CITT

Many of us have learned that Cooking Is a Technical Talent. I am always looking at making a dish better with the various blends of spices, sauces and a whole array of ingredients. One of the key elements in the technical aspects of cooking is to understand how a spice or sauce will affect the taste and texture of the dish being prepared. 

Cumin and coriander tend to bring the flavors of India alive in a meal. Zaatar and Tahini can provide a unique taste of the Middle East. Let's not forget about how cinnamon, black pepper and garlic powder can escalate the way various proteins and vegetables taste.

Understanding how to mix the sauces and spices and what does or does not go together can elevate ones technical talents in the kitchen.

Of course, we have to ask, how does this relate to Customs?

Recently, there have been many inquires regarding Customs regulations that I was able to answer because of precedent setting cases heard at the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT). We all understand how Cooking Is a Technical Talent but what purpose does the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) serve?

Customs regulations are also very technical. At times, I have to state to clients and peers that the Harmonized System (HS) codes of classification is a combined art and science. Decisions rendered within Customs can be subjective and contrary to what was deduced by an industry expert. Arising valuation issues, especially for related party transactions can be interpreted in various ways. These are just two examples of arising issues within Customs and Trade that the CITT renders decisions on. The CITT also hears and renders decisions and provides guidance on cases about other aspects of trade. (You can review what the CITT does at:
https://www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/en/about-the-tribunal/what-we-do.html.)

In order for technical Customs issues that arise, based on differences of legislative interpretations between industry and Customs, to be settled the issue is brought to the CITT. The CITT is a body that can resolve the debates and provide streamlined guidance on how importers as well as the Customs agency should act with specific cases and future arising similar scenarios.

Trying to figure out what spices can be mixed could be a a process of trial and error.

Trying to figure out how to interpret certain legislative guidelines and policies may require an appeal of the issues at hand to be brought as an official case to the CITT.

Cooking Is a Technical Talent and needs quite a bit of practice.

The Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT), as noted on their web-site, can be defined as "the heart of Canada's trade remedy system". ( https://www.citt-tcce.gc.ca/en/about-the-tribunal/our-history.html )

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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