In the September issue of Logistics Management Magazine, Mark Pearson has written an excellent article on supply chain risk management (Pearson on Excellence p.22). Based on a survey of senior executives, the article names information technology and global economic turmoil as the most common and impactful drivers of supply chain risk. Pearson describes different supply chain risk management investments made by respondents and the ROI’s reported by management. I would add that export and import compliance is also a very big risk factor in supply chain management. Fines and penalties for non-compliance are high enough to be worthy of C-level attention. What you don’t know can hurt you.
Here are six reasons you should take your role seriously and not rely solely on your freight forwarder to complete a NAFTA certificate of origin.
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCBGood comments all. The freight forwarder relationship is key for exporters but don’t give up control of compliance. At a minimum you need to review all documents completed by your forwarder for accuracy prior to shipment.
First of all, I think it may be worthwhile to say a few words about “trade compliance.” It may mean a lot of different things to different folks so I want to establish at least a baseline working…more
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCBThis is a good summary of compliance topics. Its useful as a checklist or starting place.
Imports into the United States must be properly classified in the HTSUS tariff schedules, officially known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”). The HTSUS is based off the…more
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCBGood info for importers and shows that due diligence is needed. I always recommend a review of classifications a couple of times per year.
Contact mitch@52.91.45.227 for review of your classifications.
After great anticipation the ATACarnet EEI/AES Exemption Final Rule was published today! www.EEIforATACarnet.com
Mitch Kostoulakos CTL,LCBThis is great news. Carnets are excellent tools for simplifying the importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for trade shows.
There are a growing number of trade compliance and related bogus certifications in the United States (U.S.) marketplace. As a professional in the field, if you haven’t read The Export Practitioner…more
Due diligence is crucial in every facet of trade compliance including outsourcing education and training. Be especially aware of programs in this arena that inflate, mislead or misrepresent. They are out there and in grow
Mitch KostoulakosGood article…What are the best certification programs for export compliance?
When it comes to managing global supply chains, international transportation is where the rubber meets the road. But as many companies quickly find out, managing international transportation is very different from…
Mitch KostoulakosI agree with Russ Romine’s comments. In terms of risk management I would add export and import compliance issues. Many small and medium sized companies tend to either ignore compliance or assume that their forwarder is handling for them.1m ago
Customer service in the supply chain today has changed from the convenience to the customer in the past, to the profitability and convenience of the selling organization. In the past, customer service was never outsourced to another…
Mitch KostoulakosI agree that customer service is at least inconsistent. Providers are driving productivity in operations and this extends to customer service. Clients can improve their customer experience however. See my post Customer Service Blues @ adhoclogistics.com …more31s ago
AST&L certification process is rigorous as is APICS. I would say that AST&L is for logistics and transportation practitioners while APICS includes inventory and procurement. I value my CTL but agree with the comments that it is not widely recognized. AST&L needs to raise the profile to the same level as APICS certification. Professionals looking for advanced education need to be practical about how they use their time and must consider how the certificate will help their career.
