Calendar of International Training and
Events
The Massachusetts Export Center offers a wide variety of training events for both the beginner and advanced exporter. Please take a moment to review our payment and cancellation policies.
Please read this important registration information:
- Each training event has a separate registration page. Please register for all events first and then make a single credit card payment for the total amount due. The registration and payment systems are not integrated, so you need to know the total amount due.
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For free events and free for Compliance Alliance members,
disregard any payment instructions. If you are on the credit card
payment page, close your browser and do not enter a payment. - Verification Codes are sent with the subject of "Massachusetts SBDC : Email Verification" from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email address frequently, so please add it to your approved sender list. If you don't receive the verification code in your inbox, check your spam folder. If you still don't find the code, send an email by clicking here and we will help you. Bypass the verification code process by creating a password! The confirmation from this address does not contain the login details (see next bullet).
- Login Details are sent from the Massachusetts Export Center at exportcenter@massexport.org with a subject of "Login Details". Please add this email address to your approved sender list.
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2022 Training Calendar |
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Program Descriptions
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Russia Sanctions & Export Controls Update In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S., its partners and allies have unveiled severe sanctions targeting key Russian financial institutions, influential individuals and critical sectors, including defense and energy. The U.S. has also implemented stiff controls on U.S. exports to Russia, including licensing requirements with a policy denial for many export-controlled items, an expansion of the Military End Use rule for all items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (including EAR99 items), expansion of the de minimis rule and the addition of two new foreign direct product rules, significantly expanding the scope of controls on foreign-made items destined for Russia. Additionally, sanctioned Russian banks and financial institutions have been disconnected from the SWIFT international payment messaging system, making it harder for them to process international transactions. These actions are expected to have a profound impact on Russia’s financial system, economy, and access to critical technology. Related sanctions have also been announced targeting Russia’s activities in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine, as well as Belarus. Despite the recent regulatory action, the reality is that U.S. sanctions and export controls targeting Russia have been steadily increasing for years already, and due to the rules governing these controls, compliance can be particularly challenging. This webinar will discuss the new sanctions and export controls targeting Russia and will also address ongoing implementation of list-based sanctions as they relate to Russia, including rules for compliance. The webinar will also address Russian sectoral sanctions, controls on foreign produced items incorporating U.S. technology, end use and end user restrictions, and more. Finally, the webinar will also provide guidance on screening and due diligence best practices, as well as contingency planning for U.S. firms doing business in Russia. Our speakers will be:
Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2022
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2022 HTS Changes & HTS Classification Review Established by the World Customs Organization, the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) is used by Customs authorities in 183 countries to apply duties on imported goods. While the HTS is updated every five years, the changes made in 2022 are significant, addressing the environment, health & safety, terrorism & dual use items, technology, and changing trade patterns. Join us as we discuss the recent HTS changes and their impact for exporting businesses. Trade & Customs advisors from KPMG will also review the classification process and best practices for an accurate determination. Speakers include:
Date: Thursday, March 31, 2022 |
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Managing Trade Compliance when Doing Business with Distributors Most U.S. businesses use distributors or sales representatives to generate sales and provide important support services in export markets. And while distributors serve as critical channel partners, the distributor model can sometimes make compliance with U.S. export regulations even more challenging. The distributor model is indeed incongruent with the increasing emphasis on end use and end user due diligence, for example. This webinar will review important practices for managing trade compliance when doing business with distributors, such as provision of training, sharing of screening responsibilities, auditing practices, and more. The webinar will also provide guidance on determining when to escalate end use and end user due diligence efforts, along with tools to aid in those efforts, such as end user statements and letters of assurance. Finally, the webinar will also discuss other compliance safeguards, such as inclusion of trade compliance provisions in distributor contracts, for example. Join us for insight on maintaining a productive relationship with distributors while also sustaining export compliance integrity. Our speaker will be Kerry Scarlott, Founding Partner of NorthStar Law. Date: Friday, April 8,
