SEMA has produced two informal guides on how to determine the tariff rates for products imported into the United States as well as exported to key overseas markets. The guide reviews the various online, free government databases to properly categorize products and look-up tariff rate tools. These documents also provide a list of additional useful websites and governmental and non-governmental resources.
All importers—from those bringing in one container a year to those importing products weekly—are equally liable under a new rule issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP), which took effect January 26, 2009. The Importer Security Filing (ISF), more commonly referred to as the "10+2" initiative (because it requires importers to supply 10 pieces of data and shipping companies another two items), marks the first time importers are required to communicate with the CBP regarding incoming shipments and are held liable for failure to do so.
The SEMA Show/AAPEX has been selected by the U.S. Department of Commerce for its 2009 International Buyer Program (IBP). As part of this partnership, U.S. commercial services and trade specialist officers are recruiting qualified international buyers to attend the SEMA Show. In 2008, the U.S. government organized 40 buyer delegations to SEMA/AAIW from key global markets.
SEMA was invited as one of 32 shows worldwide to participate in the program based upon meeting a wide range of selection criteria, including:
Attendees from Canada, Mexico and 134 countries will be walking the aisles of the 2009 SEMA Show. You can connect with these buyers through the following programs offered by SEMA's International Affairs office. Interested in growing your international business at the SEMA Show? Contact Linda Spencer at lindas@sema.org to learn more.
- Attend the single most important event for exhibitors seeking to network with international buyers from more than 100 countries
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| Take advantage of the Center for International Commerce to arrange meetings, find interpreters and network with international buyers and vendors. |
U.S.-based SEMA members seeking to expand their overseas sales are entitled to a complimentary company/product posting on the U.S. Department of Commerce website. The deadline to register is May 7th.
Booth space is available in the upcoming 2009 Paace Automechanika Show taking place July 15-17. Held annually in Mexico City, the event draws more than 18,000 attendees in the automotive industry. More information is available at www.paaceautomechanika.com or by contacting lindas@sema.org.
A high level of disposable income and enthusiasm for Detroit iron make Dubai and the Middle East Gulf region an attractive market for both performance and styling customization. Consider attending or exhibiting at the Automechanika Middle East trade show. Several booths are available in the tuning and performance hall during the May 29-June 2 event in Dubai. All SEMA members traveling to Dubai are invited to attend networking and briefing sessions.
The Subaru WRX is one of the most popular tuning platforms in China. This one belongs to an enthusiast in a Guangzhou car club.
Consumers in the United Arab Emirates and the neighboring countries that make up the Gulf Coast region (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar) are spending increasing amounts of their considerable discretionary income on customizing their vehicles with styling and performance products. There are currently 7.1 million cars on the road. These consumers are passionate about their cars and light trucks.