Events
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Join the Propeller Club LA/LB for our Annual Holiday Lunch on December 15th at the Lagunita Pavilion. Bring a co-worker or a client and enjoy the music and festivities this holiday season. We will celebrate with live music, raffle prizes, and more!
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Helping Importers Navigate ADDCVD Issues with CBP Webinar Recording see more
Helping Importers Navigate ADDCVD Issues with CBP
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)
This 1-hour program will provide brokers with pointers on how to guide their importer clients when antidumping duties might, or even are, applicable to the importer’s products. The program will cover both where to find information as well as how to push back on potentially incorrect CBP decisions.
Speaker
Michael Roll, Partner, Roll & Harris LLP
Mike is an accomplished international trade lawyer and represents clients in virtually all areas of import-export laws and regulations, whether it be traditional customs issues with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or related issues stemming from compliance with laws and regulations managed by other agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, etc.
He has 25 years of experience in the private sector and is a former partner of a prominent national law firm. He is an accomplished, well-known authority on U.S. and foreign preferential trade programs, including NAFTA, GSP, CBI and IFTA. He has excellent business acumen and extensive experience in international trade. Mike represents companies large and small in diverse industries, such as consumer products, agricultural/food products, automotive, textile and apparel, high tech, and others.
Mike is well versed in both proactive planning for companies, such as by helping them plan and implement strategies for mitigating the recent Section 301 tariffs on Chinese origin goods, as well as reactive representation by defending clients against all types of customs audits, investigations, penalties, seizures, detentions, liquidated damage cases.
In addition to the above, Mike is well-versed in supply chain security programs and has assisted numerous clients become approved Tier 1, 2 and 3 level participants in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. He regularly assists clients with mapping and assessing their supply chain security practices and provides clients with training on C-TPAT compliance. Fluent in Spanish and has presented supply chain security, as well as trade compliance, seminars in English as well as Spanish. Mike has spoken on NAFTA rules of origin, as well as U.S. and Mexican customs procedures throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. He is the author of numerous articles on international trade issues.
Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where his studies focused on international business and Latin America. He obtained his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law, where he was a Notes & Comments Editor of the Fordham International Law Journal.
Mike is a member of the California and Illinois bars, and is admitted to practice before the Court of International Trade, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
This event originally aired on August 23, 2022.
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An Update From the Federal Maritime Commission Webinar Recording see more
An Update From the Federal Maritime Commission
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)
Join us to hear about the changes at FMC and how they will impact our industry! FMC is in the process of restructuring the entire Commission staff, including certain complaint processes. There will be a quick rollout, but at the same time, there’s still a lot of work to be done.
Gabriel Padilla wants to hear from us in order to present our suggestions up his chain to the Commission, so he encourages our members to be creative with ideas and questions. There will be time to ask questions during the webinar, but we encourage you to submit them in advance – email them to info@lacbffa.org.
An overview of the latest developments at the Federal Maritime Commission and how the Federal Maritime can assist with cargo issues at the ports.
- What is the FMC doing in the short term? Long term?
- Update on what is being done on the issue of “empties”
- Time-line past, present, and future of D&D reform
- Breakdown New Compliant system
- Help! The Demurrage clock should not start until CBP holds are removed
- Mr. Padilla will take industry input to help create a FAQ for working through the implementation.
- More changes to come!
Speaker
Gabriel Padilla is an Area Representative for the Federal Maritime Commission in the Los Angeles Office. His duties include conducting investigations, inquiries, and outreach activities in the southwestern portion of the U.S. Mr. Padilla has extensive industry knowledge and previously served as the Customs & Border Protection Chief Agriculture Specialist in the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport, where he led a team of specially trained Agriculture Specialists in their efforts to identify shipments that pose a significant risk to U.S. agriculture and natural resources. He began his government career with the United States Department of Agriculture in the Los Angeles/Long Beach seaport and majored in Agronomy and International Agriculture at Iowa State University.
This event originally aired on August 9, 2022.
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PCC Mission to DC see more
The 30th Annual PCC Mission to Washington, DC is the best value, most action packed government affairs opportunity for West Coast brokers and forwarders seeking to work directly with the people at CBP, FMC, Dept of Homeland Security, FDA and Capitol Hill who are making the decisions that impact you. Two and half days of briefings, luncheons and meetings in Congressional offices – the best opportunity to learn what Congress and Administration are doing on issues that affect you, and to get to know the Congressional staff from your hometown. Registration fee includes all the meetings and meals. There is no better opportunity to learn, influence, and enjoy in our nation's capital. Great PCC room rate at the classy Intercontinental Hotel at The Wharf - the hottest new area in town.
