Friday, March 27, 2015

AVVO Talk: What Kind of Attorney/Lawyer Do I Need to Deal With Import & Export?


Question Continued: Long story short, I have imported couple handbags, jewlery etc from overseas. Few items are replica. U.S. Custom has seized my shipment. Sent me a letter and asking for a lot of money and an agreement by attorney to get shipment release. I need professional help, what kind of lawyer deals with import and export, to and from United States?

Also how long it takes to get this issue resolved in term of time frame?


Deanna's Response:

Hello,

 You need an International Trade Attorney to help you with this customs seizure and penalty/notice of liquidated damages, and since you can approach dealing with this in a few different ways - see the additional sheets (that they had received from US Customs) with the seizure notice related to forfeiture, submitting a petition, or administrative review - and need to do so soon, you will want to speak with an attorney sooner than later. Infringement can also lead to personal liability, in terms of money, and even criminal liability in cases where fraud is found, which you should also be aware of.



NEW "AVVO TALK" Postings!

I've started contributing answers via a website called AVVO.COM where anyone can ask a question of an attorney to receive non-confidential information that is responsive to the question but which is expressly not considered legal advice.

Avvo - Rate your Lawyer. Get Free Legal Advice.

I've therefore decided to share some of the questions and answers as I think they'll be of interest and potential use to you my readers.

The posts will be entitled "AVVO TALK" and will include the question being asked by the AVVO user.  Beneath it will be a continuation of their question -where there is one - and then my response thereafter.  Hope you enjoy them!


Monday, March 23, 2015

Learn How to Incorporate Sustainable Practices into Your Business

FREE SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE 3/28 IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK


This weekend on Saturday March 28, 2015, the Pratt Institute's Center for Sustainable Design Strategies is offering a day long series of presentations, panel discussions and workshops that is free and open to the public.

Whether you are an established brand looking to branch out into having a sustainable fashion arm of the business, a growing brand that imports and is looking for better practices, or a sustainable fashion enthusiast, you'll be sure to walk away with something of interest from this conference.

Though free, registration is required and you can do it here:  http://csds.pratt.edu/sustainability-crash-course-2015/

See you there, and if you spot me be sure to come over and say 'hi!'



Monday, March 9, 2015

Harmful Shifts in the US Economy Without a New Beginning for AGOA?

Still think the economy is sluggish?  


(photo courtesy of U.S. CIA)

The gridlock in Congress isn’t helping and with their delays in reauthorizing trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), U.S. companies whose existence rely upon duty-free African imports – whether in fashion, retail, beauty, foodstuffs, or otherwise - are going to start laying off people as the uncertainty with respect to AGOA renewal mounts.

Here’s a snapshot of reasons, recommendations, and how you can support AGOA renewal in 2015.

AGOA renewal is important not only for keeping existing companies in business but also for the expansion of other US companies who find markets within African economies.

A rise in African exports equals increased spending power amongst African consumers, and with President Obama’s export promotion initiative in place, this means that US exports have a greater chance for success when expanding into these foreign markets. 

A growing African labor force could also lead to more stable economies and increase good governance.  With greater economic development and stability, there will be less of an incentive to join radical groups known to be destructive and that pose a threat to the world at large, as there will instead be a viable alternative to have a life with meaning and, hence, a vested interest in creating a common good for society as a whole.

Now is the time to make your voice heard if you want Congress to vote for the reauthorization of the AGOA trade agreement.  Send letters to all of the members of the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee, calling for:

1) The expeditious passage of AGOA
2) Renewal for a term of 15 years
3) Such passage to include all current member states

With this, provide a statement highlighting how economic development and stabilization function as a mechanism to combat terrorism.

The AGOA reauthorization is currently being drafted by Congress, so now is the time to get your letters in and make your voice heard if you want to keep US businesses in business and open up foreign markets to US exports.  

Questions/comments?  Post below or email me at clark.deanna@gmail.com

Keep up with me at www.fashioncompliance.com or:
On Twitter @fashcompliance