Five Keys to Customs Trade Compliance

Customs and trade regulations are often seen as a necessary burden, but really they present an opportunity to reduce costs and streamline the supply chain. Companies that have a rigorous trade compliance program become more competitive by achieving quicker clearance at borders and more efficient import and export handling. There are five important keys to achieving customs trade compliance.

Developing Formal Customs Compliance Policies

Even small companies that operate internationally should have formal policies and procedures to ensure that trade compliance goals are met. Job descriptions should define accountability as it relates to trade compliance. Because customs regulations change frequently, it is vital that companies frequently verify the accuracy of their policies in light of the most current regulations. Many companies choose to contract with a customs trade compliance specialist for this important and complex task.

Establishing Company-Wide Training Programs

You can't expect employees to comply with customs regulations unless they are trained. Whether you implement your own training programs or bring in a customs trade compliance specialist to handle training, you emphasize the importance of customs compliance when you ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities for helping the whole company remain compliant. Training is not just a one-time practice however. As customs regulations change, employees need to be informed, whether through online training or in-person training sessions.

Developing Compliance Requirements for Suppliers

If you have a formal policy for compliance by suppliers, you minimize the risk of problems along your supply chain due to mishandled Customs and Border Protection transactions. Language stating your company's policy on supplier trade compliance should be written into all purchase agreements. Make sure that any suppliers required to provide regulatory reporting information submit copies to your company. By insisting that your suppliers comply with applicable regulations, you help ensure that transactions with Customs are authorized properly and processed correctly.

Working with Customs and Border Protection

A commitment to work with Customs and Border Protection in voluntary programs such as C-TPAT (Customs - Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) helps your company stay on top of requirements and shows a good faith effort for making sure all your imports and exports comply with regulations.

Keeping Good Records

A record keeping program that creates an audit trail throughout the supply chain, through production, and all the way through export helps you know where to make changes when customs regulations change. Good record keeping also helps your company by providing supporting documents for customs transactions that show your commitment to compliance. Keeping good records should be built into the job descriptions of all employees who have to deal with trade regulations, whether on the import or export side of operations.

Keeping your company compliant with the latest trade regulations requires that you keep records that accurately track all transactions. By looking at all steps in production and export from a customs point of view, you minimize the chances of failing to comply. Consider data on imports and exports as another thread running through the supply chain, helping you ensure that interruptions due to non-compliance are minimized. When employees all understand the importance of trade compliance, you reduce operating costs and keep your company operating smoothly.