By Piusi USA

PIUSI Inc, a worldwide leader in Fluid Technology, will be hitting the road this spring for our inaugural “Fuel in Motion Tour“, Kicking off April 14th in Pineville, North Carolina, the tour will make its way across the United States and Canada, the tour will highlight a variety of solutions, including the new Extreme Pump Series, the latest addition to our rotary hand pump line-up, B.Smart fuel management systems, and a new tank kit we’re offering in partnership with Western Global. 

In addition to providing a hands-on look at these solutions, the Fuel in Motion Tour will help us build brand awareness, reinforce our commitment to exceptional customer service, and continue expanding the trusted PIUSI brand we’ve built across the U.S.

We’ll complete 19 stops, starting in North Carolinaand sweeping through the South to Georgia, then west to Texas, up through the Midwest, and on to California. From there, we’ll cross into Canada before heading back south and concluding at PIUSI USAheadquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on June 2nd.

By Carlos Bisio – CEO at FastForward (FDA Experts)

For companies aiming to export food, beverages, cosmetics, dietary supplements, or medical devices to the United States, understanding FDA (Food and Drug Administration) regulations is not just recommended—it’s essential.

The FDA is the U.S. federal agency responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety and labeling of products that reach American consumers. Its authority covers a wide range of goods, including packaged foods, seafood, snacks, juices, cosmetics, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter medical products.

One of the first steps for foreign manufacturers or distributors is to properly register their facility with the FDA and appoint a U.S. Agent to serve as a liaison with the agency. This process helps ensure traceability and accountability in case of product recalls or inspections. Failure to comply with FDA requirements can result in customs detentions or denial of entry at U.S. ports.

Foreign manufacturers and exporters must adhere to several key requirements before shipping to the U.S., such as:

• Facility registration: All foreign food and cosmetic facilities must register with the FDA and renew the registration every two years (or annually for some products).
  
  
• U.S. Agent designation: A mandatory contact person or entity based in the U.S. to communicate with the FDA on behalf of the foreign company.
  
  
• Labeling compliance: FDA requires specific formats for ingredient lists, nutrition facts (for foods), warnings, and product claims. These differ substantially from European or Latin American labeling rules.
  
  
• Prior Notice: Food shipments must be pre-declared to U.S. authorities before arrival.
  
  
• Adherence to specific laws: Recent updates like the FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act) have introduced new standards for safety plans, product listing, and adverse event reporting.
  
  

Failing to meet these standards may result in delays at customs, automatic detention, or import alerts.

At FastForward, we have analyzed recent trade and regulatory data and noted recurring compliance issues among exporters—especially in labeling, prior notice filings, and facility registration lapses. These gaps often delay access to the U.S. market or expose companies to regulatory penalties.

Italian and Latin American companies—particularly in the food and beauty sectors—often face challenges navigating this regulatory landscape, which differs significantly from EU or Latin American standards. Understanding the scope of FDA inspections, labeling rules (such as nutrition facts and ingredient declarations), and import alerts is crucial for market entry and business continuity.

As regulatory updates continue under laws like FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act) and MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act), staying informed and compliant is more important than ever for exporters targeting the U.S.

In 2024, Italy’s exports to the United States reached approximately $70.16 billion, with FDA-regulated sectors playing a significant role in this trade relationship. The top three FDA-regulated Italian export sectors to the U.S. were:

1. Pharmaceutical Products: $10.64 billion
   
   
2. Beverages, Spirits, and Vinegar: $3.19 billion
   
   
3. Essential Oils, Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Toiletries: $1.31

These sectors collectively accounted for over $15 billion in exports, underscoring the importance of FDA compliance for Italian exporters. Looking ahead, projections for 2025 suggest continued growth in these industries, driven by sustained demand and Italy’s strong manufacturing capabilities. However, exporters must remain vigilant regarding regulatory compliance, particularly with FDA requirements, to ensure seamless market access and to capitalize on growth opportunities in the U.S. market.

By Gerson, Preston, Klein, Lips, Eisenberg & Gelber

Cross-border business operations between Italy and the United States create unique opportunities for strategic tax planning. While transfer pricing is often viewed primarily as a compliance matter, forward-thinking companies recognize it as a powerful tool for enhancing profitability and optimizing global tax positions.

The international business landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, with Italian companies expanding their US presence across diverse sectors including manufacturing, luxury goods, yachting, and food & beverage. These expansions create complex intercompany relationships that, when thoughtfully structured, can yield substantial economic benefits.

At a recent business forum, Nicolò Fabbrizio, Partner at Gerson Preston Klein Lips Eisenberg & Gelber, noted how transfer pricing strategy has become a crucial element of financial planning for international businesses. “When properly implemented, strategic transfer pricing aligns business objectives with tax efficiency, creating value beyond mere compliance,” Fabbrizio explained. “Companies that view transfer pricing proactively often discover it can be a competitive advantage.”

The firm’s approach focuses on identifying opportunities within legitimate transfer pricing methodologies that align with business realities while optimizing tax positions. This might include strategic placement of intellectual property, thoughtful structuring of management services, or appropriate allocation of risk and reward across jurisdictions.

Michael Desaulniers, CVA, who leads the firm’s Valuation & Transfer Pricing practice, emphasizes the importance of substance in these arrangements. “The most successful strategies are those built on genuine business operations, not artificial constructs,” he notes. “Our expertise lies in identifying authentic opportunities that reflect operational realities.”

Italian businesses navigating these complexities benefit from advisors with deep understanding of both US and Italian tax systems and cultural nuances. By taking a strategic approach, companies can transform a potential compliance burden into a value-creation opportunity.

For more insights on transfer pricing strategies, Nicolò Fabbrizio (nif@gpkleg.com) and Michael Desaulniers (mjd@gpkleg.com) can be reached at 305-868-3600.

By Jacksonville Port Authority

Amidst rising tariffs and economic uncertainties, U.S. Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) have become strategic tools for savvy importers and exporters. For members of the Italy America Chamber of Commerce Southeast (IACCSE), an FTZ offers compelling advantages worth exploring.

What Are Foreign Trade Zones?

FTZs are designated areas under U.S. Customs supervision which are considered outside U.S. Customs territory. Within these zones, companies can import, store and process goods while deferring or potentially eliminating customs duties if re-exporting. This arrangement provides significant flexibility for supply chain management and cash flow optimization.

Strategic FTZ Advantages

The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) operates Foreign Trade Zone No. 64, Florida’s largest, spanning over 5,000 square miles across 10 counties in Northeast Florida. This extensive coverage provides Italian importers with access to streamlined customs procedures and duty benefits.

“We’ve seen a growing number of companies exploring FTZ benefits as they reevaluate their supply chains,” said Justin Ryan, JAXPORT Manager, FTZ No. 64. “FTZs offer companies supply chain flexibility and a strategy to respond to the dynamic trade environment we see in 2025.”

FTZ participants can deliver their goods directly from the port to their FTZ-approved facilities, simplifying logistics.

Key Benefits for Italian Businesses

For Italian companies importing to the U.S. or American businesses exporting to Italy, FTZs offer multiple advantages:

• Deferred Customs Duties: Improve cash flow by delaying duty payments until goods enter the domestic market

• Duty Elimination: on goods destined for re-export

• Rapid Activation: New storage sites can be operational within 30 days, manufacturing sites within 120 days.

As global trade uncertainties persist, JAXPORT’s FTZ No. 64 – and other U.S. FTZs – represent a valuable resource for IACCSE members seeking to maintain competitive advantage while navigating the complexities of international commerce.