USCIB and Roanoke Meet With Rock-IT Global to Discuss Benefits of Digital Carnet

Published on August 17, 2023

L-R: Jacob Fisher (Rock-IT Global); Louis Kerpan (Rock-IT Global); Amanda Barlow (Roanoke Insurance Group); Declan Daly (USCIB); Cassie McCarter (Rock-IT Global); Candece Perry (Roanoke Insurance Group)

USCIB Chief Operating Officer Declan Daly was recently in Los Angeles, along with Amanda Barlow, Senior VP, Client Experience and Candece Perry from Roanoke Insurance Group, which serves as USCIB’s authorized service provider for the ATA Carnet, to meet with one of USCIB’s largest carnet users in the U.S.—Rock-IT Global. Daly met with Rock-IT VP and General Counsel Jacob Fisher, VP Customs Brokerage and Division Head Fairs and Exhibitions Louis Kerpan and ATA Carnet Service Manager Cassie McCarter.

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the ATA Carnet, a unified customs document that is used by approximately 80 countries and territories. While celebrating the long-term value that the Carnet has brought to the business community, USCIB has also been involved in a global process with the International Chamber of Commerce World Chamber Federations (ICC WCF) to modernize the Carnet by making it entirely digital (e-ATA).

Daly presented the progress and development of the e-ATA and the benefits it will bring to Rock-IT’s operations. According to Daly, Rock-IT has agreed to participate in testing the digital system once it’s ready to launch.

“We’re thrilled that Rock-IT will be participating in testing the new system,” said Daly. “Rock-IT has been using Carnets for a long time and we hope they will be one of the first in the U.S. to experience the efficiency and improvement that will come with a digitized Carnet.”

USCIB Advances Priorities for OECD Accession Candidate Countries

Published on August 16, 2023

We’re pleased to share USCIB’s updated advocacy paper outlining the market access concerns that USCIB members have identified as priorities for the OECD accession candidates. The paper has been shared with key policymakers in Paris and Washington, DC, to use in leveraging policy reforms. Visit our dedicated page on OECD activities for any upcoming updates.

The document outlines policy changes members would like adopted by the five OECD candidates – Brazil, Peru, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania – in areas such as agriculture, chemicals, regulatory reform, intellectual property and tax. Laws, regulations and practices in Brazil draw the most attention from members because of their large market impact, noted Alice Slayton Clark, VP for International Investment and Trade Policy. Specifically, members are seeking policy reform in Brazil with respect to connectivity in rural areas, digitalization of trade, regulatory streamlining, restrictive government pricing, and regressive taxes on medicines, among other concerns.

The OECD accession process will be rigorous and time consuming; nations that do not follow-through on specified policy reforms will not be invited to accede. As such, this provides an excellent opportunity for USCIB member companies to seek resolution to some of the most difficult impediments to trade and investment in accession countries, noted Clark. As the US national committee to Business at OECD, USCIB is in a unique position to directly influence all parties involved.

USCIB thanks the many members who contributed to the advocacy paper to ensure USCIB’s early input into this important process.

USCIB’s Giblin Contributes to APEC Meetings on Customs

Published on August 16, 2023

L-R: Fernanda Palacios, Megan Giblin, Carol Anderson, and Mary Wong

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) held its third Senior Officials Meeting (SOM3) earlier this month in Seattle, Washington. USCIB Senior Director for Customs and Trade Facilitation Megan Giblin attended various meetings related to customs; Giblin was a panelist in the APEC Customs-Business Dialogue (ACBD) and moderated a session at the 15th Meeting of the APEC Alliance for Supply Chain Connectivity (A2C2).

The ACBD focused on women in trade, specifically women in customs, and featured several panels on how women are leading in the technology in trade space. The meeting provided a platform for discussion on how to deliver effective leadership development opportunities for women. Giblin spoke on a panel titled, Women in the Trade Workforce in the 21st Century, and was joined by fellow panelists from Viet Nam Customs Nguyen Thi Viet Nga and Expeditors’ Nanoh Park. The panel was moderated by the Deputy Director, Employee Engagement and Organizational Culture, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Anne Maricich. Giblin and other panelists provided insights on the current state of women in international trade (customs), the types of jobs women hold, some of the challenges women face in such roles, how to interest next generation of women, examples of successful recruitment, how to retain women in these roles and how to develop women for senior leadership roles. Panelists shared experiences and best practices. As Giblin developed remarks, she consulted with her CTFC Chair and committee members to gather additional views and experiences to inform these critical discussions.

