Import Compliance Training

Import Compliance Training For Your Business

If your business imports anything into the U.S., then “trade compliance” may have different definitions for different people in your company. Generally speaking, import trade compliance is the process that ensures your import activities comply with the scope of U.S. rules and regulations.

U.S. Customs is responsible for securing U.S. borders, providing national security, and assessing/collecting revenue and tariff taxes. Since these tasks are wide-reaching, it can be a complex task for importers to understand and abide by the ever-changing rules and regulations associated with import compliance.

Who Needs Import Compliance Training?

While there is no defined rule for who needs to go through import compliance training within your business, it’s in your best interest to have all employees directly involved with trade to be updated.

It’s essential that your team is trained in all relevant areas to comply with your legal obligations.

The best way to determine who needs to be trained is to start by understanding your business processes and functions. Once you have a clear understanding of the different features of your business, you can begin to review applicable laws and regulations to their operations with an import audit and assessment.

This information will uncover gaps in your business operations since many trade laws and regulations are updated frequently. Along with frequent updates, trade regulations were not written with the need of business owners in mind. This means that it can be challenging to comply with U.S. import trade laws, and you may need a professional to help navigate uncertainties.

While your business is unique, most companies are organized in similar ways. Our team of expert consultants can help identify areas of your business that is at risk and then help provide customized solutions to address department needs or cross-functional areas.

The training topics that we offer include import definitions, import regulations, responsibilities as an importer, importance of import compliance, and having an import compliance program, the elements of compliance, and penalties that can be assessed for failure to comply with import regulations.

When Should Employees Receive Compliance Training?

Trade regulations are revised continuously, and laws that your business needs to comply with may change each year.

This means that there is never a bad time to go through compliance training, but here are a few critical times that your employees should go through a customized training program.

  1. New Hires. Any new employee who is involved with a process in your business that is related to trade compliance should be exposed to concepts and awareness about the issue. This information can help an employee understand their role in keeping your company compliant, and this training can always also follow the entire department engaged with compliance.
  2. Annual Recertifications. Most businesses have a Code of Business Ethics Conduct. This Code sends a clear signal to vendors and customers that the business takes import laws seriously. Typically, annual reviews of import trade compliance is a great choice to keep compliance at the top of mind and avoid hefty fines or penalties.
  3. Annual Training. Departments that are involved in trade compliance and executive managers should go through annual training to ensure they are updated on changing compliance regulations. Ongoing training is essential in the case of a government audit, and training can be a “mitigating factor” if your business runs into a sticky situation.

Along with ongoing training, your team should be exposed to different information like:
  • Automated Commercial Environment – how to sign up for access and how to utilize the reports, answer queries from Customs, etc.
  • HTS training
  • Valuation
  • Use of INCOTERMS
  • What are Assists and how they affect the transaction
  • Transfer Pricing and Customs Requirements
  • How other Government Agencies affect Imports.
  • Reasonable Care
  • C-TPAT
  • Drawbacks
  • Free Trade Agreements
  • Customs Communications – What to know
  • Duty Deferral and Duty Savings
  • Country of Origin/Substantial Transformation
  • Marking of Country of Origin
  • Antidumping Countervailing Duties

Our Customs Compliance Training Can Provide The Know-How You Need

Understanding the requirements of U.S. Customs can be difficult for any importer or exporter. The rules are lengthy and complicated, and can change based on your company’s products. For many people, training is the first step towards a successful approach.

Our training programs take many forms – from instructor-led, face-to-face sessions, to remote “user-led” online environments. We can work with your organization to define the learning objectives, understand your challenges, and develop / deliver training that makes a real difference for your team. No two training programs are the same, which is why we work hand-in-hand with you to create a tailored approach that works.

You can attend seminars and workshops all day long, and hope to get your questions answered by the “experts.” Or, you can let us develop an import / export compliance training approach that addresses the real needs of your organization. Let’s get started today.

Talk With Our Trade Consultants Today!

We know that your business is unique, and that’s why our trade compliance experts are here to help you. Our team will discuss your needs and help identify who should receive trade compliance training.

We offer in-person training sessions and online presentations. In-person training sessions are best for teams who need hands-on training and more attention to changing regulations. Our online training options are great for organizations that are not able to travel to meet with our consultants in person.

Regardless of which type of trade compliance training that you choose, our team is dedicated to helping you avoid, minimize, and prevent potential violations. Learn more about our import compliance training today!