Looking to export and need help and money to figure out where?

Posted on January 21, 2012 by Marideth

Sandler Trade LLC is researching the needs of small but growing businesses to find new markets outside the U.S.

Figuring out the best foreign market is a key step – that can require a bit of consulting assistance but can also be an expense out of the realm of possibility.

We’ve been asked to find out if non-bank funding would be helpful in paying these costs, which would then be paid back when the exports are flowing.

For more information, contact Marideth at sandler@sandlertrade.com or call 202.776.0650. We’d really like to hear from you – no matter your product, service, location, and experience. Thanks!

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Unravel the Hidden Treasures of Export Markets with Sandler Trade LLC

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Marideth

The process of exporting can be very taxing on small businesses eager to grow. However, great business opportunities abound through the creation of export markets.  95 percent of the world’s customers live outside the United States. This means that our largest markets are outside the United States.

Irrespective of these challenges, there are treasures waiting for companies who seek to take their business into the global market. After all, no pirate ever finds treasures without dealing with other fellow pirates along the way, sometimes even bigger pirates. The treasures of the export market often touch on all facets of a business, including increasing customers across the globe, which can yield great success for a business if carried out properly, and international recognition, which can boost the credibility of a brand, fostering great sales and ultimately increasing profits.

Hence, to tap into these markets, U.S. businesses have to first locate the optimal markets for their products and then export their goods for sale into these markets.

For small or even medium-sized businesses, identifying export markets can take a great toll on all aspects of the business. This is because;

  • Significant staff time will be needed to devise an export strategy and see it through to its fruition.
  • Language barriers are often a problem as a business moves into foreign territories.
  • Regulatory red tape import duties and other legal and financial issues also have to be addressed.
  • Arranging shipping logistics can be complicated and can present a major stumbling block.
  • A lack of ground information can be stifling, including finding partners who can handle product distribution.
  • Competition with in-country and other foreign exporters that are already there may make it difficult to sustain buyers.
  • A company’s intellectual property may be in danger without the supplier even knowing.

On a more general note, the hesitation by small businesses also seems to stem from their limited financial capability to go head-on with the hurdles mentioned above, along with other barriers to export markets. As a result, it is estimated that only 1% (one percent) of small businesses in the United States export. More so, of those companies that export, 58 percent of those companies export to only one country (most often to countries in North America, i.e., Canada).

Realizing the need for small businesses to reap the benefits of the export market, and in the spirit of making international trade really happen, which is one of the foundations of Sandler Trade LLC, we are making great strides to create awareness of the need for small businesses to enlarge their horizon through exports.  To do this, we have joined an initiative to engage with small U.S. companies that need help with trade financing and with identifying the export markets best matched to their product, production capabilities, and niche.

So, if you are a small business owner who is seeking avenues to export, and you are reading this blog – please do not hesitate to contact us at Sandler Trade LLC via submitting a comment on this website (http://sandlertrade.com) or to prince@sandlertrade.com.

We want small businesses to know that there are various forms of private (Sandler Trade LLC) and public (www.export.gov) support available for those seeking ways to ease the hurdles and get financial help to export.

As we continue to do business in 2012, the importance of exports for American businesses still resonates louder than ever. The increase in employment (+200,000 jobs created in December 2011),[1] would not have been possible without employment engine of the small business sector (myself being an example). In the same vein, to achieve the ambitious goal of doubling America’s exports by 2014 set forth in President Barack Obama’s National Export Initiative, small businesses will have to be involved. So what are you waiting for?!?!

 

Prince Mbanefo, Global Trade Advisor, Sandler Trade LLC.

prince@sandlertrade.com (Email)

@sandlertradellc (Twitter)

Sandler Trade LLC (Facebook)

 

 

Posted in Expanded markets for U.S. artisans, International Trade | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Hear New Information on Kids’ Product Safety Standards Effective December 31, 2011

Posted on December 13, 2011 by Marideth

Children’s product requirements are changing substantially as of December 31, 2011. These will mandate the maximum: 1) lead content in accessible components; 2) lead levels in paint and surface coatings; and 3) inclusion of phthlates (chemicals making plastic items more flexible.  Certain toy safety standards based on ASTM F963 will also become mandated. This is an uncertain time for manufacturers, importers, and foreign producers that are seeking the latest details on these changes. As a result of many small importers working together, there will also be an exemption from third-party testing requirements to ensure that the standards are met.

