How AI Product Passports Are Changing Trade Compliance; with Evan Smith

[Cindy’s Version] Old Habits Die Screaming

Host: Cindy Allen Published: June 12, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Summary In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen examines a series of significant developments that continue reshaping the trade landscape—from ongoing IEEPA litigation and Section 122 court challenges to growing uncertainty surrounding USMCA negotiations. But the heart of the episode focuses on the administration’s Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement and the concerns emerging as the trade community begins to digest its potential consequences. Cindy breaks down three areas drawing particular attention: escalating bond requirements, restrictions on foreign importers of record, and new ownership disclosure requirements. Using Taylor Swift’s The Black Dog as a backdrop, Cindy reflects on the idea that some longstanding trade practices may be coming to an end. While CBP views many of these changes as necessary tools to combat transshipment, shell companies, and duty evasion, the trade community is grappling with the possibility that enforcement-focused reforms may also affect legitimate importers and trusted traders. As Cindy notes, some old habits may indeed be "dying screaming"—but the larger question is what replaces them. This Week in Trade • The Court of Appeals indicated that Section 122 tariffs are likely lawful while litigation continues • CBP confirmed IEEPA refunds continue to be processed and announced reconciliation entries will be eligible for CAPE beginning June 29 • CBP reiterated that it believes court direction is needed before refunding finally liquidated entries • House Agriculture Committee hearings highlighted strong support for continued USMCA trade integration • Debate over the future of the Jones Act continues as some groups push for its repeal • Trade associations continue analyzing the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement Main Topic / Discussion This week's episode centers on three major concerns emerging from the Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement. First, Cindy discusses the growing pressure surrounding customs bonds. As duty exposure increases, bond amounts are reaching unprecedented levels, creating challenges for importers and sureties alike. Questions remain regarding how CBP intends to apply mitigation limitations and whether liquidated damages could be affected. Second, the Executive Order's language regarding foreign importers of record has generated uncertainty throughout the trade community, particularly among Canadian companies that have historically operated under long-established customs practices. Finally, ownership disclosure requirements raise new questions about how CBP intends to evaluate importer eligibility and whether foreign ownership percentages could influence future customs treatment. While many support stronger enforcement against bad actors, Cindy emphasizes that additional clarification is needed to ensure legitimate importers are not unintentionally caught in the process. Key Takeaways • Section 122 tariff collections will continue while litigation proceeds • Reconciliation entries become eligible for CAPE beginning June 29 • CBP maintains that liquidated entries require court direction before refunds can be issued • USMCA negotiations appear likely to continue beyond the upcoming review deadline • Bonding requirements are becoming increasingly burdensome for some importers • Foreign importer of record restrictions may have significant implications for Canadian trade • Ownership disclosure provisions remain one of the least understood portions of the Executive Order • The trade community continues seeking clarity on how enforcement reforms will be implemented Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Trade Force Multiplier [https://tradeforcemultiplier.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit • Jones Act • USMCA Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-allen-a3188210/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Producer: • Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 💬 Connect with us: • Global Training Center on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Trade Geeks Community [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Breaking Into Trade Compliance with Madison Lackey

Host: Andy Shiles, Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Madison Lackey Published: June 11, 2026 Length: 46:08 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Breaking into international trade can feel overwhelming, especially at a time when tariffs, enforcement, AI, and shifting regulations are changing the industry almost daily. In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles and Lalo Solorzano welcome Madison Lackey back to the show to discuss what it is really like to enter the trade compliance field as a young professional. Madison shares her path from studying agriculture business at Cal Poly to earning her customs broker license and becoming a trade compliance consultant at Blue Tiger International. She offers honest insight into the pressure new graduates face, the importance of slowing down before choosing a job, and why certifications, conferences, networking, and mentorship can make a major difference. The conversation also explores foreign trade zones, the growing knowledge gap as experienced professionals retire, and why young people have a major opportunity to step into the industry now. For students, early-career professionals, and managers building the next generation of trade talent, this episode offers practical advice and a fresh perspective. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on career development in international trade compliance, especially for younger professionals entering the field. Madison Lackey discusses how her education, broker license, certifications, conference networking, and willingness to take on uncomfortable opportunities helped her build momentum early in her career. The discussion also highlights the current complexity of trade compliance, including tariffs, CBP enforcement, foreign trade zones, AI, and the retirement of experienced professionals. Madison emphasizes that this is a challenging but promising time to enter the industry because companies need people who can research, ask questions, build relationships, and adapt quickly. Key Takeaways • The customs broker license and CCS certification can provide a strong foundation, even for professionals who do not plan to work as brokers. • Young professionals should look beyond job titles and salary to understand company culture, responsibility, mentorship, and growth opportunities. • Conferences, webinars, certifications, and networking can help build credibility and open career doors. • Foreign trade zones are becoming more relevant as companies look for legal ways to manage duty and tariff exposure. • Relationship-building with CBP, agencies, colleagues, and mentors is essential in a fast-changing compliance environment. • Managers should challenge newer employees with meaningful work, not busy work, so they can build real-world skills. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Blue Tiger International [https://bluetigerintl.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • International Compliance Professionals Association [https://www.icpainc.org/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones [https://www.naftz.org/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Cal Poly [https://www.calpoly.edu/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Credits Host: Andy Shiles – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/] Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Guest(s): Madison Lackey – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-lackey-6685601b7/] Producer: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Global Training Center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Trade Geeks Community [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com [SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com]

