Trade Compliance

Vandegrift believes that every operational action has a compliance-related outcome and that the two must be coordinated in any successful international trade program. Compliance must serve operations and be factored into decisions about every aspect of a global business.

Vandegrift has a dedicated compliance team made up of former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials as well as individuals with backgrounds in customs brokerage, retail industries and law. Our team represents clients before CBP on a multitude of issues and acts as your third-party compliance department.

HTS Line Reviews and Global Classification

Vandegrift compliance provides full line reviews and multi country classifications.  This service provides the information early in the shipping process so HTS numbers and duty rates are available well in advance of shipment and reduces the chance of delay due to missing classification.  

Binding Rulings

Classify with confidence when you obtain a binding ruling. If you plan to manufacture a new product, source from a new country or perhaps just want to clarify a correct duty rate, it is in your best interest to obtain a binding ruling from CBP.  Vandegrift’s compliance team will research the item and prepare a ruling request to ensure proper classification, valuation or origin.

Regulatory Research

Research and guidance for complex trade compliance issues is critical prior to shipping merchandise around the world.  Navigating regulations and documenting the decision making process to ensure compliance is evidence of reasonable care.

C-TPAT

Vandegrift’s compliance team can assist in obtaining initial C-TPAT certification as well as provide on-going vendor program management.  Using analytical surveys that capture images, procedures manuals and other evidence of program compliance allows for a thorough supply chain work-up and critical compliance improvement plans.

Compliance Manuals and Procedures Reviews

The Vandegrift compliance team will organize your internal procedures into a structured compliance manual and will create a baseline documentation to establish reasonable care.  The team will also provide guidance and instruction on implementation and updates.

Focused Assessment Audit Assistance and Management

Audit preparation and assistance are the key to successfully passing a CBP audit with a compliant rating.  Vandegrift compliance will take your company through a mock audit to ensure quality procedures are in place and identify areas of liability.  If you have already been selected by CBP, Vandegrift will assist in organizing documentation and provide audit preparation and guidance.

Importer Self-Assessment (ISA)

The ISA program is designed to identify risk and ensure tight internal control protocols are place. Vandegrift compliance works with companies to clearly identify areas of risk, establish best practices and create a documented plan.  Vandegrift will work to ensure that the the ISA protocols are maintained so there are no issues with the Annual Notification Letter. 

Trade Preference Eligibility Studies

Trade Preference programs can have tremendous benefit to an importer’s bottom line. It is important to understand the risk and liability involved in making trade preference claims.  Vandegrift compliance will conduct an eligibility analysis to determine if merchandise meets the criteria for entry under different trade programs.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a useful tool when certain data elements remain unknown at the time of entry.  Vandegrift compliance will help determine if reconciliation is right for your company and can assist in applying for and managing a reconciliation program for your business.

First Sale

The First Sale program allows importers, under certain conditions, to use the price paid in the initial sale of goods for customs entry valuation rather than the final price ultimately paid for the goods. Vandegrift compliance will work to determine if your business can benefit from a First Sale program.

Training Seminars/Webinars

Vandegrift will create customized training sessions on a variety of relevant trade topics. Seminar or webinar content will be targeted to the intended audience.

Temporary and On-Site Staffing

In certain situations Vandegrift can provide experienced resources to fill short term staffing needs. 

Please contact Vandegrift for a full assessment of your import operation and process work flow