What’s the biggest mistake companies make with trade compliance?

Treating it as a cost center or a side responsibility. That mindset leads to under-resourced teams, outdated policies, and missed opportunities.

How do I know if my compliance team is right-sized?

Evaluate your team size based on trade volume, geographic scope, and product complexity. Reassess regularly, especially if you’re expanding or changing operations.

What’s the fastest way to improve trade compliance performance?

Start with automation for repetitive tasks (like restricted party screening ) and invest in ongoing training. Small shifts in both areas deliver quick, measurable improvements.

Michael Easton, Author at Star USA, Inc.

Top 5 Traits of Businesses that Execute Successful Trade Compliance Strategy

Michael Easton

Michael D. Easton President & General Manager, Star USA If you think trade compliance strategy is just about checking boxes, you’re missing what the top-performing companies already know: it’s one of the smartest operational investments a business can make. In…

Categorized: Industry Insights

What 10-20% Universal Import Tariffs Mean for Your Business

Michael Easton

Navigating the New Tariff Landscape I’ve been keeping a watch on how proposed universal import tariffs—ranging from 10% to 60%—may impact businesses in major ways. Unlike country-specific tariffs that target particular nations or industries, these new tariffs apply broadly and…

Categorized: Industry Insights

Potential Mexican and Canadian Tariffs: Top-Line Insights & How Businesses Can Adapt

Michael Easton

In the intricate realm of international trade, importers shoulder the responsibility of ensuring compliance with a plethora of regulations enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Central to this obligation is the concept of exercising “reasonable care.” Here I’ll explore the significance of reasonable care for importers, its role in import compliance, and strategies for implementation.