USCIB members were also prominently featured during the ACBD. A panel titled, Trade, Technology and International Cooperation: How Women are Leading and Broadening the Tent for Inclusion. How do we bring in more allies?, featured USCIB member Raquel Guevera (Microsoft). Guevera’s panel included representatives from several APEC economy customs administrations and other private sector representatives. Panelists discussed how trade can support women’s economic empowerment and how women are leading technology in trade.

The ACBD culminated in a critical small group discussion aimed at informing the Subcommittee on Customs Procedures about lessons learned and best practices from the private sector that Customs Administrations can benefit from. The ACBD also identified some short and long-term actions that can be taken to address some of the challenges and gaps identified during the event.

“It was fascinating to have participated in an impactful event, which brought together, and provided a dialogue for, so many like-minded women in customs and trade from the APEC economies and the private sector,” said Giblin. “It was a powerful dialogue, which highlighted many commonalities we have all faced or experienced in our careers. There was general agreement among participants, moderators and speakers that we need to stop talking about doing more to engage women in customs. Now is the time to act.”

Giblin added, “I look forward to seeing how the recommendations from the small group were received by the SCCP and which recommendations will be acted upon.” Congratulations to the SCCP 2023 Chair, Kristie McKinney of U.S CBP and the U.S. team for a successful ACBD. USCIB looks forward to active engagement in the ACBD during Peru’s host year in 2024.

Following the ACBD, the Alliance for Supply Chain Connectivity (A2C2)—a USTR-led public private partnership mechanism focused on supply chain connectivity and resilience—allowed stakeholders from APEC economies to formally engage in APEC’s supply chain work. According to Giblin, USCIB’s CTFC has been very active in the A2C2, which has focused on WTO Trade Facilitation Implementation, as well as the Supply Chain Framework Action Plans (SCFAP) focusing on specific chokepoints.

The 15th meeting of the A2C2, entitled “Operationalizing the SCFAP3,” hosted on this sideline of SOM3 in Seattle, allowed stakeholders to explore opportunities to overcome the chokepoints, such as digitalization and e-payment. Giblin and USCIB members served as either moderators or panelists. Giblin moderated the panel, Digitalization of End-to-End Supply Chains, during which panelists discussed how businesses and governments are grappling with digitalization reforms, including border procedures and trade documentation exchanges. Speakers on the A2C2 Digitalization panel included Peru’s Custom and Trade Facilitation Coordinator Ingrid Huapaya Puicon, SubCargo Co-Chief Executive Officer Fernanda Palacios, Microsoft Senior Corporate Counsel for Global Trade Carol Anderson and GS1 Peru Deputy General Mary Wong. In addition, Giblin and Anderson were joined by USCIB members Welby Leaman, senior director, Global Policy Strategy at Walmart and Prashanth Rajan, director for Public Policy at Mastercard, who spoke, respectively on panels, ‘Understanding Green Supply Chain Management Practices” and “Data Flows and Cross-Border Payments to Support Increasingly Digitalized Supply Chains.”

“We were pleased to see the APEC Subcommittee on Customs Procedures (SCCP) Chair Kristie McKinney of CBP overview the SCCP Agenda 2023,” said Giblin. “We look forward to the A2C2 continuing to focus on SCFAP III chokepoints and to continued contribution on the critical dialogue tied to digitalization,” said Giblin.”

“USCIB has appreciated the direct and continued engagement on customs and trade facilitation matters with our U.S. government partners during this host year,” said Giblin. “We stand ready to provide relevant input into the establishment of goals and objectives for both this year and the years to come. We look forward to continued engagement, planning and preparation with U.S. partners for A2C2 meetings during Peru’s host year in 2024.”

Anti-Illicit Trade

Published on August 9, 2023

WHAT’S AT STAKE FOR BUSINESS

Illicit trade is a serious threat that feeds a booming multi-trillion-dollar global illegal economy and harms every market, puts public health and safety at risk, and upends the rule of law and investment climate. It is a threat multiplier that helps fuel transnational crime, corruption, and greater insecurity and instability around the world. Illicit trade results in:

Lost revenue and market share;
Intellectual property theft, stolen data, and dis-incentivizes innovation;
Job displacement for workers and business closures;
Increased costs of doing business overseas;
Heightened violence and criminality in some markets; and
Diminished brand integrity and market reputational value.