2022 |
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New License Exception ACE and License Exception Update Recently, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) introduced License Exception Authorized Cybersecurity Exports (ACE) that allows the export, re-export and in-country transfer of cybersecurity items to most destinations, while retaining a license requirement for exports to countries of national security concern. BIS has also recently changed usage of other license exceptions, such as retirement of License Exception Civilian End Users (CIV). Understanding how and when to use license exceptions can help exporters to reduce paperwork and streamline the exporting process, facilitating foreign sales of items and technology controlled under EAR. Join us to learn about the new License Exception ACE as well as other major export license exceptions, including appropriate use, and applicable conditions for each. Speakers include:
Date: Wednesday, April 13, 2022 |
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Building an End-User Statement that Meets Your Specific Needs In recent years, there has been an ever-increasing emphasis on end-use and end-user due diligence for effective management of global trade compliance. Restricted end-uses, explosive growth in list-based sanctions, broadening military end-use/user rules, and potential diversion of products are just a few reasons why end-use/user due diligence is critical. While there are some government-issued forms available, such as the BIS-711 and DDTC DSP-83 forms, these documents have limitations and do not always collect all of the information an exporter may need to properly vet a customer or other party to a transaction. Many exporters will find that they need to customize their own data collection instruments to meet their specific needs and address their products and unique risks. This webinar will discuss the factors that should be considered when building, customizing, and implementing an end-user/use statement, including: compliance risk assessment; data elements to include; when and how to deploy the statement; screening issues; and other due diligence practices. Join us for this practical program that will help you to build a useful and necessary resource for your trade compliance operations. Speakers include:
Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 |
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Export Distribution Contracts & Managing Your Distributor Network Many exporters rely heavily on partners, such as distributors or agents, to generate sales in overseas markets. For exporters, effectively negotiating and structuring contracts with these partners is critical for achieving profits and growth while minimizing confusion, disputes and poor performance in overseas markets. Equally important is the effective management of these partners to ensure that they are striving to maintain market share for your products while remaining compliant with U.S. export regulations. How do you achieve a win-win agreement and a solid relationship with your overseas partners? When should exclusivity be used as a motivational tool? What can exporters do to protect themselves in relationships with underperforming partners? And importantly, how do exporters discuss the need for their partners’ compliance with U.S. export regulations when they are not in the U.S.? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and more. This webinar will provide guidance for negotiating and structuring contracts with overseas partners, while ensuring that the best interests of the exporter are protected. Specific topics will include essential contract elements such as performance requirements, IP considerations, exclusivity, dispute resolutions and more. Additionally, our speakers will discuss best practices for the effective management of distribution networks to ensure that performance goals and regulatory compliance are met. Speakers include:
Date: Wednesday, May 4, 2022 |
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Armor Up Your Export Documents Exporting businesses are often exposed to shipping delays, storage fees and potential penalties due to incomplete or inaccurate export documentation. Even for experienced exporters, documentary requirements for international trade can be a confusing and ever-changing tangle of papers, forms and regulations. Arm yourself with information. This practical webinar will walk participants through the process of completing major export documents, such as Commercial Invoices, Certificates/Certification of Origin and Electronic Export Information (EEI) among others. The program will also discuss the use of the Destination Control Statement, and other details and annotations that should be included on your documentation, which will be the Teflon needed to facilitate smooth Customs clearance. Speakers include:
Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 |
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Despite the Export Control Reform initiative, many exporters still find themselves subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), a complex set of export controls administered and enforced by the State Department. The ITAR affects companies that manufacture and/or export defense-related goods or services found on the U.S. Munitions List (USML). This webinar will provide an introduction to the ITAR and discuss topics such as jurisdiction, classification, registration with the State Department, licensing, agreements, proscribed countries and entities, export clearance, recordkeeping and penalties under the ITAR. In addition, we will briefly discuss the proposed ITAR rule that will clarify the definitions of export and re-export, revise certain exemptions and correct administrative errors in the voluntary disclosures section. The new rule will be effective September 6, 2022. The speaker will be Jeanette Reed, President and CEO of Evolutions in Business. Date: Thursday, June 16, 2022 |
