Mastering HTSUS and Schedule B Code Classifications



Importers and exporters alike require a firm understanding of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and the Schedule B Code in order to properly apply the rules for classifying their products for import and export. Tariff classifications drive the duty rates that will be applied to imported merchandise, while Schedule B Codes (as well as their HTSUS classification counterparts) are required to be reported in exporters’ Electronic Export Information (EEI) filings submitted into the Automated Commercial Environment. This webinar will cover the fundamentals of HTSUS and Schedule B Code classification, and provide proven recommendations for determining accurate product classifications and implementing effective classification strategies.

Topics that will be addressed include:

  • Introduction to, and the differences between, the HTSUS and Schedule B Code;

  • The Six General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs);

  • Applying the Section and Chapter Notes of the HTSUS;

  • Using the World Customs Organization’s (WCO’s) Explanatory Notes;

  • Binding Rulings Issued by US Customs and Border Protection and Informed Compliance Publications;

  • U.S. Court Decisions on Classification;

  • Handling Special Classification Issues (Parts, Kits, Sets);

  • The Importance of Commerce Invoice Descriptions; and,

  • Best Practices for Effective Product Classification Processes. 

This webinar will provide valuable classification insights and strategies to Customs and Export Compliance Managers and Personnel, Logistics and Transportation Personnel, Purchasing and Procurement Departments, General and In-House Counsel, Customs Brokers, and Freight Forwarders.
 
The webinar will provide PowerPoint slides and include live video and commentary from Melissa Proctor, a Shareholder in Phoenix, Arizona with the Am Law 100 firm of Polsinelli, PC. For over 20 years, Melissa has advised companies on a wide array of issues involving compliance with import, export, customs and international trade laws and regulations, as well as embargoes and economic sanctions programs. Prior to joining Polsinelli, Melissa previously served as Compliance Counsel for Amazon and worked in KPMG’s Customs and Trade Practice as well as two international trade boutique law firms. She has provided import and export training to companies in the United States and around the world, and has assisted companies in designing and implementing effective import and export compliance programs. Webinar participants are invited to submit questions during the webinar. The final 30 minutes of the webinar will be allotted to answering attendees' questions.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Melissa Proctor

Shareholder, Polsinelli PC

 

For nearly twenty years, Melissa Proctor has been advising clients on the full range of issues involving international trade, customs laws and regulations, export controls, economic sanctions, anti-corruption/anti-bribery compliance, and other government agency requirements. She has spoken before various trade associations and industry groups on international trade topics, as well as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, California Proposition 65, conflict minerals reporting, the Federal Trade Commission and California “Made in the USA” standards, and consumer product safety requirements. She has extensive experience in the following industries:

  • Aerospace and defense
  • Computers and software
  • Electronics and high technology
  • Semiconductor
  • Telecommunications
  • Medical devices
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Food
  • Cosmetics
  • Textiles, apparel and footwear
  • Automotive
  • E-Commerce/online retail

Melissa’s export experience extends to: commodity jurisdiction; export classification (including encryption); licensing under the Export Administration Regulations and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations; deemed export and technical data transfer compliance; embargoes and economic sanctions; automated export system requirements; U.S. Antiboycott regulations; foreign military sales; voluntary disclosures, detentions, seizures, investigations and penalty cases.

 

She partners with clients to handle a variety of import matters, including: customs valuation; tariff classification; origin and marking; special trade program and free trade agreement compliance; duty deferral and duty/cost-saving opportunities; border security initiatives; and, prior disclosures, audits, detentions, seizures, liquidated damages and penalty actions.

 

She represents clients through all stages of import and export enforcement actions, updates clients on new legislative and regulatory developments, and provides compliance training to companies, ensuring that personnel involved in international transactions can effectively navigate the complex arena of international trade.

 

Melissa also advises on other government agency requirements that impact the cross-border movement of goods, technology and services (e.g., U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food & Drug Administration, Federal Communications Commission, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Fish & Wildlife, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Federal Trade Commission, among others).

 

Education

  • LL.M., Georgetown University Law Center, 1997, International and Comparative Law
  • J.D., Valparaiso University, 1996, Valparaiso University Law Review, Senior Notewriter
  • B.A., Indiana University, 1993, Spanish and Russian

Memberships

  • American Association of Exporters and Importers
  • Society of International Affairs
  • Organization of Women in International Trade (Phoenix Chapter) - General Counsel and Vice President, 2010-2014
  • State Bar of Arizona - International Law Section, Executive Board Member, 2013
  • Illinois Bar
  • Global Chamber
  • Metro Phoenix Export Alliance – Working Board Member
  • Arizona Center for International Visitors

Relevant Government Agencies

Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Intelligence Agencies, DOD & Military, Office of the President (includes OMB), Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Commerce, Dept of Education, Dept of Energy, Dept of Health & Human Services, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of Housing & Urban Development, Dept of the Interior, Dept of Justice, Dept of Labor, Dept of State, Dept of Transportation, Dept of Treasury, Dept of Veterans Affairs, EPA, GSA, USPS, SSA, NASA, Other Federal Agencies, Legislative Agencies (GAO, GPO, LOC, etc.), Judicial Branch Agencies, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, CIA, FEMA, Office of Personnel Management, Coast Guard, National Institutes of Health, FAA, Census Bureau, USAID, National Guard Association, EEOC, Federal Government


    Event Type
    Webcast


    This event has no exhibitor/sponsor opportunities


    When
    Tue, Oct 18, 2016, 1:00pm - 2:30pm ET


    Website
    Click here to visit event website


    Organizer
    Export Compliance Training Institute


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