USCIB Anti-Illicit Trade Committee Chair, David Luna and USCIB Director, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Megan Giblin

USCIB meets with Piotr Stryszowski (left) at the OECD Washington D.C. Center

CURRENT PRIORITIES

Objectives

Illicit Trade in the COVID-19 Crisis Environment. Click here to visit our dedicated page on COVID-19 for messages from our CEO, press releases, member-driven initiatives, and more.
Development of Anti-Illicit Trade Committee (AITC) Plan of Action (POA) and focus on key member brand protection concerns and Anti-Illicit Trade (AIT) issues of interest, provided below in alphabetical order:
- Engagement of China and other Source Markets of Fakes;
- Targeted Action on Illicit Trade including Counterfeit and Pirated Goods;
- AIT Enforcement at Free Trade Zones (FTZs);
- Strengthening Information sharing across sectors and markets; and
- Address “small parcels” trade in contraband and illicit commodities.
Raising public awareness of newly established AITC at USCIB and its commitment to fight illicit trade with U.S. government agencies and U.S. Congress, private sector and business community, international and intergovernmental organizations, and economies and market stakeholders around the world.
Active leadership and engagement in Business at OECD and the Business at OECD Anti-Illicit Trade Expert Group (AITEG) and align activities and outcomes.

USCIB AT WORK:

At OECD, engage via Business at OECD, on the work of the Task Force on Countering Illicit Trade (TF-CIT) in efforts to address the threats and barriers tied to illicit trade, promoting strategic alliances, and work closely with BIAC and OECD on webinars on illicit trade in the COVID crisis environment.
Bridging Partnerships: In APEC, explore possible synergies with OECD and Business at OECD; OECD-APEC collaborations in 2019-2020; and G2B opportunities on fighting illicit trade across markets.
At ICC, where relevant, engage in the work of the Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) initiative.
In Washington, where we regularly meet with U.S. government officials to educate them on the work of the AITC particularly with the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Treasury, White House (National Security Council and Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator), and U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.

WHO WE ARE

The USCIB Anti-Illicit Trade Committee is composed of USCIB member companies representing a range of business and industry sectors. Priorities are determined that reflect a consensus among the members.

The Committee takes a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, approach and public-private partnerships, to elevate the fight against illicit trade, particularly related to the work of the OECD’s TF-CIT, corresponding activity by Business at OECD, and the work of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) initiative.

Mission

The Committee promotes strong international AIT leadership and advocates for a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to the complex topic of illicit trade including, among others:

Business at OECD and Business at OECD Anti-Illicit Trade Expert Group (AITEG)

OECD Task Force on Countering Illicit Trade (TFCIT), Governance Directorate
APEC and in other strategic international fora in advance of USCIB Partnerships

U.S. Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, Justice, State, and Treasury, White House (National Security Council and Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator), and U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

All USCIB members are eligible to participate in the USCIB Anti-Illicit Trade Committee. If you are a member and would like to be added to this committee or if you would like more information on how to become a member, please contact:

Alison Hoiem
Senior Director, Member Services
(202) 682-1291 – ahoiem@uscib.org

USCIB on LinkedIn

News Stories

OECD, BIAC and USCIB Meet to Discuss Trade Strategy, Anti-Illicit Trade (7/26/2023) - The USCIB Anti-Illicit Trade Committee (AITC) hosted a joint event with the OECD and Business at OECD’s (BIAC) Anti-Illicit Trade…

USCIB Welcomes New Leadership at Business at OECD (7/11/2023) - USCIB extends its hearty congratulations to the newly appointed policy group leadership at Business at OECD (BIAC), including representatives from…

USCIB Welcomes Senate’s Unanimous Confirmation Vote on USTR Tai (3/18/2021) - USCIB salutes the Senate for its unanimous vote on March 17 to confirm Katherine Tai as the next U.S. Trade…

USCIB to Present Proposal at APEC on Fighting IP Crime, Illicit Trade (10/7/2020) - During this week’s virtual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting of the Intellectual Property Rights Expert Group (IPEG) as part…

Chair

David Luna
President and CEO
Luna Global Networks & Convergence Strategies LLC

Staff

Megan Giblin
Director, Customs & Trade Facilitation
(202) 371-9235 – mgiblin@uscib.org

Staff

Ashley Harrington
Policy & Program Assistant, Washington
202-683-5861 or aharrington@uscib.org

Food and Agriculture

Published on August 9, 2023

Trends and Challenges Facing the Food & Agriculture sector:

Responding to rapidly evolving changes in global food systems due to dramatic shifts in climate and demand.
The shift away from evidence -based policy responses to meaningful food security and enhanced environmental sustainability.
The growing trend to view business as the “problem” and not part of the solution among public and private actors who fail to recognize mutual interests and limitations.

USCIB’s Response:

Advocating for business as a solutions partner in international forums including the OECD Health Committee and OECD Agriculture committee.
Showcasing business leadership, investments and innovation at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) as they seek effective policy approaches on food security and nutrition in the context of changing rural-urban dynamics.
Calling for public/private partnerships involving all stakeholders to improve transparency and broaden participation to meet the global challenges facing the sustainability of agriculture and food systems.