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Welcome to the Inaugural Issue of On-Board

A New Graphic Identity–Just the Beginning

Six Questions About Barb Wojcik

Changes to the Harmonized Tariff System–2007

The Harmonized Tariff System of the United States (“HTSUS”) is used to determine commodity identification for imports. In addition to commodity reporting and rules of origin, the tariff determines Customs duties. The Harmonized Tariff numbers are required in order to clear a shipment through Customs.

In Early 2007, the Harmonized System will undergo its third major revision since 1988. There will be more defined sub-headings to the schedule, as well as updated section and chapter notes used as guidelines. The date for the changes to be finalized and effective has not yet been determined, however, several indicators (without getting into all the red-tape beaucracy) are that the changes will be approved by the President and given to the Trade Community shortly!

These changes will affect commodity classification and duty rates. Commodities found in chapters 84, 85 and 90 are most impacted, as technology classifications are being updated significantly to reflect today’s world references to products. However, nearly every chapter in the schedule has changes. All changes are designed to be revenue neutral, however, given that there is not a direct cross reference, it is not possible to state for certain that this will be the case.

At this time, the draft (Proposed modifications) from the International Trade Commissions to the 8 digit level is available for review. However, the 10 digit level changes have not yet been released to the public. Practically speaking, this means that we can review and get an idea of the changes which are necessary, but we can not take any constructive administrative steps to update our systems. (For most of our clients, we maintain our database of your part number, or SKU, and Harmonized Tariff number.) However, neither Reilly International nor our clients can begin amending the Harmonized Tariff numbers which will be used for your goods, once the changes become law. If you believe it would be helpful, you may find a copy of these proposed changes at the following link: http://hotdocs.usitc.gov/docs/tata/hts/Pub3851.pdf

This presents some difficulty as our clients will need to review their Harmonized Tariff numbers very quickly once the final changes are released. As stated earlier, these Harmonized numbers are required to clear consignments, and therefore, we must receive updated listings from our clients very quickly. It is possible that these changes will be published, and could be implemented, as quickly as 15 days later! However, the US Trade Representative (the ultimate decision maker on the timing of the changes being effective) is beginning to realize how difficult it would be to publish the changes into law and then make them effective for both the Customs Service as well as the importing community. Perhaps our legislators and decision makers within the government should adopt a bit of the Reilly approach, and try making it a bit easier. What about publishing the changes three months in advance….a novel thought?! Let me assure you I have voiced my opinion on this loud and clear!

We will keep you updated and informed as soon as more concrete data is released. In addition, our Customs Consulting team may be contacted to assist you.

Holiday Giving a Tradition for Reilly International

We are pleased to contribute on behalf of our Clients and Friends a donation to the Shriners Hospital for Children. The organization provides life-saving and life changing services to children with special medical needs. Shriners has 22 facilities around the country and in Canada and Mexico. Children treated at Shriners are provided the best medical care at no charge to the patient’s family. We are also pleased to support and provide a donation to the Yorkhill Sick Childrens Hospital in Glasgow, Scotland. This year, instead of having our annual gift exchange, our team decided to make donations to Toys for Tots. We delivered our donation to the Wood Dale Library and trust it put a smile on the faces of children on Christmas Morning.

Six Questions About Barb Wojcik

Each member of our staff is a dedicated, hard working individual. But what else do you know about us? Below are six questions we asked Barb Wojcik. Barb manages a vendor consolidation program for one of our large customers. Every day, she’s managing and coordinating hundreds of inbound domestic shipments, while at the same time closely monitoring consolidated international exports until they reach our customer.

What one thing do you like most about your job?
I really enjoy talking to people from different regions of the US and from different countries. I love to hear their different accents—especially our clients in the UK (British accents are so sexy).

What three words would others use to describe you?
Short. Quiet. Speaks with an accent.

How have you been spending most of your free time lately?
I’m currently on maternity leave, but with a two year old and a three month old, it’s hard to find any “free time”. I feed the baby almost every two hours and change a lot of dirty diapers. When the kids are asleep, I try to cook and clean up. When they’re awake, I usually have a lot of fun with them, but sometimes when they’re screaming I wish I were back at work!

If you won the lottery, what would you do?
I love to travel, so I would go on a trip around the world. My first stop would be Australia because that is my dream vacation spot. Maybe if I paid enough money, I could even get a kangaroo ride!

If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would it be?
Brat Pitt. He's my kind of man. Too bad he's already taken.

What is your favorite line from a movie?
"My name is Bond, James Bond." I love 007.