What was the best way to get this information out? A teleconference on December 10 for U.S. importers and developing-country producers was organized by the Fair Trade Federation, the Coalition of Small Batch Importers, and Sandler Trade LLC. Many thanks to Dean Woodward, Director of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Office of Education, Global Outreach and the Small Business Ombudsman, for providing extensive information as well as follow-up slides (featured below).

The popular teleconference was recorded and is available for listening through the end of December at:

http://www.freeconference.com/Recordings/ConferenceRecording-11085579-376123.mp3

Key slides from the teleconference follow:

Previous webinars offered by the CPSC on these subjects can be found at:

1. For Small Batch Manufacturers and Importers: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1305349424/b3b86d12d5f94af218723665b61016ff

2. For Children’s Toy Manufacturers: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1305347748/26c93e018d45e55e5d297a22c6748669

 

For more information, please contact Marideth Sandler (sandler@sandlertrade.com or at 1.202.776.0650)

 

 

 

 

Posted in Business seminars, CPSC, CPSIA, lead requirements, small batch manufacturers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Teleconference on Friday, Dec 7 at 1p EST on Children’s Products Safety Standards and Third-Party Testing Exemptions

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Marideth

Safety-related regulatory changes will go into effect on Dec 31 concerning all children’s products that will be available for sale.  These changes could have had very difficult impacts on children’s products and apparel produced in and imported from developing countries. Congress, domestic children’s product manufacturers and the recently formed Coalition of Small Batch Importers worked closely with the Consumer Product Safety Commission to help insure that the safety standards would be met, but that the testing required would be within the financial resources of – and take into account the logistical challenges faced by - small businesses in the United States and artisan groups all over the globe.

Through the efforts of the Coalition of Small Batch Importers and others, the Consumer Product Safety Commission will  allow certain exemptions from “third-party testing” for several of these standards (total lead content, phthalates, and wearing apparel (flammability)) when the products are produced by “small batch companies” and are imported by “small batch importers.” All involved will still need to ensure that the safety standards are met, however.

Do you have questions on how these changes affect you and what you do and do not have to do???

Dial up this Friday’s teleconference organized by the Fair Trade Federation, The Coalition of Small Batch Importers, and Sandler Trade LLC with Dean Woodard of the CPSC. Again, it’s on this Friday, December 9, 2011, beginning at 1p EST. Please call 1-270-400-2000; your participant access code is 9576258 to access the teleconference.

You may want to look at http://www.cpsc.gov/info/toysafety/smallbatch.html to get a current and concise overview of the requirements and exemptions. There were two previous webinars that can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov/webcast/previous.html.

Dean will cover the latest on the regulations going into effect on Dec 31, answers on how often you have to test products – every shipment or every year or ?????, who is responsible for having a certificate of compliance, the small batch exemptions to third-party testing, and how to register with the CPSC as a small batch importer.

If you have other questions you’d like Dean to address, please email them to Marideth Sandler at sandler@sandlertrade.com by 10a EST on Friday.

Looking forward to your participation!

Posted in CPSC, CPSIA, Expanded markets for U.S. artisans, Growing exports from developing countries, International Trade, lead requirements, small batch manufacturers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sandler Trade LLC Mourns Passing of President Emeritus, Martin N. Sandler

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Marideth

On Thanksgiving evening, firm President Emeritus Martin N. Sandler passed away.  Mr. Sandler believed in trade and investment as the most effective mechanisms to assist new and developing nations.

Mr. Sandler founded the American Israel Chamber of Commerce in 1958 to develop business and ongoing commercial relationships between Israel and the United States.  The Chamber, under by Mr. Sandler’s leadership, has grown into a national network of what is now 12 state and regional offices across the United States.

