Author Topic: New Rules for Importers  (Read 10358 times)

listeroidsusa1

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 285
    • View Profile
New Rules for Importers
« on: June 30, 2007, 12:08:58 AM »
Well fellows, the dept of homeland insecurity is at it again. If you're thinking of importing anything from engines to dog biscuits you'll need to be aware of this, as well as crating regulations, EPA, and anything else they can think of.


June 28, 2007
Dear Valued Customer- MUST COMPLETE & RETURN
     In updating our records, we request acknowledgement that your company has met the minimum criteria set by CUSTOMS for CTPAT.  Please sign and return to your account representative.  Should your company participate in the Security Validation Interface (SVI), you can just provide this number to us and we can verify your current status with CBP. Whether you are C-TPAT certified or not and don’t have a SVI #, WE NEED THE SECURITY PROFILE QUESTIONAIRE BELOW COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO JOHN S JAMES CO A.S.A.P. 
PHASE 1 – HARDENING OF THE PHYSICAL SUPPLY CHAIN:  Under the first phase, existing member importers will have 60 days from the March 25, 2006 effective date to address the following three security criteria:
1.Container Security (seals, inspections, storage).
2.Physical Security (fencing, lighting, parking, building structure, locking devices and key controls, lighting, alarm systems, video surveillance cameras).
3.Physical Access Controls (employees, visitors, deliveries, challenging and removing unauthorized persons).

PHASE 2 – INTERNAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: Within 120 days of the March 25 effective date, existing member importers will review and enhance the more internal or procedural security elements:
1.Personnel Security (pre-employment verifications, background checks, personnel termination procedures).
2.Procedural Security (documentation processing, manifest procedures, shipping and receiving, cargo discrepancies).
3.Information Technology Security (password protection, accountability).
4.Security Training and Threat Awareness.

PHASE 3 – BUSINESS PARTNER REQUIREMENTS:  During the final phase, existing member importers will be afforded 180 days from the March 25 effective date to address the Business Partner Requirement elements. Importers must have written and verifiable processes for the selection of business partners including manufacturers, product suppliers, and vendors, and documentation substantiating that business partners throughout their supply chain are meeting C-TPAT security criteria, or equivalent supply chain security program criteria administered by a foreign Customs administration.
_____________Company   ___________________
      (Authorized Named)
______________ Authorized Signature
_________  SVI Number  _______ Date Signed
(If you have an SVI number, you only need note here, sign and return)
Please complete and return to SENDER: if you have any questions, please let us know.  Thank You.

PROFILE FOR IMPORTERS

COMPANY NAME:__________________________________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________

TELEPHONE #:___________________________

CONTACT NAME AND TITLE:_________________________________

TYPE OF BUSINESS: _______________________________________
(Broker, Importer, Trucker, Steamship Line, Air Carrier, etc)

General Information
A.   Are you a participant in the C-TPAT program?
   ____ Yes   _____No
B.   Has your company been certified in the program?
   ____ Yes   _____No
C.   Does your company have an SVI (Status Verification
Interface) #?
____ Yes    _____No
D.   Has your company undergone a C-TPAT Validation?
   ____ Yes   _____No

(If you provide John S James Co., with a copy of your certification and validation, you do not need to complete the remainder of this questionnaire.)
E.    Do you use out port brokers to clear any shipments on your
   Company’s behalf?
   ____ Yes   _____No
F.   Are the out port brokers C-TPAT approved?
   ____ Yes   _____No
G.   Does your company have a security policy?
   ____ Yes   _____No
H.   Does your company have a plan for verifying C-TPAT
   Participation by vendors?
   ____ Yes   _____No
Business Partner Requirements

1.   Do you have a written process for selecting business partners?
   ____Yes   ____No
2.   Do you require proof of C-TPAT participation/Validation?
   ____ Yes   _____No

