Trade Compliance Is No Longer a Back-Office Function

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]

[TIPS] Understanding Partner Government Agencies in U.S. Imports

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Denise Smalls-Altagracia Published: June 2, 2026 Length: 20:17 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary In this Simply Trade Tips episode, Lalo Solorzano and Denise Smalls-Altagracia break down one of the most important but often misunderstood parts of U.S. import compliance: Partner Government Agencies, or PGAs. While many importers focus mainly on CBP, duties, tariffs, and broker filings, Denise explains why customs clearance is often much bigger than paperwork and duty payments. PGAs regulate the products themselves, covering areas such as public health, safety, agriculture, environmental standards, transportation, and security. That means an entry may look correct from a customs perspective but still be delayed, detained, or refused if agency-specific requirements are missed. Denise also highlights common agencies importers may encounter, including FDA, USDA, APHIS, EPA, and CPSC, and explains why documentation, product classification, and early planning are essential. This episode matters because PGA compliance directly affects speed, predictability, cost control, and supply chain reliability. Importers who understand agency requirements before shipments move are far better positioned to avoid costly surprises and keep trade moving. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on Partner Government Agencies and their role in the import process. Lalo and Denise explain that CBP may serve as the primary border authority, but PGAs are the subject matter experts that determine whether certain products meet U.S. requirements and can legally enter commerce. The discussion covers what PGAs are, why they matter, which agencies importers commonly encounter, what documentation may be required, and how PGA compliance should be treated as a business function rather than a last-minute customs task. Key Takeaways • PGAs are federal agencies that work with CBP to regulate specific imported products. • Import compliance is not only about duties, tariffs, and customs paperwork. • Agencies such as FDA, USDA, APHIS, EPA, and CPSC may require additional documentation or review depending on the product. • Missing or inaccurate PGA information can lead to delays, detention, refusal, penalties, or supply chain disruption. • Strong PGA compliance improves shipment speed, predictability, cost control, and business reputation. • Companies should identify agency requirements before purchase orders are issued or goods are shipped. 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] • Denise Smalls-Altagracia on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-smalls-altagracia-lcb-ccs-17704320/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Import Training Courses from Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] – LinkedIn Denise Smalls-Altagracia [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-smalls-altagracia-lcb-ccs-17704320/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] – LinkedIn 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]

SAP GTS 11 and the Move to GTS E4H with Corporate Business Solutions

Host: Annik Sobing [https://www.linkedin.com/in/annik-sobing-mba-b226251a2/] Guests: Christine Tully [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinemtully/] and Robert Wieczorek [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-wieczorek-80b96216a/] Published: June 2026 Length: ~45 minutes Episode is Sponsored by: CBS (Corporate Business Solutions) [https://www.cbs-consulting.com/us/about-cbs/company/] CBS provides global business process solutions for international industrial companies.  THIS PODCAST IS PRESENTED BY GLOBAL TRAINING CENTER [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/] SAP GTS 11 to E4H: How to Convert Without Surprises Annik Sobing welcomes Christine Tully and Robert Wieczorek to the Simply Trade Roundup for a conversation about one of the biggest transitions facing global trade teams right now: moving from SAP GTS 11 to SAP GTS Edition for S/4HANA (E4H). Sponsored by CBS (Corporate Business Solutions), this episode explores why the move is much more than a technical upgrade and what companies need to think about if they want to avoid surprises along the way. Christine and Robert break down the real-world challenges of a GTS conversion, including conversion approaches, system landscape design, downtime planning, testing, governance, and compliance stability. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why SAP GTS 11 needs to be replaced Christine and Robert explain why SAP GTS 11 is no longer the long-term answer and what changes with GTS E4H. They discuss how SAP’s roadmap, support timelines, and the shift to S/4HANA are pushing companies to act now rather than later. Why this is a conversion, not just an upgrade The episode makes clear that GTS E4H is not a simple version jump. It involves functional, structural, and process changes that affect how teams work day to day, from user experience in Fiori to redesigning authorizations and reviewing custom developments. What conversion approaches companies can take Christine and Robert walk through the main conversion options, including brownfield, parallel landscape, sandbox, greenfield, and selective approaches. They explain the trade-offs of each path and why choosing the right one depends heavily on system complexity and business needs. How to reduce risk during the transition One of the key themes is preparation. The conversation highlights the importance of clean master data, realistic timelines, end-to-end testing, cutover planning, and strong governance to reduce the chance of issues during go-live. Why the ecosystem matters The episode also looks beyond the core SAP system to the broader landscape, including customs brokers, logistics providers, screening content providers, and middleware. Christine and Robert explain why a successful conversion depends on every connected part being ready, not just the internal system. What day-to-day compliance users need to know The discussion covers how the move to E4H affects trade compliance teams in practical ways, including new workflows, dashboard-driven monitoring, training needs, and changes to processes like preference management and blocked document handling. Who this episode is for This episode is especially valuable for IT leaders, global trade and compliance professionals, SAP users, and anyone responsible for planning or executing a move from GTS 11 to E4H. It is also a helpful listen for companies that want a realistic view of what a successful conversion actually takes. 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] The New Romantics