In 1959, Mr. Sandler also created the Hotel Corporation of Israel to fund and construct the first four-star hotel in Israel and signed on Sheraton Hotels to manage it as the company’s first overseas property.

Mr. Sandler graduated in accounting from the University of Minnesota, after which he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Lieutenant JG and Gunnery Officer.  Mr. Sandler also was the President of ERO Industries, Inc., founded the Gastro-Intestinal Research Foundation (GIRF), and supported Thresholds, a mental health service provider, by purchasing a vocational facility in Rockford, Illinois, for disabled adults.

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“The International Internship Initiative at Sandler Trade LLC is The Place to Be”

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Marideth

Today’s Post is written by Prince Mbanefo, Sandler Trade LLC’s Global Trade Advisor Intern:

Thinking or looking for where to get a practical feel of what it really means to be involved in projects dealing with trade and development issues? Well, think and look no further.

The International Internship Initiative program at Sandler Trade LLC is the place to be.

After completing my LL.M in International Economic Law and Policy with concentration in WTO laws at the University of Barcelona Spain, I really wanted to get involved with a firm where I can get hands-on experience on trade issues. When I came across Sandler Trade LLC and reading the “Services” section of the website, I knew it was the right place for me.

Sandler Trade has in various ways helped me to apply the skills I acquired in the class room to real world issues, while exposing me to new issues which are exciting to learn about.

Working for the firm has been very engaging and has helped to expose me to various issues. I go to work every day in anticipation of the new issue that I will discover. For example, I am currently involved in a project which deals with the effect of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and how its requirements affect the business of small batch manufacturers/ importers who import handcrafted goods from developing countries into the United States for sale.

I believe that Sandler Trade LLC is an excellent firm to build a foundation especially for those who want a career in the area of international trade and development. As a result, I seek to make great use of this profound opportunity to continue to hone my skills in the area while paving the way for a lucrative career.

 

 

Posted in CPSIA, Growing exports from developing countries, International Trade, small batch manufacturers, Staff training | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Coalition of Small Batch Importers debuts at the CPSC with Sandler’s Testimony

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Marideth

On Wednesday, October 26, 2011, the 36-member Coalition of Small Batch Importers debuted before the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Said Lynn Persson of Terra Experience in Madison, WI, “I can’t tell you how much it means to see a face representing the small artisans and their importers!!!  Thank you!!!” It was the unceasing energy exhibited by the businesses right up until the panel began that really drove the Coalition’s effectiveness. As Marideth Sandler gathered her papers to sit at the panelists’ table, she received emails from Mac McCoy of dZi and other fair trade importers and retailers wanting to join the Coalition. Talk about a collective voice wanting to be heard!

Three Commissioners heard Marideth’s testimony on behalf of the Small Batch Importers. She expanded it with more importer and producer specifics, based on the most recent Fair Trade Federation’s Trends Report, which clearly interested the Commissioners. Her testimony followed the first panel at which four members of the Handmade Toys Alliance testified. They were instrumental in helping write and support HR 2715 which, when Congress approved it and the President signed it this summer, authorized different treatment for testing of children’s products by small batch importers and manufacturers.

The Commissioners listened and asked a number of questions. It is difficult to know whether the Commission will act before the third-party testing requirements go into effect on January 1 or whether the bill’s “trigger” will pull that would approve exemptions in the event of no action by the Commission before January 1.

Why is this important?

Right now, as of January 1, 2012, all children’s products will need to be “third-party” tested by an independent lab to ensure conformity with flammability, lead, phthalate, and toy safety requirements.

However, for manufacturers and importers who do less than $1 million in business annually and either manufacture or import individual products in annual amounts less than 7,500 units – there may be the opportunity for approval of an alternate testing mode or exemption from the third-party testing.

That does not mean that the manufacturers and importers will NOT need to comply with the standards. They still will – but not be required to have the products tested by a certified lab to ensure that. Many supplying countries do not have certified labs or the lab is located far from the artisans’ communities.

All children’s products will need to be tested prior to entry into the U.S., although we are working with the CPSC to see if there is a way for the products to be tested in the U.S. after entry if there is no certified lab in-country.