Physical Security

1.    Do you have written security procedures?
   ____ Yes   _____No
2.   Does your business have separate parking for employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
3.   Is the parking monitored for un-authorized vehicles?
   ___ Yes   _____No
4.   Is your building constructed of materials that resist unlawful
   entry?
   ____ Yes   _____No
5.   Are all external windows and doors secured with locking devices?   
   ____ Yes   _____No
6.   Is adequate lighting provided inside and outside the facility
   including entrances, exits, fence lines and parking areas?
   ____ Yes   _____No
7.   Do you have alarm systems and/or video surveillance cameras
   monitoring the premises to prevent unauthorized access?
   ____ Yes   _____No

Physical Access Controls

1.    Do you control access to your facility to prevent unauthorized
   entry to facilities?
   ____ Yes   _____No
2.   Do you maintain control of employees and visitors?
   ____ Yes   _____No
3.   Do you have ID Badges for your employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
4.   Do you have ID Badges for visitors?
   ____ Yes   _____No
5.   Do you have a record of visitors?
   ____ Yes   _____No
6.   Are employees only given access to those secure areas needed
   for the performance of their duties?
   ____ Yes   _____No
7.   Are procedures in place for restricted access for terminated
   employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
8.   Are visitors required to show identification prior to gaining
   access to your facilities?
   ____ Yes   _____No
9.   Are visitors escorted by an employee while on company
   property?
   ____ Yes   _____No
10.   Do you ask for identification for deliveries being made?
   (Including couriers, vendors, mail carriers)
   ____ Yes   _____No
11.    Do you have a process in place for challenging unauthorized
   visitors?
   ____ Yes   _____No
12.   Do you have a process in place for notifying authorities of
   breeches in security?
   ____ Yes   _____No

Procedural Security:

1.   Do you have measures in place to ensure the integrity and
   security of your business processes?
   ____ Yes   _____No
2.   Do you have procedures in place to notify Customs and Border
   Protection and other law enforcement agencies when illegal
   Activities are suspected by the company or it’s employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
3.    Do you have procedures in place to protect against theft?
   ____ Yes   _____No
4.   Do you have an emergency action plan?
   ____ Yes   _____No
5.   Do you have a process in place to ensure all information used
   in the clearance of cargo is legible, complete and accurate?
   ____ Yes   _____No
6.   Do you have a process in place that protects documents against
   loss?
   ____ Yes   _____No
7.   Do you have controls on access for your computer files and
   Systems?
   ____ Yes   _____No
8.   Are your systems password protected?
   ____ Yes   _____No

Personnel Security

1.   Do you screen prospective employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
2.   Do you periodically screen current employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
3.   Do you verify employment history and references on
   potential employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
4.   Do you perform background checks on potential employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
5.   Do you perform periodic background checks on current
   employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
6.   Do you have procedures in place for removing access to
   your facilities for terminated employees?
   ____ Yes   ____ No
7.   Do you have procedures in place for restricting access to
   Computer systems for terminated employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No


Security Training and Threat Awareness

1.   Have you established a threat awareness program?
   ____ Yes   _____No
2.   Are employees aware of the procedures the company has
   in place?
   ____ Yes   _____No
3.   Do employees in shipping and receiving area receive additional
   training?
   ____ Yes   _____No
4.   Do you have an awareness program relating to cargo integrity
   and security?
   ____ Yes   _____No
5.   Do you provide training programs for your employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
6.   Do you maintain records of employee training?
   ____Yes   _____No
7.   Do your employees know the chain of command for reporting
   anomalies?
   ____ Yes   _____No
Business Partner Requirement

1.   Do you have written and verifiable processes for the selection
   of business partners?
   ____ Yes    _____No
2.   For those business partners certified as C-TPAT, do you require
   documentation substantiating same?
____ Yes   _____No
3.   For those business partners who are eligible for C-TPAT, do you
   require they demonstrate they are meeting the requirements
   set by C-TPAT?
   ____ Yes   _____No
4.   Do you require your vendors at point of origin meet minimum
security criteria consistent with C-TPAT?
____ Yes   _____No
5.   Do you perform periodic reviews of your business partners?
   ____ Yes   _____No