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5th United States—United Kingdom Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Dialogue
The SME Dialogue is convened by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Small Business Administration with the UK Department for International Trade, and the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. At the U.S.-UK Dialogues on the Future of Atlantic Trade held in Baltimore, Maryland and Aberdeen, Scotland in March and April 2022, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai and United Kingdom Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan committed to reestablish the U.S.-UK SME Dialogue to continue to bring together SMEs from both sides of the Atlantic to identify ways to further support trade and investment. The 5th U.S.-UK SME Dialogue in Boston on June 22, 2022 is co-hosted with the U.S. Commercial Service/U.S. Department of Commerce in Boston, the Massachusetts Export Center/Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, the British Embassy, and the UK Consulate in Boston. Topics for discussion include an update on U.S.-UK trade; opportunities for U.S.-UK SME trade and cooperation in emerging technologies; global expansion best practices for U.S. and UK companies; access to capital for SME global expansion; and trade resources for small businesses. Attendees will be able to engage in discussion with experts as well as learn about tools and resources to grow their businesses internationally. Established in 2018 in Washington, D.C. and London,
and convening subsequently in New York City and Bristol,
the SME Dialogue is an ongoing exchange bringing small
and medium businesses and stakeholders on both sides of
the Atlantic together with government officials to
identify ways to deepen U.S.-UK trade and investment
ties and strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual
interest to SMEs. Trade between the two countries is
about $230 billion per year, and together there is
around $1 trillion invested in each other’s economies. Opening Speakers:
Additional speakers and panelists include:
This invitation is for SME stakeholders from the United States and United Kingdom only. RSVPs are accepted on a first-come, first-serve space available basis. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses and accommodations. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. The location of the meeting and a detailed agenda will be provided to registered participants closer to the date of the event.
Important Information: Since the event will take place in a federal government building, please allow time for security clearance upon entry. Federal facilities require that masks be worn at all times when the COVID-19 Community level is "High," regardless of an individual's vaccination status. Therefore, all attendees to the US-UK SME Dialogue will be required to wear masks if the Suffolk County, MA COVID-19 community level is "High" on June 22, 2022. Please click here to access the latest information on COVID-19 community levels.
Registration closes at 12pm on the day prior to the event. No walk-ins allowed.
Date: Wednesday, June 22, 2022
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Partners for Trade Training Policies (updated
February 2020)
Payment:
We require payment at
the time of registration via credit card. Do not email any credit card information.
We do NOT accept credit card payments at the
door.
We also do not accept cash, checks or purchase orders,
nor do we invoice participants for training.
Cancellations/Refunds:
If you cancel your registration at least 48 hours prior
to the event, you
will be entitled to a refund minus a $10 processing
fee. No refund will be given on notifications received
after that time or in any no-show situation. All
cancellation and refund requests must be submitted via
email to
pft@msbdc.umass.edu Walk-Ins: If the program description on our website or registration form indicates that the seminar is full, walk-ins are not allowed. Otherwise, you may complete a walk-in registration and bring the completed form to seminar. If the seminar has a fee, you must make a credit card payment in advance as we do not accept credit cards at the door. Please bring a copy of your payment receipt, along with the completed walk-in registration form. No Shows: Due to the costs we incur as a result of people who register for seminars and do not attend or cancel, we will bill unpaid registrants for the full cost of the seminar unless cancelled at least 48 hours prior to the event. For free seminars, no shows who don't cancel will be charged a fee to cover food and materials costs. Seminars are offered a at nominal fee; therefore we do not offer any discount pricing. Seminar materials are for attendees only. If you have questions or need clarification on these policies, please email pft@msbdc.umass.edu. |
Small
business stakeholders are cordially invited to attend
the 5th United States-United Kingdom Small and Medium
Enterprise (SME) Dialogue on Wednesday, June 22, 2022,
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. EDT in Boston, Massachusetts.
Ambassador Jayme White, Deputy U.S. Trade
Representative [
Gabriel Esparza, Associate Administrator for
International Trade — U.S. Small Business
Administration [
Emma Wade-Smith, Her Majesty's Trade
Commissioner for North America [
