2016 Resolution Checklist to Strengthen Your Trade Compliance

2016 Resolution Checklist to Strengthen Your Trade Compliance

Many businesses struggle and miss opportunities because of inconsistent practices and procedures involved in managing their global footprint. But, 2016 could be a year of excellence, organization, and increased capabilities for your business- if you work to strengthen your trade compliance. According to a recent Aberdeen study on Global Trade Compliance Priorities, Best in Class…

6 Reasons Why You Should Be Working with Customs Brokers

6 Reasons Why You Should Be Working with Customs Brokers

The ability to import and export goods is how the marketplace originally became global. It is also the reason why many countries live far more comfortably, as well as far less isolated, than if there weren’t a global marketplace. It is the responsibility of a country’s legislature to regulate what comes into the country, as well…

Top 6 Qualities of an Export-Ready Company

Top 6 Qualities of an Export-Ready Company

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you are considering expanding your business model to include exporting products or services internationally, there are a multitude of major and minor issues to take into account. Not every company is ready to enter the field of international trade. Generally speaking, however, there are some commonalities among companies who prosper in the export field….

9 Benefits of Doing Business in a U.S. Foreign Trade Zones

9 Benefits of Doing Business in a U.S. Foreign Trade Zones

In the face of a rapidly expanding global marketplace, the business world is witnessing increased competition among nations for industry, jobs, and capital. Many American businesses are considering moving to a foreign facility so as to reduce costs; but is that the only option? While there are some benefits to outsourcing production such as low-wage labor, storage and shipping…

Trade Wars

Trade Wars

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…  oh that familiar opening crawl that sends a certain chill through fans and makes your hair stand up on end with excitement when coupled with that strong anthem from John Williams.  Well, it does for this fan anyway, but with the early numbers of pre-sales…

Your software is not the answer, invest in your staff

Many years ago, early in my career in customs and trade compliance software, I recall one of my very first implementations with a relatively small client in Mexico. I was implementing our Mexico trade compliance software, which managed all the importation and exportation documentation and inventory tracking for customs purposes. It was a routine implementation,…

Keeping and Growing your International Distributors: Lightning Bug or Lightning?

Keeping and Growing your International Distributors: Lightning Bug or Lightning?

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter: it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain This is one of my favorite quotes from Mark Twain, especially because it relates to international trade. How? I’m glad you ask. In my experience as an…

Ten Tips for Managing Export Controlled Technology

Ten Tips for Managing Export Controlled Technology

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Export Administration Regulations (EAR)1 regulates both the export of physical commodities (think goods and equipment) as well as the transfer of software and intangible technical information associated with those products. The EAR imposes requirements for transferring export controlled “technology”2 outside of the U.S., as well to foreign nationals physically present…

Ten Tips for Doing Business in Mexico

 This article was written by World Business Culture and first appeared on the “In This Section: Business Culture in Mexico.”  Tip 1 – In Mexico, personal relationships are at the heart of most business dealings. Take the time to cultivate strong, long-term relationships. Tip 2 – Although the influence of foreign MNCs cannot be ignored, most indigenous Mexican companies…

Five Best Practices for Export Compliance Leaders

1. Proactively Conduct Risk Assessments 2. Ensure Proper Classification of Goods, Software, and Technology 3. Fully Secure Access to Electronic Export Controlled Files 4. Leverage Creative Training Methods 5. Stay on Top of Constantly Evolving Regulations _______________________________________________ About the Author Dr. Jennifer Saak is a consultant based in Philadelphia whose practice focuses on export controls…