International Trade Compliance News Articles

News Articles

Using a Contract Review Checklist for Commercial International Trade Contracts

James Holbein August 21, 2024

In the complex world of commercial international trade, contracts serve as the foundation for successful transactions. A well-prepared contract review checklist provides a basis for lawyers to ensure that all necessary terms and conditions are covered, protecting all parties involved. This article outlines the essential components of a contract review checklist related to goods in international trade. The goal is to provide a structured approach to reviewing and drafting contracts, beyond the basics of INCOTERMS.

BRICS – Shaping the Future of Global Finance and Investment

Victoria Holmes August 21, 2024

Imagine a world where five powerhouse nations are redefining the global economic landscape. BRICS—an acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—is not just a coalition of emerging markets; it is a formidable alliance shaping the future of global finance and investment. You can read about the coalition’s attempt to unseat the US dollar in our previous newsletter.

The Trade Powerhouse: Analyzing Texas’ Role in Global and National Trade

Victoria Holmes August 21, 2024

Texas isn’t just celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and rich history—it’s a dynamic powerhouse in international and interstate trade. As the second-largest state in the U.S., Texas capitalizes on its strategic location, diverse economy, and vast infrastructure to fuel an extraordinary flow of goods and services. If Texas was a country, it would be ranked as the eighth- largest economy in the world, ahead of both Canada and Russia.

New Presidential Proclamations – Section 232 Duties on Certain Steel and Aluminum Products from Mexico

Paul Fudacz August 12, 2024

On July 10, 2024, the President issued two Presidential Proclamations related to the imposition of Section 232 duties on certain steel and aluminum products from Mexico. The first establishes a “melt and pour” requirement for imports of steel articles that are products of Mexico and will increase the section 232 duty rate for imports of steel articles and derivative steel articles that are products of Mexico that are melted and poured in a country other than Mexico, Canada, or the United States.

Navigating the Hurdles: Challenges of Conducting an Annual CTPAT Security Review

Judy Davis August 9, 2024

The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program can offer a fast thoroughfare for international trade. But navigating the annual security audits that ensure CTPAT compliance can feel like a maze. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s explore some common hurdles faced during CTPAT security audits, along with practical tips to simplify the process.

Judicial Deference in Customs Litigation

Mike Smiszek August 9, 2024

One of the most anticipated decisions of the Supreme Court’s recent term was Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. While the specific underlying dispute in Loper Bright isn’t relevant to the trade community—did fishermen have to pay for government-mandated observers on their vessels?—the Court used this case to overturn the broadly applicable judicial deference test established in 1984 in Chevron U.S.A. Inc., v. Natural Resources Defense Council.

A Day in the Life of a Trade Compliance Manager: A Corporate Parable

Mike Smiszek August 9, 2024

A fly on the wall at an executive retreat for Acme Super Duper Widget Company overhears the following conversation between Pete, the CFO, and Saira, the General Counsel.

Level-Up Your CTPAT Portal

Judy Davis June 14, 2024

The CTPAT portal has been a work in progress for a number of years with the latest portal update (3.0) launched at the end of 2023. Let’s take a few minutes to explore a few strategies for best outcomes while avoiding common challenges and the SCSS response request for “more information”.

Tariffs and Trade

Robert Stein June 12, 2024

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana. As an example of this I present to you the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930. If you are not familiar with this, it is worth taking a moment to research.

New Legislation Extends Statute of Limitations for Sanctions Violations

Adrienne Braumiller June 10, 2024

Recently, President Biden signed a foreign military support bill (H.R. 815) into law, which also encompassed the 21st Century Peace Through Strength Act (the Act), a legislative proposal introduced in the House containing various U.S. sanctions-related measures. These sanctions measures extended the statute of limitations (“SOL”) from five to ten years for civil and criminal violations of sanctions programs administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”).

