Customs Panel (pictured left to right): Ed Szymczak, U.S. Customs & Border Protection; Paula Connelly, Middleton & Shrull; Ken Montgomery, AeA and Julie La Cross, National Semiconductor Corporation.

Export Controls Panel (pictured left to right): Peter McDermott, Agilent Technologies; Paula Murphy, Massachusetts Export Center; Jim Paul, U.S. Department of Commerce; Ken Montgomery, AeA; Kerry Scarlott, Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP and Bob Daniels, Avid Technology.

Back for the sixth consecutive year, AeA hosted a Keeping Your Company Trade Compliant Seminar on May 5, 2005 at AeA Member Company, Agilent Technologies in Andover, MA. The program provided an update on the ever changing world of export controls and customs regulations.  

The seminar consisted of separate panels on Imports and Exports. Ken Montgomery, Director International Trade Regulation, from AeA' DC office, began the Import Panel by reviewing issues AeA was monitoring and lobbying on behalf of the industry. He then discussed various resources available to AeA member companies through AeA's Customs and Export Committees . Next, Edward Szymczak, Supervisory Import Specialist, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, gave an overview of importer instructions for C-TPAT compliance (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) and discussed the obligations of the industry. Paula M. Connelly, Esq., Partner at Middleton & Shrull, then discussed how Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) was impacting trade compliance, and reviewed key areas for companies who import good need to address. She stressed the importance of garnering the attention of senior management on compliance issues. Next, Julie La Cross, Global Trade Compliance Manager, Export and Customs Administration at National Semiconductor Corporation, outlined recommended strategies and best practices to implement a successful customs compliance program. She also discussed the importance of internal and external relationships with senior management and customs officials.

Following a networking break, the Export Panel audience heard from the export panel. AeA's Ken Montgomery reviewed the work being done by AeA in the Export Controls area and the work being done to address global trade issues in AeA's other internationally focused subcommittees. James Paul, International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, next outlined the export services available at Export Assistance Centers run by the DOC. Following, Kerry T. Scarlott, Partner at Posternak Blankstein & Lund LLP, reviewed a list of do's and don'ts in compliance, and reviewed provisions in the ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations) that impact high tech companies. Kerry also cautioned companies about the need to apply for an export license ('deemed export' rule) if the company employs any foreign national. Bob Daniels, Daniels, Director Logistics, Avid Technology, Inc., then walked attendees through various internal and external processes and controls that his company has created and deployed to comply with export Controls, including tips on how to incorporate trade compliance into a company's overall operations and strategies.

Following the panels, a presentation by Paula Murphy, Director and Founder, Massachusetts Export Center, educated attendees on the many services available from her agency, including an Export Compliance Program. Attendees also learned how to receive licensing for the Automated Export System (AES), and were provided with additional information resources.

The event also featured a good dialog and Q&A from participants, and provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn more about trade compliance. Special thanks to Agilent Technologies for hosting this event. 

Please contact the AeA New England office for additional information on this seminar. To learn more about trade compliance and how your company can better address its compliance requirements, call the AeA office at 781.938.1925, x105.

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