Host: Cindy Allen Published: May 29, 2026 Length: ~12 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 breaks down one of the most intense stretches yet for the trade community as courts, CBP, and USTR continue reshaping the compliance landscape in real time. Major developments continue around IEEPA litigation, reconciliation filings, CAPE processing issues, and ongoing court scrutiny over liquidated entries and duty refunds. Meanwhile, USMCA renegotiation discussions are beginning to signal potentially significant changes to country of origin requirements, component tracing, and automotive sourcing rules. Inspired by New Romantics, Cindy reflects on the resilience of the trade community through nonstop operational and regulatory change. From brokers and compliance teams to importers and supply chain leaders, the industry continues adapting despite constant disruption. This Week in Trade • The United States Court of International Trade declined to stay its order regarding Section 122 tariff collection while appeals continue • CBP filed guidance related to reconciliation entries and IEEPA duty handling for underlying entries and 09 reconciliation filings • The court ordered the CBP Commissioner to appear at an upcoming June 9 hearing regarding liquidated entries and IEEPA duty resolution • CAPE processing continues moving forward, though brokers and importers are still facing ACE-related filing complications and edit check issues • Office of the United States Trade Representative continues active USMCA renegotiation discussions focused on automotive content, country of origin tracing, and supply chain transparency Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses heavily on the mounting operational pressure facing the trade community as regulatory, judicial, and enforcement developments continue accelerating simultaneously. Cindy explains that reconciliation filers may soon face difficult timing decisions around underlying entries and 09 filings, especially as CBP and the courts work through how IEEPA duties should ultimately be handled. The upcoming court hearing involving the CBP Commissioner signals that the judiciary is taking a more active role in resolving outstanding liquidation and refund concerns. On the operational side, CAPE continues functioning, but many brokers are encountering filing complications tied to duty stacking logic, tariff line placement, and legacy filing methods that predated clearer CBP guidance and ACE edit checks. The episode also explores how USMCA negotiations are evolving beyond traditional tariff shift and regional value content calculations toward more aggressive component-level tracing and sourcing visibility requirements—particularly targeting concerns over Chinese components entering through Mexico. Key Takeaways • IEEPA litigation and reconciliation guidance continue evolving rapidly • The June 9 court hearing could significantly impact duty refund handling and liquidated entries • CAPE is operational, but ACE and filing correction challenges remain significant • CBP help desk delays are creating operational strain across the trade community • USMCA renegotiation discussions may fundamentally change future country of origin compliance requirements • Trade professionals continue adapting despite relentless regulatory change Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • Trade Force Multiplier [https://tradeforcemultiplier.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 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]

Why Mexico Is Asking Exporters for More Documentation with Miriam Name

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles Guest(s): Miriam Name Published: May 28, 2026 Length: ~35 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Mexico’s recent customs reforms are creating real challenges for companies moving goods across the border, especially U.S. exporters supplying Mexican importers and maquiladoras. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Miriam Name, Partner at Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton, to unpack what these changes mean in practical terms. Miriam explains why Mexican authorities are now asking for more documentation, including formal contracts, valuation support, Incoterms, payment terms, and consistency across import records. She also shares why exporters can no longer rely on “the way we’ve always done it” when supporting their Mexican counterparts. The conversation highlights how deeply integrated the U.S. and Mexico supply chains are, especially along the border, and why even small documentation inconsistencies can create major risks. From pedimentos and purchase orders to USMCA qualification and broker involvement, this episode gives trade professionals a clear starting point for reviewing their processes before an audit does it for them. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on Mexico’s customs law reforms and how they are affecting importers, exporters, maquiladoras, and cross-border supply chains. Miriam explains that Mexican authorities are looking for more support around customs valuation, formal agreements, payment terms, Incoterms, and consistency across documentation. For U.S. exporters, the key message is that Mexican importers may now need more detailed support than before. That includes contracts, accurate product descriptions, valuation backup, and documentation that aligns across purchase orders, invoices, pedimentos, and certificates of origin. The discussion also touches on USMCA, increasing duty exposure, audits in Mexico, and the importance of training, internal review, and proactive compliance. Key Takeaways • Mexico’s customs reforms are requiring more documentation and stronger valuation support from importers and their foreign suppliers. • U.S. exporters should expect Mexican customers to request more information, including contracts, Incoterms, payment terms, and supporting documents. • Consistency is critical. Details such as value, origin, product description, Incoterms, and payment terms should align across all trade documents. • Companies should not assume that past practices are still acceptable. Internal reviews, sampling, broker confirmation, and outside guidance can help identify issues before they become audit problems. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Miriam Name on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-name-57a2b6/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton [https://www.ccn-law.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Trade Geeks Community [https://globaltrainingcenter.com/portal/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] – LinkedIn Andy Shiles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyshiles/] – LinkedIn Guest(s): Miriam Name [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriam-name-57a2b6/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] – LinkedIn 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]