All broker/forwarder members of the San Diego, Los Angeles, Northern California, Columbia River and Washington State brokers & forwarders associations are encouraged to participate. Newcomers are welcome for both their input and moral support. A good showing by your association makes a powerful statement with your Congressional Representatives about the importance of the trade and Customs issues that impact your business.
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Introduction to Foreign Trade Zones Webinar Recording see more
Introduction to Foreign Trade Zones
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)
An introduction to the history, benefits, and infrastructure of the FTZ Program.
Join us for an informative webinar to learn about how Foreign Trade Zones may be used for duty/tariff elimination, deferral, and reduction. Learn how the FTZ program can help you and your customers with tariff mitigation, WRO navigation, and manipulation solutions for other government agencies such as EPA, FDA, and DOT.
Speaker
- David R. Harlow
Mr. Harlow is the President of ITC-Diligence, Inc. ITC was founded in 2002 as a Licensed Customs Broker and International Trade Consultant with expertise in Foreign Trade Zones. Currently ITC represents the Riverside County, Port of Long Beach, Port of Jacksonville, and Las Vegas as well as many other businesses across the Nation with supply chain solutions and other Federal Programs.
Mr. Harlow, a California native, received his U.S. Customs Brokerage License in 2004. He has spent the last 25 years specializing in the textile industry, footwear industry, and Foreign Trade Zone industry. He began his career with Fritz Companies and Norman Krieger. Mr. Harlow spends his free time actively participating in the FTZ, LACBFFA, NAFTZ, IVEDC, and LAEDC, with leadership roles in the IERCC and FTA, but most importantly with his wife, Dawn, and three children, Andrew, Adam, and Emma.
This event originally aired on June 24, 2022.
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HTS Classification Workshop 2022 Webinar Recording see more
HTS Classification Workshop 2022
Understanding the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS)
Presented by Norman Harris
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)Learn or review how to use the USHTS as a tool for classification and duty estimation. We will cover the General Rules of Interpretation, General notes, Chapter notes and headings.
As part of the entry process, goods must be classified. 19 CFR 152.11
Under 19 U.S.C. 1484, the "importer of record" under paragraph (2)(B), either in person or by an agent authorized by the party in writing, shall, using reasonable care by filing with the Customs Service the declared value, classification and rate of duty applicable to the merchandise.
Prior to the Customs Modernization Act enacted on December 8, 1993, it was CBP’s responsibility to “classify” imported goods. Classifying goods is for duty purposes and determining whether the goods are subject to quotas, restraints, embargoes or other restrictions. CBP is now responsible for the final classification and valuation of the goods by a process called “liquidation” of the entry.
Under 19 CFR 177 an importer may request a binding administrative ruling prior to importing.
Norman Harris
LACBFFA Past President and CHB Exam Preparation Course Instructor
District Customs House Broker, NNR Global Logistics USA Inc.This event originally aired on June 15, 2022.
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ACE Reports for Exports Webinar Recording see more
ACE Reports for Exports
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)In this session, we will look at ACE Reports and show how you can use them to monitor your AES filing and export compliance activities. This will include how to access ACE reports, how to customize reports, and how you can analyze the data to manage your compliance and reduce your risk of penalties.
SPEAKER
Paulette KolbaPaulette is an experienced Export Compliance Professional specializing in the development, implementation and monitoring of export compliance and Federal Maritime Commission programs for freight forwarders.
She advocates for freight forwarder interests in the development and updating of U.S. Government export control regulations, while at the same time working to continuously improve training and education within the forwarding industry, both through trade associations and independently.
She is the founding member of the NCBFAA Export Compliance Sub-Committee and is actively involved with the NCBFAA Educational Institute, the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association and the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders.
This event originally aired on August 10, 2021.
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Weekend Update with Cameron Roberts & Keith Sanchez Webinar Recording see more
Weekend Update with Cameron Roberts & Keith Sanchez
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)We are talkin’ trends in Transportation & Trade - What you need to know, think you know, but probably don’t know!
- Mega Ships, Mega Claims, Mega Headaches & the sideways Suez
- Surety Snippets: Tricks you should know... Collateral Reduction and reversing bond insufficiency, really?
- Brokers E&O hazards: New Claims, IOR Expectations, Broker’s Promises, Reasonable Care, Broker’s duties and fiduciary responsibilities
- Warehouse Emissions Reg, AB5 Reversal and the Port Bad Boy list
- Cyber yourself. It’s time.