Container Security and Inspection

1.   Do you have a process in place to maintain the integrity of your
   containers?
   ____ Yes   _____No
2.   Do you have a process in place at point of stuffing to properly
   affix a seal prior to the goods leaving?
   ____ Yes   _____No
3.   Do you use High Security Seals?
   ____ Yes   _____No
4.   Do your seals meet or exceed the PAS ISO 1772 standard?
   ____ Yes   _____No
5.   Do you have procedures in place to verify the integrity of the
   container structure prior to stuffing?
   ____ Yes   _____No
6.   Do you have written procedures that outline how a seal is to
   controlled and affixed to a container?
   ____ Yes   _____No
7.   Do you have a process in place for recognizing and reporting
   compromised seals and/or containers?
   ____ Yes   _____No
8.   Are seals only accessible by authorized employees?
   ____ Yes   _____No
9.   Are containers stored in a secure location after being stuffed
   and sealed?
   ____ Yes   _____No
Should you need to provide additional details concerning any item in this questionnaire, please note the item and place comments here.
(attach additional pages as needed)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Additional information pertaining to the C-TPAT program can be located at: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/import/commercial_enforcement/ctpat/security_criteria/



On behalf of my company:________________________________.
I certify that the information provided on this Security Profile Questionnaire is true and correct and completed without prejudice. 
I also agree to advise John S James Co of any changes, alterations or deletions to the information I have provided in this questionnaire.


______________________________________(Signature)

______________________________________(Printed Name)

_________________________(Title) ________________(Date)


This is but one more reason that I won't be importing any more engines.

Mike

Doug

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3386
  • Why don't pictures ever work for me?
    • View Profile
    • Doug's Petteroid Stuff
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2007, 12:44:52 AM »
I don't think these rules have anything to do with security Mike.

More about controling the small buisness guy trying to start up an import buisness.
Same goes for the EPA, I think this was done more to shut out Chinese imports and protect American manufacturers.

Doug
It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken

ronsmith

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 116
    • View Profile
    • Bentleybranch studio
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2007, 12:52:34 AM »
maybe walmart will import them from china. Everything else they sell comes from there! ;D

rbodell

  • Guest
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2007, 03:01:18 AM »
either way, a lot fo people will be doing the same as you. The few that are left who kiss up will have very little competition. They can pretty much write their own ticket then.

Incredilion

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 84
    • View Profile
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2007, 05:47:16 AM »
I feel your pain, Mike, & I don't blame you.

Doug

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3386
  • Why don't pictures ever work for me?
    • View Profile
    • Doug's Petteroid Stuff
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2007, 06:13:07 AM »
We are out of step with what "everyone" thinks should be done or needs to be done.

One the one hand regualtion is a good thing inthe internet age.

I for one don't want to see a wild west of buyer be ware, but I can't stand seeing things regualted to death to protect Brigs and Stratton.

Doug
It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken

rbodell

  • Guest
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2007, 10:23:07 AM »
We are out of step with what "everyone" thinks should be done or needs to be done.
One the one hand regualtion is a good thing inthe internet age.
I for one don't want to see a wild west of buyer be ware, but I can't stand seeing things regualted to death to protect Brigs and Stratton.
Doug

sadly though, moderation is not an option. Society nowdays has forgotten about taking responsibiblity for it's own actions, instead, it wants the government to step in and handle everything. Once the government steps in, the whole agenda changes. It no longer has anything to do with us any more. it is all about politics.

You remember segregation in the schools? Some schools got all the new books and clessrooms and others got nothing so they decided that the races should be assigned to the schools acording to the population. Some kids that lived in walking distance from a school ended up riding as bus for two hours. Well now in the last few days the supreme court has decided that they can not use race as a factor in asigning students to different schools. Come on now, how insane can it get? I saw that comin when they first started talking about it and it took government 50 years to figure it out.

Why didn't they just do equal maintenance and supplies to all schools DAAAH !!!



captfred

  • Guest
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2007, 11:46:54 AM »
The regulatory requirements are nothing new, (they went into effect in 2004).  As a signatory to the IMO (International Maritime Organization), the United States (and any other signatory nations)  are required to fulfill the intent of these SOLAS amendments; the International Ship and Port Facility Code. The ISPS Code was a direct INTERNATIONAL response to the events of September 11th, 2001.  Homeland Insecurity didn't come up with it, they're just responsible for implimentation.