[TIPS] Using CBP Resources to Strengthen Trade Compliance

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Denise Published: June 10, 2026 Length: 19:33 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary CBP is often viewed as the agency that audits, enforces, and creates stress for importers—but this episode reframes Customs and Border Protection as a practical compliance resource. Lalo Solorzano is joined by Global Training Center instructor and subject matter expert Denise to explore how importers can use CBP tools to reduce risk, improve consistency, and make better business decisions before goods ever reach the border. The discussion highlights three key CBP resources: binding rulings, the CROSS ruling database, and Informed Compliance Publications. Denise explains how these tools help companies classify products correctly, determine origin, understand marking requirements, and demonstrate reasonable care. For small and mid-sized importers especially, these free public resources can provide much-needed guidance when legal or consulting support may not be readily available. The episode also connects compliance work to everyday operations, showing how clear customs positions can support brokers, logistics teams, sourcing decisions, product design, and internal procedures. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on how importers can use CBP resources as proactive tools rather than viewing CBP only as an enforcement agency. Denise explains that binding rulings provide formal written decisions from CBP on issues such as classification, country of origin, and marking requirements. She also discusses the value of the CROSS ruling database, which allows companies to review how CBP has handled similar products or issues in the past. The conversation also covers Informed Compliance Publications, which serve as foundational guidance on topics like classification, valuation, recordkeeping, textiles, footwear, and reasonable care. While some publications may appear dated, Denise emphasizes that they remain useful because they explain CBP’s core compliance expectations. A major theme throughout the episode is reasonable care. By using CBP guidance, documenting decisions, and incorporating rulings into internal systems and SOPs, companies can build a stronger, more defensible compliance program. Key Takeaways • CBP provides free, public resources designed to help importers comply with the law. • Binding rulings can give companies predictability on classification, origin, duty rates, and marking before importing. • The CROSS database is a valuable research tool, but only a ruling issued for your specific product is binding. • Informed Compliance Publications are useful starting points for building foundational trade compliance knowledge. • Using CBP resources supports reasonable care by creating a documented, defensible compliance process. • Clear customs positions help brokers, logistics teams, and internal departments avoid repeated disputes and delays. • Trade compliance decisions can influence sourcing, product design, pricing, and contract negotiations. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • CBP CROSS Ruling Database [https://rulings.cbp.gov/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • CBP Informed Compliance Publications [https://www.cbp.gov/trade/rulings/informed-compliance-publications?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • CBP Binding Rulings [https://www.cbp.gov/trade/rulings?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Guest(s): Denise – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-smalls-altagracia-lcb-ccs-17704320/] Producer: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Global Training Center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Trade Geeks Community [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com [SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com]

