U.S. Department of Commerce

![](media/image1.jpeg){width="0.9298611111111111in"
height="0.9847222222222223in"}International Trade Administration - U.S.
Export Assistance Center

950 22^nd^ Street North, Suite 707, Birmingham, AL 35203-5309

Phone: 205-731-1331 Fax: 205-731-0076

<Office.Birmingham@mail.doc.gov> http://www.buyusa.gov/alabama

[George Norton, USEAC Director]{.underline}

### Nelda Segars, International Trade Specialist

### Michael Higgins (Tallahassee Office) 

**[INTERNATIONAL NEWS BRIEFS -- JANUARY 2008]{.underline}**

**NEW DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS BEGINNING JANUARY 31, 2008:** Documents
proving citizenship and identity will be required when entering the
United States through land and sea ports of entry**.** For details,
[click
here](http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/12032007_4.xml).

**U.S. CANADA TRUSTED TRAVELERS PROGRAMS:** There are several options
available to U.S. companies and individuals to expedite the movement of
goods and people over the Canada-United States border. The trusted
travelers programs were designed to improve security-screening processes
at all land air and sea points of entry. For a detailed report, [click
here](http://www.buyusa.gov/alabama/uscantrustdec07.pdf).

**WHEN IS PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTION REQUIRED?** Pre-shipment inspections
(PSI) are required when mandated by the government of the importing
country. Governments assert that pre-shipment inspections ensure that
the price charged by the exporter reflects the true value of the goods,
prevent substandard goods from entering their country, and mitigate
attempts to avoid the payment of customs duties. For details, [click
here](http://www.buyusa.gov/alabama/preshipdec07.doc)

**INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS TOO KIT FOR ITALY:** Italy's protection
of intellectual property lags behind that of many other Western European
countries and, despite Italian government strides to improve protection,
this remains an area of concern for U.S. companies doing business in
Italy. In an effort to improve its track record, Italy has passed strong
legislation aimed at curbing intellectual property rights (IPR)
infringement. For a guide to how U.S. companies can protect their
intellectual property rights when doing business in Italy, read
[Intellectual Property Right Tool Kit for
Italy](http://www.buyusa.gov/alabama/ipritalydec07.pdf)

[**MARINE CARGO INSURANCE ABCS: MAKE SURE YOUR GLOBAL SHIPMENTS ARE
FULLY COVERED^©^**](http://www.buyusa.gov/alabama/mciabcjan08.doc)

[**ECUADORIAN CUSTOMS REFORM: ELIMINATION OF PRE-SHIPMENT INSPECTIONS
(PSI)**](http://www.buyusa.gov/alabama/ecrjan08.doc)

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[**COMMERCIAL NEWS USA**](http://www.thinkglobal.us/)

Commercial News USA is published six times a year. In addition to
special focus sections, each issue of the magazine includes sections for
advertisers from all industry sectors. Special distribution is planned
for key industry trade shows in both the U.S. and around the world.
Deadlines are included below.

March-April 2008

Franchising, Safety & Security, and Wireless Communication

Deadlines:

Space January 11, 2008

Materials January 18, 2008