Here's some excerpts of the code ???

Amendments to SOLAS
New Chapter XI-2 (Special measures to enhance maritime security)
Resolutions adopted by the conference
Officers of the Conference

A new, comprehensive security regime for international shipping is set to enter into force in July 2004 following the adoption by a week-long Diplomatic Conference of a series of measures to strengthen maritime security and prevent and suppress acts of terrorism against shipping. The Conference, held at the London headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) from 9 to 13 December 2002, was of crucial significance not only to the international maritime community but the world community as a whole, given the pivotal role shipping plays in the conduct of world trade. The measures represent the culmination of just over a year's intense work by IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and its Intersessional Working Group since the terrorist atrocities in the United States in September 2001.

The Conference was attended by 108 Contracting Governments to the 1974 SOLAS Convention, observers from two IMO Member States and observers from the two IMO Associate Members. United Nations specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental international organizations also sent observers to the Conference.

The Conference adopted a number of amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS), the most far-reaching of which enshrines the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). The Code contains detailed security-related requirements for Governments, port authorities and shipping companies in a mandatory section (Part A), together with a series of guidelines about how to meet these requirements in a second, non-mandatory section (Part B). The Conference also adopted a series of resolutions designed to add weight to the amendments, encourage the application of the measures to ships and port facilities not covered by the Code and pave the way for future work on the subject.

Speaking at the end of the conference, IMO Secretary-General William O'Neil strongly urged all parties concerned to start putting in place all the necessary legislative, administrative and operational provisions needed to give effect to the decisions of the Conference as soon as possible. In a call for continued vigilance, he added, "In the meantime, all involved in the operation of ships and ports should continue to be aware of the potential dangers to shipping through acts of terrorism and the need to be extremely vigilant and alert to any security threat they might encounter in port, at offshore terminals or when underway at sea."

The Conference has been referred to in the United Nations General Assembly. At its current session, the General Assembly adopted a resolution on "Oceans and the law of the sea", which specifically welcomed initiatives at the International Maritime Organization to counter the threat to maritime security from terrorism and encouraged States fully to support this endeavour.

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
The Company and the Ship
The Port Facility
Responsibilities of Contracting Governments
Amendments to SOLAS
New Chapter XI-2 (Special measures to enhance maritime security)
Resolutions adopted by the conference
Officers of the Conference

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code
In essence, the Code takes the approach that ensuring the security of ships and port facilities is basically a risk management activity and that to determine what security measures are appropriate, an assessment of the risks must be made in each particular case.

The purpose of the Code is to provide a standardized, consistent framework for evaluating risk, enabling governments to offset changes in threat with changes in vulnerability for ships and port facilities.  End of IMO ???

Before the ISPS  the maritime industry had  to comply with STCW95; a very expensive proposition for both the mariner and the shipping companies.  Watch for a big jump in shipping costs- "Cuz we gotta' meet all this security stuff for your shipment"

Fred


listeroidsusa1

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 285
    • View Profile
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2007, 01:59:14 PM »
There could be hope for US manufacturing yet. If the situation continues to increase costs there will come a time when it is once again cost effective to produce in this country again. The world market and globalization continue to raise the prices for the goods we use and import. I think its only a matter of time before there is enough "pain" in the US to get the PEOPLE interested in taking back their country from wall street and the big government interests. It wouldn't take much more, the stock market is based on worthless paper, oil prices are pegged to the dollar, and foreign interests are holding our governments debts. If the oil gets tied to another currency, the euro, for example, the dollar could lose value in the market. Saddam Hussein was advocating tying the price of oil to the euro just before desert storm. The Chinese are holding a major portion of our debts and should the yuan be revalued we'd also lose big time. I, for one, am getting rid of my debts and making preparations to survive a financial catastrophe. My interests and future marketing will focus on renewables and conservation. I'm also starting to plan and build a new house, one which will need no power company or ma bell. It won't be quite an Amish version but it'll be close. Natural resources and stewardship of those resources will be key. Another thing that will hasten the day is the abject refusal of the Big 3 to build a smaller cost effective car. I'm keeping my old mazda diesel pickup for just that reason. NOBODY in America will build the equal to it. The hybrids aren't much better. I get 39 around town and 52 mpg highway mileage on OLD technology.

