U.S. Customs and Border Protection has expanded upon its definition of "members of a family residing in one household". Long-term same-sex couples and other domestic partnerships will now be included under these guidelines. The final rule enables more returning U.S. citizens, residents and international visitors to file joint itemized declarations for goods obtained in a foreign country. CBP anticipates this change to streamline the process by decreasing the amount of paperwork and time spent processing passengers. This will allow their personnel to operate more efficiently while continuing to uphold high standards of security.

Source: U.S. Customs & Border Protection

The highest scoring CCS and CES students from 2013 will receive a fully paid trip to the 2014 NCFBAA Annual Conference thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, CargoWise (CCS) and Avalon Risk Management (CES).

Wendy Harrison was the top scoring student from the entirety of the 2013 CCS student group. Wendy has been in the industry for almost 10 years, moving through the ranks from a receptionist to her current position as Import Supervisor at SDV, USA. She handles many types of files including door to door ocean freight and shipment, RLF entries and ADD/CVD entries. In addition, she is largely responsible for staff training, PEAS, Voluntary Tenders, and Protests on behalf of her company's customers.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the NCBFAA's Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) Certification course," Wendy said. "The topics were relevant to today's industry and very informative. The course reviewed all aspects of the import industry and I can now provide professional, knowledgeable and accurate information to our company's clients, vendors and staff."

She added that the format of the course lent itself to her busy schedule. "I really appreciated the course was self-paced and allowed me to juggle the many activities of a working mom, while really preparing me for my future career."  Wendy is looking forward to continuing her education through our case studies and even plans to sit for the customs broker license exam in the near future.

Tammy-White Castine, Training Advisor of Global Operations Learning & Development at FedEx Trade Networks, was our No. 1 CES student in 2013. She has worked in the customs brokerage industry for 23 years in various roles, including supervisor and team leader. She has advanced through the training organization, rising from operations trainer to senior trainer to training advisor. Most recently, she has been actively involved in the transportation and freight forwarding disciplines, which is what piqued her initial interest in the CES course, and is the Training Lead on several corporate projects in these areas. "The course was instrumental in providing comprehensive background information and solidifying the framework to further my transportation and export knowledge," Tammy said.  "The in-depth information I have learned from the CES course has allowed me to provide valuable insight while training and developing materials for our company's employees."

Congratulations to both of our scholarship winners, as well as all of our newly certified students from 2013! Wendy and Tammy will be acknowledged for their achievements during the opening breakfast Monday, April 7th at the 40th NCBFAA Annual Conference in Summerlin, NV.  

Register for the Thursday Workshops at the 40th NCBFAA Annual Conference!  

The following are two of the many sessions that will be offered.

CCS Session: Evolution or Transformation; The Changing Role of Customs Brokerage

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is in the process of reviewing and modernizing the broker regulations affecting many aspects of how we work, such as continuing education, permits, employee reporting, and relations with third parties. Additionally, CBP is piloting a broker ISA pre-certification program, changing the CBP Form 5106 and may require that importers establish their bona fides. Centers of Excellence and Expertise are up and running. In view of the fundamental changes on, and just beyond the horizon Customs brokers must reconsider their role and realign their businesses. You cannot afford to miss this session!

Presenter:  Daniel Gluck, Simon Gluck & Kane LLP

CES Session: Export Control Reform: Exposing the Risks for the Unsuspecting Freight Forwarder?

For some time now, we have been hearing about export reform and how it will streamline exports. Now, with its implementation, questions arise. Are the changes to Census, BIS & DDTC laws and regulations making it easier to export? Has responsibility shifted from the exporter to the forwarder? What are the consequences for freight forwarders who don't fully understand the new regulations? Learn what you can do to take full advantage of export reform and how to set up internal controls and procedures to meet government requirements and limit your exposure.

Presenter:  Lenny Feldman, Sandler, Travis, & Rosenberg

Are you a subject matter expert in a particular field? Do you love sharing your knowledge with others? If so, consider becoming an NEI webinar presenter!

We are always looking for new speakers to provide accurate, timely and pertinent information to our members on a variety of industry topics. You can receive NEI credit for your time and efforts, as well as a percentage of proceeds if you are interested.

A listing of possible topics is here. For more information, please contact Education Coordinator Cecilia Ferrara at [email protected].