Join Cameron and Keith as they review some new trends, tricks, and takeaways.
Cameron W. Roberts, Partner
Cameron Roberts is a partner at Roberts & Kehagiaras LLP in Long Beach, California, with more than thirty years of experience in international trade. His practice areas include customs law, export compliance, domestic and international transportation law, maritime law, trade and insurance issues. He is a member of numerous customs, international trade, and legal associations. He is a past president of the Foreign Trade Association and Harbor Transportation Club. Mr. Roberts is an adjunct professor at California State University, Long Beach. He is a frequent presenter and author on topics related to his practice areas. He is a licensed customs broker (1989) and former transportation executive. He earned his B.A. degree in political science and international relations from California State University, Long Beach, and his J.D. degree, cum laude, from the Seattle University School of Law. Mr. Roberts has qualified as an expert witness in State and Federal courts, and is admitted to practice in California and Washington, the Court of International Trade and before the Federal Maritime Commission.Keith Sanchez, Western Divisional Vice President, Avalon Risk
Keith is a founding partner/owner of Avalon and is now Vice President of our Western Division. He is also a past instructor at the Global Logistics Specialist program offered at California State University – Long Beach. Keith has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Finance from Westminster College.This event originally aired on August 6, 2021.
- Mega Ships, Mega Claims, Mega Headaches & the sideways Suez
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Export Essentials Webinar Recording see more
Export Essentials: How Freight Forwarders Work with Federal Partners to Deliver Value to U.S. Exporters
(includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)With 95 percent of the world’s consumers located outside the United States, companies who export their goods and services are more profitable than those who don’t. But sales to customers outside the United States require additional administrative steps that can pose an obstacle to small businesses ready to enter the global marketplace. That’s where an experienced freight forwarder can make the difference.
Please join the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and the U.S. Commercial Service in partnership with the Los Angeles Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association (LACBFFA) to learn about government tools, resources, and services available to support U.S. small businesses in exporting their products.In this webinar, learn how:
- The U.S. Commercial Service offers information about exporting strategies and world markets, including assistance finding international buyers and partners
- EXIM provides trade finance tools to help exporters mitigate the risk of nonpayment from their international buyers and access the cash flow needed to fulfill orders
- Freight forwarders can build on federal programs by providing critical value-added services to their exporting clients
Speakers will include:
- Gregory Moore, Regional Director for the Western Region, Export-Import Bank of the United States
- Rachid Sayouty, Director of the Los Angeles Downtown USEAC, U.S. Commercial Service
- Representative, Los Angeles Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association
The discussion will be followed by a live Q&A session when attendees will have the opportunity ask questions. With 300,000 small business owners embracing exporting as a way to increase revenue, the focus will be on services to help them tap into the international market.
This event originally aired on December 8, 2021.
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Customs Bonds – Sound Practices for Customs Brokers in a Challenging Time
Webinar Recording see moreCustoms Bonds – Sound Practices for Customs Brokers in a Challenging Time
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)Imports are up, duties & fees are up, issues in the transportation environment are up! As a Customs broker, you are not only required to follow regulations and compliance set forth by CBP, but you also have a customer service obligation to your importers. This program will help you understand the current Customs bond environment, including claims situations, statistics, and underwriting. We will also go over recent potential Errors & Omissions claims as well as Best Practices for 2022.
Colleen Clarke has been involved in the international trade segment of the insurance field since 1988, and has led various initiatives to improve policies and partnerships between CBP, the surety industry and the trade. Her career in the industry started in 1988 with Washington International Insurance Company, when they were owned by Roanoke. She held various roles throughout her career, including that of a customs claims adjuster, customs bond underwriter, division manager, marketing director and Vice President.
Colleen is a Certified Customs Specialist and a licensed insurance broker. Her experience and expertise has assisted customs brokers, importers, insurance agents and Roanoke colleagues through customs and transportation surety bond issues of all kinds.
Colleen is a member of the American Association of Exporters & Importers Board of Governors and is the co-chair of their customs committee. She also participates in numerous trade associations and is the Roanoke liaison with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association. She is currently serving on the Executive Committee of the Trade Support Network’s Trade Leadership Council and, as a member of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation’s private sector working group, collaborates to promote the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement. Colleen is past President of the International Trade Surety Association (ITSA) and currently leads the Customs Surety Coalition. She served four years (2009-2012) as an appointed member of the Customs Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC).
Patrice Lafayette joined Roanoke in 2007 and currently is Director, Sales for Roanoke’s Western Division. She is in charge of overseeing operations in the Bond Department, as well as client relations in the Western region of the U.S. Her responsibilities include underwriting, marketing, customer support, managing client relationships and seeking new business opportunities for accounts in her territory. Patrice is a licensed insurance broker in the State of California and is an active participant in numerous California trade associations.