Already there is wide discontent with both parties and the stage is being set for a reformer. I heard the debate  which was held at Howard University. Most of the candidates were rubber stamping each other. The only voice "crying in the wilderness" was the fellow from Alaska. He'll probably be regarded as a kook but what he said had the ring of truth to it.

phaedrus

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 278
    • View Profile
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2007, 02:38:14 PM »
Indeed, transport costs will rise, possibly rapidly, due to oil costs and difficulties in supply as well as global weather extreems making shipping somewhat more difficult in terms of scheduling and casualty losses. As fuel costs rise the food at the grocery store will both rise in price and move somewhat toward more local supplies. In much the same way some manufacturing will be cheaper if local as prices rise for transport and for mfg. These trends take time to develop. The matter of so-called "terrorism" may (does) also raise transport costs - but I doubt that that cost of (futile and onerous) attempts to stop it makes much of a difference. Now, there is another, possible "cost" - if somebody smuggles in a "gadget" or two...when those things go off - well, then there's a real cost. Imagine if shipping stopped for two weeks while they searched every container, which they might do, after a gadget went off. And imagine the political results in other ways too. It's awful.

P
if ya don't ask permission they can't deny it...

MeanListerGreen

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 305
    • View Profile
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #10 on: June 30, 2007, 03:35:28 PM »
Recently I was talking to an engine designer for GM.  He was telling me that the Chinese have found a loop hole in NAFTA and they can  export parts to Mexico have them assembled there and import them to the U.S.A. from Mexico to avoid penalty.  GM is extremely worried about this since it will be automobiles that they will be assembling in Mexico and Importing here.  I see heavy equiptment and agricultural equiptment following suit.  A little research may or may not reveal that this could be done with Listeroids.  It would be worth looking into if you have alot invested already.  Best of luck.
MLG Gib Key Pullers

ronmar

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1227
    • View Profile
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2007, 12:15:35 AM »
The import restrictions on Listeroids dosn't have anything to do with trade restrictions, it is the failure to meet EPA regs that is restricting their import.  These same import issues would still be encountered if you try and bring them in from China, Mexico or Canada. With the leadership in wester Canada sighning environmental agreements with the likes of the governor of California, I don't think it will be too long till their import into Canada will come into question...
PS 6/1 - ST-5.

Doug

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3386
  • Why don't pictures ever work for me?
    • View Profile
    • Doug's Petteroid Stuff
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #12 on: July 01, 2007, 03:03:14 AM »
Are you kidding?

We don't have a free exchange of labour and material inside Canada let alone the ability to manage treaties about things like this outside the country.

We can't even make Nafta work the way its suposed too. I have no faith in things like this, and only believe the wolf at the door will ever force things to change.

It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken

Stan

  • Guest
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #13 on: July 01, 2007, 05:08:38 AM »
Actually, unless you count the "no-fly lists" most government regulated stuff in Canada is getting more and more lax.  The ham radio regulations are not being enforced any more by our feds, most fish and game regs here in BC are going the way of the polar bears because of cutbacks in enforcement personell, ditto for forestry regs on logging companies, ocean fishing rules,  local building inspectors are getting as scarce as hens teeth and most of the stuff being installed by electricians/gas fitters et. al.  isn't even looked at by them any more  etc. etc. etc.   Many areas that used to be enforced by legions of fed or provincial employees are now being farmed out to "industry self governance" whatever that means.
Stan

Doug

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3386
  • Why don't pictures ever work for me?
    • View Profile
    • Doug's Petteroid Stuff
Re: New Rules for Importers
« Reply #14 on: July 01, 2007, 05:30:37 AM »
No one wants to take ownership of real problems especialy when it costs money.
But you watch first big storm hits and blows down some subdivisions in Toronto ( my general feeling is you can't blow down enough new subdivisions there. AHHH all the lost prime farm land!!!! ) and you watch how many new inspectors we start seeing just like Walkerton did for the water.


 
It's a Good Life, If You Don't Weaken