Following is a list of links that will connect you to various government and industry web sites with useful information on logistics, transportation, international trade, imeng/export issues, and outsourcing trends.

U.S. Government Department and Agency Related Sites

U.S. Customs Service - The United States Customs Service web site publishes a thorough library of information resources that can answer questions and provide guidance on issues of customs clearance, restricted products, customs regulations and compliance issues. Extensive archives and search features also are a useful tool for historical information.

United Nations Trade Information - The United States Council for International Business provides an open system for promoting world trade,finance, and investment. Lots of information on trade matters, and specifically Carnet information.

U.S. Trade Representative - The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and leading or directing negotiations with other countries on such matters. On this web page you will find historical information, trade agreements, and presidential proclamations. Sometimes it is the first place trade agreements that are posted.

U.S. Council for International Business - The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinatingU.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and leading or directing negotiations with other countries on such matters. On this web page you will find historical information, trade agreements, and presidential proclamations. Sometimes it is the first place tradeagreements that are posted.

Code of Federal Regulations - A very useful web site for researching and obtaining detail on U.S. Federal Regulations, Customslaws and other subjects of federal legislative and regulatory actions, etc.

Consumer Product Safety Commission - The Consumer Product Safety Commission web site has regular updates on products which are subject to recallor investigation for safety issues, as well as general information on product safety matters.

International Chamber of Commerce - The International Chamber of Commerce has the publication INCO Terms 2000 for sale here. A variety of otherresources are included at this web site to provide information for the business community dealing extensivelywith trade issues and trade promotion.

U.S. Customs Service Compliance Publications - At this site, the U.S. Customs Service publishes a list of "informed compliance" publications createdto provide guidance and assistance to the import community to promote the proper exercise and performance ofreasonable care procedures as mandated under the Customs Modernization Act.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration - The FDA is a scientifically based regulatory agency, and the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA) is the agency's enforcement arm. ORA's mission is twofold: to safeguard the public health and to ensure honesty and fair dealing between the regulated industry and consumers. ORA achieves its mission by: participating in cooperative and educational efforts at home and abroad to inform those who need to know of the agency's legal requirements; surveying and inspecting regulated industry to assess compliance and implement corrective measures as warranted to achieve compliance; and seeking to deter fraud, intentional violations, and gross negligence related to FDA- regulated products.

U.S. Customs Electronic Bulletin Board - The CEBB was established to provide the trade community electronic access to Customs information. Originally available only through a dial-up modem, Customs now also provides access through this direct link from the Custom's web site.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) - The Federal Trade Commission enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. The Commission seeks to ensure that the nation's markets function competitively, and arevigorous, efficient, and free of undue restrictions. The Commission also works to enhancethe smooth operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfairor deceptive. In general, the Commission's efforts are directed toward stopping actions thatthreaten consumers' opportunities to exercise informed choice. Finally, the Commissionundertakes economic analysis to support its law enforcement efforts and to contribute tothe policy deliberations of the Congress, the Executive Branch, other independent agencies,and state and local governments when requested.

United States Fish and Wildlife Service - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

United States Department of Transportation - The DOT consists of the Office of the Secretary and eleven individual operating administrations. These include the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration,the Federal Transit Administration, the Maritime Administration, National Highway TrafficSafety Administration, the Research and Special Programs Administration, the Saint LawrenceSeaway Development Corporation, the Surface Transportation Board and the TransportationAdministrative Services Center.

United States Federal Communications Commission - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States governmentagency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Actof 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio,television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, theDistrict of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.

U.S. Census Bureau - The U.S. Census Bureau is the collector and provider of timely, relevant, and quality data about the people and economy of the United States.

International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce - The International Trade Administration (ITA) helps U.S. businesses participate fully in the growing global marketplace by providing practical information to help businesses select markets for your products, ensuring that businesses have access to international markets as required by our trade agreements, and safeguarding businesses from unfair competition from dumped and subsidized imports. The ITA is headed by the Under Secretary for International Trade who oversees the operations of ITA's four units: The Commercial Service, Trade Development, Market Access and Compliance, and Import Administration.

International Trade Commission - The USITC is an independent, quasi-judicial federal agency that provides objective tradeexpertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government, determines theimpact of imports on U.S. industries, and directs actions against certain unfair tradepractices, such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement. USITC analysts and economistsinvestigate and publish reports on U.S. industries and the global trends that affect them. The agency also updates and publishes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

Office of Textiles and Apparel - Trade data, import quotas, trade agreements, trade events, publications, and textile correlation. Import Related Associations and Organizations

World Trade Organization - The World Trade Organization (WTO) provides an extensive web site presenting information dealing with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.

NAFTA Information - This web site provides a variety of resources to help businesses understand and take advantage of NAFTA.

National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America - The NCBFAA represents more than 700 member companies-the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTC's) and air cargo agents.

United States Council for International Business - USCIB was founded in 1945 to promote an open system of world trade, investment, and finance. It has a membership of over 300 multinational companies, law firms, and business associations. The USCIB is the U.S. affiliate of the International Chamber of Commerce, International Trade who oversees the operations of ITA's four units: The Commercial Service, Trade Development, Market Access and Compliance, and Import Administration,the Businessand Industry Advisory Committee to the OECD, and the International Organization ofEmployers. USCIB formulates policy positions through over 50 committees and working groupscomposed of business representatives. USCIB facilitates international trade throughharmonization of commercial practices. USCIB issues and guarantees ATA Carnets, which allowtemporary, duty-free imports into the U.S. and other countries.

United States Association of Importers of Textiles and Apparel - USA - ITA is a nonprofit industry association representing the interests of the textile/apparel importing community before Congress, the Administration, U.S. Customs, other regulatory agencies, the business community and the public.

Air Cargo World - Air Cargo World is the air cargo industry's leading international monthly, providing in-depth analysis of trends and strategic decision-making involving airlines forwarders, express carriers and logistics companies. Based in Washington, D.C., with correspondents around the world, the magazine is published monthly in the U.S. and also publishes international editions nine times a year.

Traffic World