While Brazil presents a tremendous opportunity for U.S. businesses, it also poses significant challenges for many exporters.

Complex and seemingly arbitrary customs requirements are not uncommon. Furthermore, these challenges are expected to escalate with the recent quadrupling of Brazilian customs investigators as part of a government effort to gain greater quality control on imported goods and boost domestic manufacturing. Foreign exchange controls can also impede payment for export sales to Brazil. 

This webinar will provide information on procedures and best practices for shipping products to Brazil, including tips for avoiding trip wires that can delay customs clearance and receipt of payment.      

• Ricardo Aizenman, Director of LatAm International Banking, Commercial Business Group - Citibank NA
• Denise Carrion, Managing Director, Freight Management - Ceva Logistics, Sao Paulo
• Luiz da Costa, Senior Manager, Global Trade Services & Compliance, Haemonetics Corporation (moderator)
• Juliana Farah, Vice President of International Banking - Citibank NA
• Manuel Viegas, President - Capital Transportation & Technology Corporation

Cost: $35 / no charge for Compliance Alliance members
Duration: 2 hours

As the third largest economy in Asia, and ranked second in emerging markets for economic growth in 2012 to date, India presents many opportunities for U.S. businesses. 

While the market offers many prospects, high duty rates coupled with an unpredictable regulatory and customs environment can pose significant challenges for many U.S. businesses. This webinar will provide information on procedures and best practices for shipping products to India, including tips for navigating the regulatory environment and avoiding customs clearance issues.            

Speakers:

• Larry Disenhof, Group Director, Export Compliance & Government Relations - Cadence Design Systems
• Vivek Luthra, India Logistics Specialist, Consultant & Managing Partner - Trade in EU
• Ian Moss, Esquire - Middleton & Shrull (moderator)

Cost: $50 / no charge for Compliance Alliance members
Duration: 2 hours

Encryption is one of the most heavily regulated items in global trade, subject to both U.S. export controls and foreign import restrictions. Moreover, global encryption regulations affect not only exporters of software, but also exporters of equipment and technology with encryption functionality. 

This webinar will review U.S. encryption export regulatory requirements, including registration, reporting and special licensing provisions. 

The webinar will also address foreign import restrictions on cryptography, with a focus on major markets for U.S. firms. 

Speaker:

•  Antoinette Paytas, Partner - Thomsen and Burke LLP

Cost: $50 / $25 Compliance Alliance members
Duration: 1.5 hours

STEP Grant Application Process

Join us to learn about the Massachusetts State Trade and Export Promotion Grant Program ("STEP"), which is available to eligible Massachusetts small businesses for the purpose of increasing export sales of their goods and services (click here to learn more about the STEP Grant). 

The Massachusetts STEP Grant Program is administered by the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, in collaboration with the MSBDC-Massachusetts Export Center, through a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  

This webinar will discuss the parameters of the Massachusetts STEP Grant Program and walk participants through the STEP Grant application process. The webinar will provide guidance on completing the application and discuss specific elements that are critical for successful applicants. The webinar will also provide tips on assessing export readiness and planning international marketing activities in support of the STEP application. Those applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to exporting with a well-planned export strategy will have the best likelihood of success!

Grant Application Period: March 1 - May 30, 2013