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

[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]

[TIPS] USMCA Documentation and Why Classification Comes First

Host: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/] and Trudy Wilson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/truwil/] Guest(s): N/A Published: May 27, 2026 Length: 16:11 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Trudy Wilson continue the Trudy’s Trade Tips series with another practical discussion on USMCA. This time, the focus is on documentation, certification requirements, and why tariff classification is the foundation for making accurate free trade agreement claims. Trudy explains one of the biggest changes from NAFTA to USMCA: the old formal certificate of origin is gone. Instead, companies must ensure their USMCA certification contains the required minimum data elements, regardless of the format used. That flexibility can be helpful, but it also creates room for confusion when documents are unclear or incomplete. The conversation also highlights the importance of identifying the certifier, exporter, producer, and importer, along with product descriptions, classifications, origin criteria, blanket periods, and certification statements. Trudy and Lalo then explain why tariff classification must come before USMCA qualification. If a company does not understand the classification of the finished product and its components, it cannot properly apply USMCA rules of origin. This episode matters because USMCA savings are valuable, but only when claims are documented, supported, and correctly qualified. Main Topic / Discussion This episode focuses on the documentation requirements for USMCA and the importance of tariff classification in determining whether goods qualify under the agreement. Trudy explains that USMCA no longer requires the old NAFTA certificate format. Instead, companies must provide the required minimum data elements in whatever format they choose. This includes identifying the certifier, exporter, producer, and importer, along with the product description, tariff classification, origin criterion, blanket period, authorized signature, date, and certification statement. A key point is that documentation must be clear. If a shipment includes both USMCA-qualifying goods and non-qualifying goods, the paperwork must clearly identify which items qualify. Mixing unclear origin declarations with USMCA claims can create confusion and risk. The discussion then shifts to tariff classification. Lalo and Trudy emphasize that “all roads lead to the HTS.” USMCA qualification depends on understanding the classification of the finished product and the classifications of the components, parts, or ingredients used to make it. Without that foundation, companies cannot properly apply product-specific rules or determine whether a tariff shift has occurred. Key Takeaways • USMCA does not require the old NAFTA certificate form, but it does require specific minimum data elements. • Companies may use their own format for USMCA certification as long as the required information is included. • The certifier, exporter, producer, and importer must be clearly identified with the required contact details. • Documentation must clearly show which goods qualify for USMCA and which do not. • Tariff classification is the foundation for USMCA qualification. • Companies must know the classification of the finished good and the components used to make it. • Product-specific rules under USMCA depend on classification and often require analyzing tariff shifts. • Lalo and Trudy recommend understanding tariff classification before taking on USMCA qualification work. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center [https://www.globaltrainingcenter.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • TruTrade Solutions [https://www.trutradesolutions.com/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] • Trudy Wilson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/truwil/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalosolorzano/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] – LinkedIn Trudy Wilson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/truwil/?utm_source=SimplyTradePodcast] – LinkedIn Guest(s): N/A 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]