The tests are also expensive when realizing that they may cost as much as the entire product shipment into the U.S. for an entire year.

The Small Batch Coalition’s comments are at http://bit.ly/shJm0k

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Fair Trade Importers Submit Letter on Third Party Testing Impacts

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Marideth

The Coalition of Small Batch Importers – 31 Fair Trade Federation members, sustainable trade importers, artisan marketers, designers, and Sandler Trade LLC  submitted a joint letter today to the Consumer Product Safety Commission concerning “Alternative Testing Requirements for Small Batch Importers.”  On Wednesday, October 26, representatives of the Coalition will testify at a public hearing before the Commissioners.

This is the first time that this group of businesses or any representative group of
Fair Trade, sustainable trade, and small batch importers of artisanal items
have come together to express their concerns about consumer product safety requirements and their impact on the viability of continued importation from low-income artisans globally by U.S. small businesses.

The Coalition worked together so that this pioneering action could convey the enormity of the problems the businesses face as a result of the third-party testing and certification requirements for children’s products and the companies’ sincere appreciation of the Commission’s recognition and efforts to address these issues.

The letter can be found here: Small Batch Coalition of Importers CPSC Comments 102111 final2

Posted in CPSC, CPSIA, Import regulations, small batch manufacturers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Dreaming of your Tariff Refunds when GSP is reinstated?

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Marideth

A quick update on recent good news on U.S. imports from emerging markets:

1. Congress reauthorized through July 2013 the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. This means that eligible exports from 129 developing countries will begin to enter the U.S. duty-free.

2. Congress passed Free Trade Agreements with Colombia, Panama, and Korea. That means that, depending on the product, two-way trade with each of these countries will be free of duties. Other positive changes will affect services, investments, protection of intellectual property, and all other aspects of trade.

3. Congress also reauthorized the Andean Trade Preferences Program, which now will affect only products from Ecuador.

4. Our friends at U.S. Customs and Border Patrol have kindly shared early words on how to get your refunds:

GSP will be officially reinstated 15 days after the President signs the bill - anticipated to be early this week.  U.S. importers who made the claim during the hiatus will receive their refunds automatically. For those U.S. importers who did not make the claim of GSP during the lapse:

a. should file post entry amendments (PEAs) if they use the Automated Commercial System (ACS); or

b. should file Post Summary Corrections (PSCs) if they use the newer and smaller Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).

These procedures are the same as they would be to make any other change prior to liquidation. The PEA and PSC refund procedures will be noted in a memo that Customs will soon issue to announce the reinstatement of GSP.

If you have any questions, please let us know!

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Calling all small U.S. importers and makers of handmade crafts and apparel!

Posted on October 14, 2011 by Marideth

“Small batch” importers of handmade crafts and apparel are providing comments and public hearing testimony to the the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on affordable and feasible alternatives to complying with the upcoming requirements for third-party children’s-product testing for lead. In doing so, they have asked Sandler Trade LLC to help review the regulations, interview companies, and draft the letter and testimony for the companies’ review.

This a unique and significant opportunity to comment on the difficulty and overwhelming nature of compliance for small importers and manufacturers. Passage of legislation last summer authorized the CPSC to allow U.S. manufacturers and importers with revenues of under $1 million and that import in batch sizes of less than 7,500 pieces to use alternative testing methods and, possibly, to be exempt from third-party testing altogether.

If you are a small importer or manufacturer of artisanal, handmade, folk art, or other items – whether for-profit or non-profit – please consider adding your input to the comments, which are due on Friday, October 21. The public hearing will be on Wednesday, October 26 in Bethesda. Contact Marideth Sandler at sandler@sandlertrade.com for more information.

For details on the input sought by the CPSC through comment and testimony, please go to http://www.cpsc.gov/businfo/frnotices/fr12/smallbatch.pdf  The public hearing also will be available live via webcast on October 26, 2011, at: http://www.cpsc.gov/webcast.  There is no public participation via the webcast.

 

Posted in HR 2718, International Trade | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment