Most people never think twice about where their morning coffee comes from. But recent CBP enforcement actions show that forced labor risks can exist deep within global supply chains, even for everyday products. Learn how Withhold Release Orders (WROs) work and what importers can do to protect their businesses from costly compliance violations.
Export regulations can be easy to understand in theory but much harder to apply in real-world situations. Test your knowledge with 10 common questions we receive from exporters and see how many you get right. You may be surprised by some of the answers.
Think EAR99 means low risk when exporting to China? Think again. From military end use and end user restrictions to civil-military fusion and enhanced due diligence requirements, today's export regulations demand far more than a simple denied party screening. This article explores why every transaction involving China, whether products, software, services, or technical data, requires a deeper level of scrutiny and a risk-based approach to compliance.
The tariff landscape remains as dynamic as ever, with court rulings, refund programs, new investigations, and additional trade actions continuing to shape international commerce. From IEEPA refund opportunities to ongoing Section 232 and Section 301 investigations, importers have a lot to keep track of. This overview highlights where current tariff programs stand and what developments may be on the horizon. Understanding these changes can help you better assess risk, control costs, and plan ahead.
Export violations don’t just result in fines. They can trigger audits, operational disruptions, reputational damage, and years of regulatory oversight. Learn how routine shipments turn into major compliance crises and what companies can do to prevent it.
IEEPA refunds are finally here, but now what? With CBP’s CAPE system live, importers can begin recovering unlawfully collected tariffs, but the process comes with strict requirements and limited eligibility. This blog breaks down what you need to know to file correctly and avoid costly delays.
What if AI could run your trade compliance program like Johnny Five brought to life? While AI is transforming compliance with speed and efficiency, it falls short where it matters most: accountability, judgment, and real-world decision-making. This blog explores why AI is a powerful tool, but not a replacement, for human expertise in managing compliance risk.
It feels like we’re living in a never-ending cycle of “Breaking News” alerts when it comes to IEEPA tariffs, and now Section 122 headlines have joined the party. After SCOTUS ruled the IEEPA tariffs unlawful, the big unanswered question has been refunds for importers. Now the Court of International Trade has ordered CBP to issue them, but CBP says it needs new ACE functionality first. Here’s what importers should be doing now to prepare.
Most of us would never think that export compliance would have anything to do with "the world's leading sports education brand," yet IMG Academy recently settled for $1,720,000 to resolve 89 violations of OFAC counternarcotics sanctions. Between 2019 and 2025, IMG accepted tuition payments from 2 individuals designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act with zero due diligence performed. Academic institutions are not immune to sanctions risk, and this case proves it.
Your customs bond is your financial handshake with the U.S. Government, and if it's wrong, your cargo stops and your supply chain is halted. With insufficient bonds reaching 27,479 in fiscal 2025 and a combined value soaring to almost $3.6 billion, this is not something you can ignore until CBP sends you a demand letter. Let's break down what a customs bond really is and what to do if your bond is deemed insufficient.