AAEI and AIAG Conference Provides Vital Knowledge on Border Trading Issues

Must-Have Information will be Provided on the Latest Regulations and Policies on Southern Border Trade-Related Issues

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- North America's leading trade associations -- the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) and the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) -- are holding the first-ever symposium on the latest policy updates and regulations between Mexico and the United States southern borders and ports on Nov. 18 -- followed by two related courses further educating attendees on the latest customs-related topics. The conference and training, sponsored by Port of San Antonio, will be held at the Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO )

"Attending the Southern Border Training Symposium is imperative to truly understanding all aspects of the future of border trading," said Megan Wilson, Director, Government Affairs for AAEI. "Many of the rules and policies are quickly changing and anyone involved in shipments across the borders need to be educated on current and future regulations," she added.

-- The Southern Border Trade Symposium, Nov. 18, will discuss crucial information relating to border regulations including the most recent SAFE Port Act that establishes actions necessary for container security seal policy. In addition, panel discussions will be held by government experts and industry authorities on Physical Security (Private Companies), Customs Security Programs (U.S. and Mexico Representatives), Mandatory Automated Export System (AES) and Importer Security Filing (also known as 10+2).

"Understanding the 10+2 rule requiring importers and carriers to provide additional information on cargo before it's brought into the U.S. by vessel, is vital for importers and exporters," said Morris Brown, AIAG Program Manager. "Although it's not law currently, it's expected to be phased in soon and shortly after, enforced. It's another step of The Department of Homeland Security to identify high-risk shipments entering the U.S.," he added.

The keynote luncheon speaker, Bradd Skinner, Director of C-TPAT, Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection, will discuss cross border security. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with government and industry leaders at a reception following the conference. In addition to Mr. Skinner, other border trade expert speakers from the United States and Mexico include:

-- Morris Brown, AIAG
-- Pedro Canabal, Express Tres Fronteras
-- Diane DeJarnett, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc.
-- Jose Martin Garcia, MX Embassy
-- Dale Kelly, Department of Commerce Census Bureau
-- Steve Kisslinger, Cargo Crossing Border, NYK Logistics
-- Arturo Mecatela, Pro Mexico
-- Jim Phillips, General Motors Corporation
-- Bob Polka, Union Pacific
-- Fernando Rodriguez, EXL
-- Sandra Scott, TradeMerit
-- Megan Wilson, AAEI

-- HTS Training, Nov. 19, will explain the proper duty fees on various products and further discuss HTS code classifications that are essential in taxing and shipping products across borders. This data is beneficial for any individuals involved in customs regulations -- from finance and sales managers to customs trade importers and exporters.

-- NAFTA Content Reporting Training, Nov. 20-21, will offer hands-on group training specific to automotive products that addresses NAFTA requirements on goods originating between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The course will educate on topics of Certificates of Origin, content reporting laws, rules of origin and proof of origin requirements.

For more information or to register for the AAEI and AIAG border trade conference or training courses, visit www.aiag.org or call AIAG customer service at (248) 358-3003.

About AIAG

The AIAG is a globally recognized organization founded in 1982 by a group of visionary executives from Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors. The membership has grown to include prominent automotive OEM and suppliers such as Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Caterpillar Tractor, John Deere Corporation, International Truck Corporation, Daimler, PACCAR and others. Their purpose: To provide members an open forum to cooperate in developing and promoting solutions which enhance the prosperity of the automotive industry.

AIAG members play a unique role in the development of new technologies and the standards that govern their usage. Under the auspices of AIAG, volunteers from all layers of the supply chain work together to resolve issues critical to the automotive supply chain. For more information, please visit the organization's website at www.aiag.org.

About AAEI

The American Association of Exporters and Importers has been the national voice of the international trade community since 1921. Its unique role, speaking for and educating both importers and exporters, is driven by a broad economic base of manufacturers, distributors, retailers and service providers. With promotion of fair and open trade policy and practice at its core, AAEI speaks to international trade, supply chain and customs and border protection issues covering the expanse of legal, technical and policy-driven concerns.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Automotive Industry Action Group

CONTACT: AIAG Contact: Lorrie Kinney, +1-248-213-4676, lkinney@aiag.org;
or AAEI Contact: Paula Moore, +1-202-857-8009, pmoore@aaei.org

Web site: http://www.aiag.org/

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Profile: automotive-news