ask questions
Part 2: A private Q&A session with experienced trade lawyers and ex-Customs officials on how to prepare for and manage the Focused Assessment process.

Presented by The Journal of Commerce¸ hear two experts’ discussion on how forward thinking retailers are improving their demand forecasting and supply chain management. This Journal of Commerce webcast exclusive offers registrants the opportunity to present questions to the speakers for immediate response and discussion.

The reality of the West Coast as a trade gateway defies common wisdom. Seen by many shippers as plagued by congestion, labor disruption and high costs; cargo has steadily been shifted to other gateways more often than not on the East Coast. But current ocean, rail and over-the-road pricing suggest that a fresh look may be warranted. Congestion and longshore labor unrest are non-existent at the moment and may be for years to come. Current ocean and intermodal rates are favorable, as are transit times.

Hear what expert speakers discussed – using specific examples – on why West Coast routings for cargo headed into the interior U.S. makes abundant sense right now in many situations as it relates to the current environment.

The airline industry recently met the government's deadline to screen 50% of all cargo aboard passenger aircraft, and is now facing the challenge of meeting the 2010 deadlinefor 100% screening. Initial reports are somewhat optimistic about the impact on the supply chain, but a number of critical issues remain to be addressed.

Webcast featured insights on these issues from aviation and security experts, including presentations from a panel discussion held at AirCargo 2009 and newly released interviews with the panelists by Paul Page, editorial director of The Journal of Commerce.