Customs and Cooking

Before we discuss Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning from an HS/HTS classification perspective, which in of itself is a Game Changer for the world of customs compliance, let's take a look at a recipe Game Changer that I just discovered.  (Sorry, no pictures were taken as the end result was so good it was eaten quite quickly!) A recent Game Changer for me was making a dinner that I thought to be quite simple but the reaction and feedback was so positive, it felt that I served a meal prepared by a 4 star Michelin rated restaurant. If you have not tried Shakshuka with garlic bread, I strongly suggest that you indulge in this delight sooner rather than later. Recipe... - 1 large onion - 1 small yellow or orange bell pepper - 1 zucchini - 3 to 4 small mushrooms - vegetable or olive oil - 1 can (796 ml/28 fl. oz.) of diced tomatoes - 7 eggs - salt - black pepper - garlic powder - parsley flakes - 1 loaf of French or Italian bread - butter or margarine - 4 fresh garlic c...

Preparing for an upcoming change is not simple or easy. Whether it is being emotionally prepared for a change that can affect one personally or a change within a process to provide a stronger foundation for efficiency and effectiveness, change is something to be aware of and to navigate with proper support and insights. One upcoming GAME CHANGER is the bill passed in Canada in the spring named S-211. This new initiative is focused on eliminating the use of forced and child labor. https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/frcd-lbr-cndn-spply-chns/index-en.aspx Preparing for and aligning with the requirements of this new regulation is a must. In a recent webinar hosted by the Canadian Apparel Federation ( http://www.apparel.ca/ ) and presented by William Pellerin of McMillan ( https://mcmillan.ca/people/william-pellerin/ ), an interesting insight was how far in advance of the initial filing requirements scheduled for May 2024 should a corporation prepare. The suggestion was to work b...

Some key components of customs compliance is being proactive and keeping oneself current with changes to regulations, policy and law. As noted in my previous posting... (see:  https://customsandcooking.blogspot.com/2023/07/influencer.html ) CBSA has outlined  proposed changes to Customs valuation regulations in Canada. This is a game changer to Customs compliance, regulations and administrative policy to extents that we have not seen in a decade. Again, if the proposed amendments are adopted, this is a game changer for companies importing goods to Canada. Several key trade associations, multiple law firms, consultants, customs brokers, as well as corporations large and small have been trying to understand and untangle the vague language that is being used to define the changes. The spirit of these changes were to focus on B2C eCommerce transactions initiated by Non-Resident Importers (NRIs). However, the proposed regulations, as written, can also affect drop shipments wher...

Can anybody be an influencer? I think it starts with two simple words that have very complex meaning and require attention and dedication. These words are HONESTY and RESPECT. An influencer provides honest information.  An influencer shows respect even to those that may disagree with opinions, insights and even sometimes facts that are stated. An influencer provides continuous thought leadership in areas of expertise. An influencer demonstrates the desire to learn, which usually offers more content and dialogue. I had the honor of meeting such an influencer.  Mr. Shloime Zionce is an influencer and a true gentleman. How does this relate to Customs and Cooking ? Well, I met Shloime at a restaurant, having just enjoyed a nice birthday dinner with my wife. Battered cauliflower. A must! I have had this at least three times at three different restaurants and will hopefully try to replicate in an upcoming cooking challenge that I would like to undertake. Grilled salmon with veggies ...

There are so many examples that can be reviewed about how the little things can carry over to  volumes  of positive results or catastrophic outcomes. Within compliance, a road map is usually strongly suggested to stay on course ensuring that even those little aspects of supply chain are monitored and not forgotten.  One " little " deviation in a critical data element can be voluminous and veer the movement of goods off course. Here are some examples: 1) HS (Harmonized System of classification) codes are applied to each and every product crossing a border. An HS code usually has 10 digits with the first six being mostly consistent throughout all member jurisdictions of the World Customs Organization and the last four being country specific. An anomaly with a single digit can result in under/over-payment of duties, missed requirements from various Government departments, even delays in Customs clearances. One digit!!! A seemingly " little " thing that many consider ...

The first thing I think about when someone mentions Quinoa is the spelling of the word. Someone not familiar with the product or maybe English is a second language would probably venture to spell Quinoa like it sounds --> KEEN-Wah! Makes me cry! And here is another question... Is Quinoa a grain? a vegetable? So confusing! When I first tasted Quinoa, I have to be honest, I told myself never again! However, as time went on, I tried Quinoa again and again from time to time and now it happens to be once of the best side dishes you can have with almost anything. Some recipe ideas... - Try Quinoa as a side with poultry or beef - Like Mac 'N' Cheese? Replace the "Mac" with Quinoa. (Don't knock it until you try it!!!) - Prepare a portion of Quinoa and dice fresh onions, garlic, tomatoes, cucumbers and almost any other vegetable. Drizzle with your favorite dressing and enjoy! Quinoa Salad!!! - Stir fry tofu and/or chicken. Add your favorite sauces and spices. Add some f...

I heard a great story from one of the leading indirect tax experts in Canada. A multi-national corporation was approached by one of their supply chain partners with an idea that could save them close to 8% of their total freight costs by creating a centralized worldwide distribution center. It took a number of years to set up this enhanced and updated supply chain process and the overall savings would definitely justify the upfront costs to initiate all the required changes. The thought process was that instead of shipping to final jurisdictions from various vendors around the world, creating smaller shipments with higher fees, this model would consolidate all shipments to one distribution center allowing for various products to be shipped together to their final destinations. This resulted in a savings of close to 8% for the freight costs associated with moving the same freight but in a different consolidated method. After the first year that this initiative was undertaken, the financ...