Daniel H Erskine Small Business Lawyer (International & Domestic)

When exporting items US businesses use either a Schedule B Number or US Harmonized Tariff Code. Your business may search the US Census Department's site for a Schedule B Number. That site has a browse feature to view or download the entire Schedule B book for multiple years or you may use the online Schedule B Search Engine to determine the appropriate Schedule B Number classifying your export item. Similarly, businesses may use the online search tool to determine the US Harmonized Tariff Code . This tool is maintained by the US International Trade Commission. Your business may also download all or sections of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule . Your business may check the Notice to Exporters explaining which US Harmonized Tariff Codes are not acceptable in place of Schedule B Numbers. Daniel H. Erskine, an international attorney, practices in New York and Connecticut focusing on international law, civil litigation, appeals, and business transactions.   www.erskine-law.com A

As a U.S. business who targets EU or Swiss nationals with your products or services, you might consider joining the EU-U.S. and the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Frameworks ( an overview PDF contains key information about the Privacy Shield scheme ). Both Frameworks require a self certification . The U.S. government provides a “How to” join the Privacy Shield consisting of two parts: part one deals with eligibility together with constructing a compliant privacy policy (with additional links describe the necessary contents of your company’s privacy policy); and part two covers identification of an Independent Resource Mechanism , required fee payments, placement of an active verification mechanism , designating a contact individual or officer for your business, reviewing your application (paying attention to the items required to self-certify ), and submission of your application (check out the PDF guide to online submission ). The site also has FAQs about the Privacy Shield Framework

The Directive on security of network and information systems (the NIS Directive) requires transposition into European Union Member's domestic law by May 9, 2018 ( definition of an EU Directive ). The NIS Directive, adopted in July 2016, entered into force in August 2016. The UK's National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) published an Introduction to the NIS Directive , which provides an overview on on the application of the NIS Directive; a second web site sets out top level objectives of the NIS Directive . Objectives guidance on managing security risks , protecting against cyber attack , detecting cyber security events , minimising cyber security event impacts , examples of supply chain cyber attacks , assessment of supply chain practices , and the 12 principles of supply chain security are posted on the NCSC website. The NSCS also published an Introduction to identity and access management . The Cyber Assessment Framework (CAF) will be published by the end of April 2018.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) maintains a web guide to prepare for compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into effect throughout the UK in 2018.  The guide provides links to relevant GDPR provisions as well as discussion/analysis on applicable GDPR definitions, principles, processing structures, security, accountability, data breaches, exemptions, applications, and international transfers.  The guide also links to applicable  EU Article 29 Working Party guidance.  The guide is updated by the ICO on at least a monthly basis.  Part of the guide links to a 12 step preparation outline for SMEs and companies generally to begin conforming processes and procedures to GDPR requirements. Further discussion of GDPR occurs sporadically on the ICO's blog .  The ICO complied two partially interactive self assessment check lists (one for data controllers and the other for data processors) that contain useful information accessed through the &qu

The New York Empire State Development’s Small Business Division has put together a unified website collecting various New York State programs/services offered to New York small business to start-up or expand their small businesses. The site contains a 52-page guide to owning and operating a small business in New York State as well as a directory of New York State small business programs . There is also a link to discover more information about becoming a New York State government contractor and qualifying to bid on New York State government procurement contracts. Finally, the site links to various financing and lending programs offered by New York State government entities--and contains a searchable directory of alternative lenders in New York State catering to small businesses. www.erskine-law.com

For small businesses looking to conduct research and development, while needing funds to realize their small business technology, check out The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program . The SBIR "is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization." Progressing in three phases (I to III) with funding of up to US$150,000 in phase I (6 months) and up to US$1,000,000 (2 years) in phase II, the "SBIR funds the critical startup and development stages and it encourages the commercialization of the technology, product, or service, which, in turn, stimulates the U.S. economy." The program started in 1982 (President Regan) and encompasses several US federal agencies. Another US federal government program focusing on small business technology companies is The Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) . The STTR "expands fund