Getting ready for...

My wife, partner and life long friend, Mindy, see BLOG:  https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/07/partner.html,
had a great idea for dinner. 

She was looking through one of her favorite cookbooks, "Joy of Kosher" by Jamie Geller and suggested that we make "Jumbo Meatball Garlic Bread Bites" (pages 186 and 187 of the cookbook).

"Joy of Kosher": https://www.amazon.ca/Joy-Kosher-Fresh-Family-Recipes/dp/0062207822 

A simple recipe that we can use that can be prepared while everyone is getting ready for dinner.


I sautéed some onions, garlic, red peppers and mushrooms to add as a topping. 
It was a tremendous hit!!! Looked great (see picture) and tasted even better!!!


Currently, there are several Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (aka: Canada Customs) initiatives that importers and exporters should be getting ready for:

- CARM (CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management Project)
(See BLOG posting: https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/05/cheese-cake-and-carm.html)
This project is a game changer for all importers (resident and non-resident) to Canada.
Phase 1 went live in May of 2021 and Phase 2 is scheduled to go live in the spring of 2022.
Getting ready for the implementation of CARM is not complicated but time needs to be taken to ensure all proper steps that need to be initiated now are given the proper focus and attention. Getting ready for CARM is a must! Take the time to become familiar with what needs to be done now in order to be ready for Phase 2 of the implementation.

- Trade Verifications
(See BLOG posting: https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/08/all-in-presentation.html)
There was a bit of a "lull" with audits during the peak of the COVID pandemic (summer/fall of 2020). CBSA is now back in full swing initiating Trade Verifications. Most verifications being initiated are monitoring audits. This is basically CBSA coming back to importers who were previously audited to ensure that the anomalies found in the first audit are not being repeated. Penalties can reach six figures so it is imperative for importers to ensure that they are getting ready for an audit.
This could be quite a tedious task and I suggest extensive communication with your Customs Broker(s) and consultants to ensure that data is up-to-date and declaration instructions are in line with previous audit findings. Just like I usually use a cookbook to guide me through the cooking process, I strongly encourage that a Customs practitioner assists you with getting ready for audits.

- Export compliance
(See BLOG posting: https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/09/export-allergies.html)
Did you know that items made in the USA requires a "special" add on to the CERS (Canadian Export Reporting System) export declaration?
As well, it is imperative to ensure that shipments are not being exported to jurisdictions, entities and/or persons that are defined as "restricted parties" unless an application for a permit/license was initiated via the proper Government agency/agencies and approved well in advance of the scheduled export.
It is surprising that export regulations are not focused on as much as import requirements. However, with the implementation of CERS, getting ready for proper export declarations and processes is something that all exporting corporations should be aware of.

- FTAs (Free Trade Agreements)
(See BLOG posting: https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-origin-debate-taste-quality-or-duty.html)
Instead of focusing on aspects of compliance that may require payment of duties, taxes, interest and possible penalties, getting ready for Customs compliance issues also encompasses areas where importers can possible save money (or recover overpaid duties). Canada currently has 14 FTAs in force that encompass free trade with close to 50 countries. Taking advantage of these FTAs can significantly reduce duty outlay/costs. However, getting ready for utilizing the FTA means that the proper certification process has been initiated to ensure that the imported goods qualify for the preferential treatment. Getting ready for using FTAs may have a cost associated. Usually, from what I have seen while discussing this with various importers, the benefits and savings far exceed the cost.


Preparing and getting ready for making various wonderful recipes, including the one noted above by Jamie Geller, involves quite a bit of preparation that includes making lists, understanding the recipe, going out to buy the ingredients, setting up all the tools and kitchen utensils to be used in the cooking and preparation process and then actually making the wonderful dish that will be enjoyed by all.
Oh, don't forget the clean up after everything has been cooked and the food has been enjoyed (See BLOG Posting: https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/06/order-in.html).

Take the time and allocate the resource to ensure that getting ready for the Customs issues noted above (as well as other issues) are handled efficiently and accurately. Avoiding the task of getting ready for these Customs initiative may have grave consequences and no one wants to have a "burned dinner".
See BLOG posting: https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2021/10/i-scream-burnt.html).


A huge thank you to my wife Mindy for finding the amazing recipe and encouraging me with this and all other BLOG postings!
Thank you Jamie Geller for an amazing recipe!

Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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