[Cindy's Version] Long Story Short: The Enforcement Era Has Arrived

Host: Cindy Allen Published: June 6, 2026 Length: ~15 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Summary In this week’s episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen takes listeners through another packed week of trade developments, from ongoing IEEPA refund litigation and new Section 301 actions to a sweeping Executive Order that may fundamentally reshape customs enforcement in the United States. While courts continue wrestling with tariff refunds, liquidation issues, and class action requests tied to IEEPA duties, USTR is moving forward with several new Section 301 investigations and proposed tariff actions involving forced labor concerns, Brazil, Vietnam, and China. But the biggest story of the week is the administration’s new Executive Order, Strengthening Customs Enforcement. Cindy explains why this may be one of the most significant customs policy developments in years, potentially transforming how CBP approaches importer accountability, non-resident importers, bonding requirements, ownership transparency, and enforcement authority. Inspired by Taylor Swift’s Long Story Short, Cindy argues that after months of tariffs, litigation, policy shifts, and uncertainty, the message from this administration has become increasingly clear: trade compliance is no longer a support function—it is a business-critical requirement in an enforcement-first environment. This Week in Trade • IEEPA refund litigation continues as courts and the administration battle over liquidation and refund procedures • A proposed class action seeks equal treatment for all companies that paid IEEPA duties • USTR proposes new Section 301 actions tied to forced labor concerns affecting more than 60 countries • Additional Section 301 developments target Brazil, Vietnam, and selected Chinese imports • Section 232 revisions reduce tariff burdens on certain steel, aluminum, copper, HVAC, and agricultural products • A major Executive Order on customs enforcement signals a new era of trade compliance expectations Main Topic / Discussion The centerpiece of this week’s episode is the Executive Order titled Strengthening Customs Enforcement. Cindy explains that while many headlines have focused on tariffs, this Executive Order may ultimately have a greater long-term impact on importers. The order directs CBP to examine and potentially implement significant changes affecting non-resident importers, ownership transparency, importer eligibility, bonding requirements, and broader customs enforcement authorities. Many of these concepts trace back to discussions surrounding a "21st Century Customs Framework" that CBP and the trade community have debated for years. However, Cindy notes that the current approach appears heavily focused on enforcement while omitting many of the trade facilitation measures that industry groups had hoped would accompany those changes. The result is a clear signal that trade compliance expectations are increasing and that CBP is positioning itself with a larger set of enforcement tools than ever before. Key Takeaways • IEEPA refund litigation remains active and unresolved • New Section 301 proposals could affect imports from more than 60 countries • Brazil and Vietnam are now facing separate Section 301 scrutiny • Section 232 revisions may provide relief for certain importers • The Executive Order on customs enforcement could reshape importer responsibilities • CBP appears to be moving toward a more enforcement-driven trade environment • Trade compliance is increasingly becoming a strategic business necessity rather than a back-office function Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Trade Force Multiplier [https://tradeforcemultiplier.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee Credits Host: • Cindy Allen – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindy-allen-a3188210/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Producer: • Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalo-solorzano/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Global Training Center on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Trade Geeks Community [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Trade Compliance Is No Longer a Back-Office Function

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles Guest(s): Ashley Arnold Published: June 4, 2026 Length: Approximately 33 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Trade compliance has changed dramatically, and this episode digs into why importers, exporters, executives, and compliance professionals can no longer treat it as a back-office task. Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Ashley Arnold, licensed customs broker, CCS, and founder of JEM Consulting, for a timely conversation on the evolving role of trade professionals in today’s regulatory environment. Ashley explains how trade compliance now touches sourcing, finance, IT, logistics, purchasing, customer service, and executive strategy. With shifting tariffs, increased Customs scrutiny, ACE reporting, USMCA claims, duty mitigation opportunities, automation, and documentation challenges all demanding attention, the old “we’ve always done it this way” mindset is no longer enough. The discussion highlights why companies need stronger internal collaboration, better systems, proactive monitoring, and more visibility into what Customs sees in real time. For executives, this episode is a reminder that compliance teams need resources, support, and a seat at the table. For trade professionals, it is a call to stay informed, ask questions, build relationships across departments, and keep pushing for smarter processes. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on the expanding role of trade compliance professionals and why companies must rethink how they support compliance, logistics, and supply chain teams. Ashley Arnold explains that compliance work is no longer limited to classification, entry review, or post-entry audits. Today’s trade professionals are monitoring court cases, tariff updates, government notices, ACE reports, Customs requests, free trade agreement documentation, software workflows, and automation opportunities. The conversation also emphasizes that compliance must be involved earlier in the business process. Purchasing, sourcing, finance, IT, logistics, and leadership all need to work together to prevent problems before shipments are delayed, costs increase, or Customs issues arise. Key Takeaways • Trade compliance now belongs in strategic planning, not just operations. • Importers should have ACE access, run reports, and monitor Customs activity directly. • USMCA, duty drawback, exclusions, tariff engineering, and free trade agreement claims require strong documentation and audit readiness. • Automation and software can reduce manual work, but qualified trade professionals still need to review and validate decisions. • Compliance teams must build relationships with IT, accounting, sourcing, logistics, purchasing, and customer service. • Executives should ask whether their compliance teams have the tools, people, and cooperation they need. • The phrase “we’ve always done it this way” is a warning sign in today’s trade environment. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Andy Shiles on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Ashley Arnold on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymarnold/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Andy Shiles – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Guest(s): Ashley Arnold – LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymarnold/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Producer: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/simply-trade/id1640329690?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/09m199JO6fuNumbcrHTkGq?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@simplytradepod?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/simply-trade-podcast/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Global Training Center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-training-center/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Trade Geeks Community [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com [SimplyTrade@GlobalTrainingCenter.com]