Goodbye USA – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s MiddlePowers Playbook is Officially in Play, Part 2

Bob Brewer March 20, 2026

One of my recently published articles covered the World Economic Forum Davos speech by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, where he summoned the middle powers of the earth to unite against the US forces who are demanding that they take a knee and capitulate, per Governor Newsom who was in attendance handing out knee pads. (Really) Well, to say the least, that’s not happening by even the longest stretch of anyone’s imagination.

Keeping the Chain Secure: A Deep Dive into the Latest CTPAT Investigation

Judy Davis March 20, 2026

The global supply chain is the backbone of the U.S. economy, moving millions of tons of cargo daily. To keep things running smoothly and safely, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) place a significant reliance on the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). This voluntary program trades “gold star” benefits—like fewer inspections, business resumption priority, and faster border crossings—for a company’s commitment to high-level security. 

Monitoring the Hormuz Strait and the Subsequent Trade Volatility

Victoria Holmes March 17, 2026

On March 9th, 2026, maritime tracking data showed just one outbound vessel, bearing an Iranian flag, transiting the Strait of Hormuz, with no inbound movements recorded at all. This lone vessel signifies a global conflict in a very important region around global trade.

CBP Statute of Limitations Waivers – Overview of Issues and Operation

Paul Fudacz March 13, 2026

Many trade practitioners that have had experience with a CBP prior disclosure or penalty action have encountered a request by CBP to execute a Statute of Limitations (SOL) waiver. These are usually accompanied by a request for the importer to provide a corporate resolution or the equivalent evidencing the authority of the SOL waiver signatory to sign the waiver on behalf of the importer / company.

Mexico’s 2026 Tax Regularization Program – Don’t Miss This Opportunity

Francisco de la Cruz February 27, 2026

Mexico’s Tax Administration Service (SAT) launched the 2026 Fiscal Regularization Program on January 22, offering businesses a strategic opportunity to resolve outstanding tax obligations with unprecedented penalty relief.

Contratos Celebrados por Importadores Mexicanos (Su Relevancia en la Materialidad de las Operaciones Aduaneras y de Comercio Exterior)

BCG February 25, 2026

El marco jurídico mexicano en materia aduanera y de comercio exterior ha evolucionado hacia un modelo de cumplimiento más estricto y controlado. Las autoridades ya no solo exigen que los importadores identifiquen cual es la mercancía objeto de la importación, sino también que acrediten bajo que términos y condiciones se realiza la operación de comercio exterior.

Contracts Executed by Mexican Importers (Their Relevance to the Substantiation of Customs and Foreign Trade Operations)

BCG February 25, 2026

The Mexican legal framework governing customs and foreign trade has evolved toward a stricter and more controlled compliance model. Authorities no longer require importers merely to identify the goods being imported; they now also require proof of the terms and conditions under which the foreign trade transaction is conducted.

USMCA: Negotiation Preparations

Adrienne Braumiller February 1, 2026

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trilateral free trade agreement that went into effect on July 1, 2020, as a replacement for its predecessor, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The three involved governments are preparing to initiate the first formal joint review in July 2026 as part of the sixth anniversary of the agreement entering into effect.

IEEPA Litigation – Should you be Involved?

Brandon French February 1, 2026

Hundreds of importers have rushed to file lawsuits challenging tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as they await a Supreme Court ruling on the statute’s overall legality.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tax and Customs / Foreign Trade Compliance

Brenda Cordova February 1, 2026

AI is now deeply embedded in the internet and social media, producing everything from humorous content and realistic simulations to advanced automation. These capabilities have expanded beyond entertainment and productivity, reaching into areas of public administration and government oversight. This raises a critical question: if AI is transforming nearly every sector, how will it reshape tax and customs compliance, and how will it be regulated?

The CTPAT Ultimatum: New EO Ties Entry Filing Privileges to CTPAT Validation Status

June 27, 2026

Origin Engineering: How Substantial Transformation Can Reduce Your Tariff Exposure

June 23, 2026

Contracts and Purchase Orders in Mexico – Their Role in Demonstrating Customs Compliance and the Substance of Foreign Trade Transactions