Customs, import and trade law > Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Act (DR-CAFTA)

In the United States, Miami is the epicenter for international free trade matters. Despite the stagnation of the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas), global concerns continue to converge in Miami, hammering out business deals on a daily basis. And, it is in Miami that the full domestic effect of DR-CAFTA (Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Act) will be realized.

Whether the U.S.’s regionally-specific free trade agreements (including DR-CAFTA and NAFTA) will act to form the hemispheric free trade area envisioned by FTAA is unknown. What is certain is that the speed within which DR-CAFTA was implemented (12 months to NAFTA’s 7 years) demonstrates a multi-national commitment to forging an interwoven trade relationship between the Americas.

As a preeminent presence in the Miami legal arena, Fuerst Ittleman works daily with a sophisticated, worldwide clientele in all aspects of customs work. Fuerst Ittleman provides an extensive customs expertise, from both a legal and business perspective, to each scenario.

Fuerst Ittleman’s comprehension of the customs arena extends to the political, cultural, and socio-economic concerns that intertwine themselves in both the creation and implementation of these free trade relationships. Customs work is nothing if not complex.

For example, Fuerst Ittleman is particularly cognizant of the impact DR-CAFTA may have on not only the pharmaceuticals industry, via the Agreement’s test data exclusivity provisions, but also upon the regulation of dietary supplements, as some currently argue it effectively overrides the 1994 US Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

In October 2007, citizens of Costa Rica voted in a national referendum to join with the United States, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic in the creation of a free trade zone similar to that created by NAFTA between the United States and Mexico. Signed into law admist heavy protests by President Oscar Arias, Costa Rica now has until March 2008 to pass a standardized thirteen laws needed to have DR-CAFTA take effect within its boundaries.

Will Costa Rica finalize a commitment to DR-CAFTA? Fuerst Ittleman understands the answer to that question brings with it a cornucopia of concerns that exceed the standard legal analysis. Fuerst Ittleman is proud of its affiliation with clientele doing business through out the Americas, and beyond, and respects the multi-faceted aspect of international negotiation.

It is an exciting time to be involved in the customs arena. Fuerst Ittleman stands ready to meet the challenges of this evolving and expanding area with clientele involved in both the U.S. economy and the global marketplace.