Prior to joining Roanoke, Patrice gained three years of insurance experience while working for a family-owned insurance agency specializing in small business insurance, as well as life and health insurance. She is a graduate of California State University Northridge and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance. Patrice sits on the executive board of directors for the Foreign Trade Association (FTA).
This event originally aired on April 5, 2022.
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CBP 28’s and Prior Disclosures:  How to Serve & Protect Importers Webinar Recording see more
CBP 28’s and Prior Disclosures: How to Serve & Protect Importers
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)This 1-hour webinar will go over all of the basics around CBP Form 28’s (Requests for Information) and prior disclosures. It also will advise brokers on how to recognize when a CBP Form 28 is more than a simple inquiry and how to best protect their importer clients from enforcement actions by CBP, whether by handling a CBP Form 28 inquiry appropriately and/or filing a prior disclosure.
Michael Roll, Partner, Roll & Harris LLP
Mike is an accomplished international trade lawyer and represents clients in virtually all areas of import-export laws and regulations. He has over 23 years of experience in the private sector and is a former partner of a prominent national law firm.Mike has substantial enforcement experience, representing clients in civil penalty proceedings, prior disclosures, disclosure verifications, Customs investigations, seizures, detentions and liquidated damage cases in industries as diverse as mass merchandising/retailing, telecommunication, electronics, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, toys and textiles.
Mike received his Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where his studies focused on international business and Latin America. He obtained his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.Mike is a member of the Illinois and California bars, and is admitted to practice before the Court of International Trade, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois and the Central District of California.
This event originally aired on April 14, 2022.
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Leveraging the CATAIR as a Resource Webinar Recording see more
Leveraging the CATAIR as a Resource
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)The CATAIR (CBP and Trade Automated Interface Requirements) is not just for software vendors. We’ll discuss how the CATAIR can help you as you maneuver through aspects of the entry filing. Although the CATAIR can seem daunting, it is a resource that provides requirements of the technical aspect and guidance where policy does not.
Speakers
Mari Bermejo – A.N. Deringer, LACBFFA Airport Committee Chair
Mari Bermejo is a licensed Customs Broker and Branch Manager of A.N. Deringer Inc.’s Los Angeles operation. She currently serves as a Board member of the LACBFFA and is Chair of the Airport Committee.Sandy Coty – A.N. Deringer, LACBFFA Chairman of the Board
Sandra (Sandy) Langford-Coty is the Director of Operational Development at A.N. Deringer. In this position, she strengthens Deringer’s operational efficiencies and compliance as well as increasing customer satisfaction.This event originally aired on May 18, 2022.
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Buying DDP – Understanding and Managing the Compliance Risks (Webinar Recording + Slides) see more
Buying DDP – Understanding and Managing the Compliance Risks
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)Companies often purchase DDP to avoid the expense and liability of being importer of record. The reality is that problems can arise with the IOR’s “right to make entry” or the admissibility of goods. DDP buyers can also be liable for penalties and duties in certain situations under 19 USC 1592 and the False Claims Act, even though they were not the importer of record. This webinar will identify the risks and ways to mitigate them.
Speaker
Erik D. Smithweiss, PartnerThis event originally aired on Aug 12, 2021.
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LACBFFA APHIS CORE Webinar Recording see more
LACBFFA APHIS CORE Webinar
(purchase includes a copy of the webinar recording + presentation slides)This workshop provides an overview on how to prepare for the mandatory APHIS Core filing date on 03/15/2021. Available resources and how to obtain admissibility guidance from USDA. Disclaimer tips and APHIS Core message set filing review.
Speaker
Sandy Coty, A.N. Deringer, Inc, LACBFFA PresidentThis event originally aired on Mar 24, 2021, at 10:00 AM PDT.
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Reach hundreds of brokers, forwarders, and other trade industry professionals! see more
Affiliate Member Advertising Program
Advertising is a great way to gain additional exposure with customs brokers and freight forwarders. Members and nonmembers alike will see your ad when searching for a broker, forwarder or service provider.
Ad must be static, full-color JPG/PNG with dimensions of 1600w x 500h px.
Submit your artwork to info@lacbffa.org after registering your ad.
Advertising Location Run Time Member Price Specs Website Banner Homepage Slideshow or any available custom page 1 month
12 months
$100/mo
$1000/yr
Static JPG, Full Color, 1600x500px
Featured Events
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