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Sales of light trucks continue to skyrocket and are expected to reach more than 82% of all new light vehicles purchased by 2028, according to new research conducted by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). While sales of traditional cars aren’t going away, the U.S. vehicle landscape...
Council or Network Update
Get expert interviewing tips from HR professionals by registering here for “Interview Skills,” a one-hour interactive webinar taking place Tuesday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m. PT. Featuring expert HR professionals, the webinar will include breakout sessions and question-and-answer periods to help...
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Join us for a one-hour session to discuss "U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Practicalities/Mechanics of Obtaining the Lowest Tariff Rate,"

Speakers:

Katrice Kelly, Senior International Trade Specialist
Office of Trade Negotiations and Analysis, Industry and Analysis
International Trade Administration

U.S. Department of Commerce

Lourdes M Quinn, Attorney
Arias Quinn Consulting

Philip Sutter, Consultant
Livingston International

Come away with answers to how to obtain the lowest possible tariff rate with answers to questions such as:

  • What are the differences in treatment under the USMCA for OEM parts and specialty aftermarket companies?
  • What are the differences between USMCA and NAFTA for specialty aftermarket companies?
  • What are the steps needed to figure out my tariff rates under USMCA?
  • Are there any special requirements/reduced tariff rates for sending small volume/value packages to Canada?
  • How do I document that my products meet the minimum content levels in order to claim preferential treatment?

For more information, please contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

Watch now on demand a special session on "Top Tips for Negotiating Agreements with Overseas Distributors," featuring attorneys from Australia and Sweden who specialize in the local laws regarding distributors.

They include:

Patrick Fazzone
Washington Global Law Group
Washington, D.C. USA and Sydney, Australia
 
Richard Jacobsson
Eversheds Sutherland Advokatbyrå AB
Stockholm, Sweden
 
Resources:
 

Discussion points:

  • Should a U.S. company sign an exclusive distributor agreement? 
  • Is there anything U.S. companies should be aware of in Swedish/Australian law regarding such contracts? 
  • Are there any government regulations/laws covering terminating the agreement? 
  • General points to consider when awarding territory (the entire country/portion/neighboring countries?)
  • What is the capacity of the distributor in terms of staff/contacts in the desired region?
  • Is the agreement mutually exclusive? (if the U.S. company agrees to just sell to one distributor, is the distributor agreeing to not sell that U.S. company's competitors products?)
  • What is required in order for the distributor to maintain exclusivity?  Possibly through performance measures, or just rely on good faith effort?
  • How often should the contract/terms be revisited?

For more information, please contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org.

 

Watch now on demand the best practices in exporting online workshop featuring IP Attachés: China, India and the Middle East. These US government officials compared and contrasted US brand protection practices with the regions in which they are based. In addition to explaining current issues being raised by the US government in these markets the officials discussed both best practices for registering and enforcing your trademarks and patents in China, India and the Middle East.

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org

Resources:

To help members navigate IP issues, SEMA maintains informational materials online and staff is available year-round to help answer IP-related questions.

The federal government also has a handy website listing best practices for companies to protect their IP abroad. Included on the comprehensive site is an online course and a list of upcoming events.

Ultimately, companies may need legal counsel outside of SEMA and the U.S. government to represent your interests and advise on specifics, but both SEMA and the U.S. government are available to provide information and help guide members in the right direction.

 

 

Learn about the new documentation required under the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA). The three-country agreement, which entered into force on July 1, 2020, replaces the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials provided an overview of the recently concluded agreement, including details on the confusing new rules of origin for auto parts and reviewed the paperwork required to export your products within the region.

For more information contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org

Resources:

SEMA Vice President, Government and Legal Affairs Daniel Ingber moderated a one-hour panel with Curtiss Dossier, partner at Knobbe Martens and David Abrahams, associate at Webster, Chamberlain & Bean. The IPR attorneys provided a useful checklist of best practices of how to grow your export sales while taking necessary steps to protect your brand and identity from overseas infringers.

To help members navigate IP issues, SEMA maintains informational materials online and staff is available year-round to help answer IP-related questions.

The federal government also has a handy website listing best practices for companies to protect their IP abroad. Included on the comprehensive site is an online course and a list of upcoming events.

Ultimately, companies may need legal counsel outside of SEMA and the U.S. government to represent your interests and advise on specifics, but both SEMA and the U.S. government are available to provide information and help guide members in the right direction.

SEMA recently hosted a webinar on the Saudi Arabian product testing program known as Saber-Saleem.  Saudi distributors are reporting increased Saudi customs enforcement for imported products. From toys to cosmetics to automotive aftermarket products, every shipment imported into Saudi Arabia is required to be accompanied by the correct documentation.  Joel Molina, International Trade Specialist at SGS provided an overview of the regulations for automotive aftermarket products.