Trade compliance support for importers
Trade compliance helps ensure your imports are declared accurately and supported with the right documentation. A strong compliance process reduces the risk of delays, audits, penalties, and unexpected duty costs, while improving consistency across your supply chain.
- Improve accuracy across customs declarations and documentation
- Reduce risk of clearance disruptions and penalties
- Strengthen internal controls and audit readiness
What is trade compliance?
Trade compliance is the process of correctly declaring your cross-border shipments and maintaining the supporting records required to demonstrate accuracy. This includes proper HS classification, accurate valuation, correct country of origin declarations, and consistent documentation.
Accuracy
Correct tariff codes, declared values, and shipment details.
Risk reduction
Lower exposure to audits, penalties, and shipment delays.
Consistency
Standardized rules for vendors, SKUs, and internal teams.
What trade compliance covers
- HS Classification: assigning the correct tariff code based on product composition and use
- Country of Origin: confirming origin and proper marking requirements
- Valuation: declaring the correct value for duty and taxes (including additions where applicable)
- Documentation: invoices, product specs, supplier statements, and broker instructions
- Record keeping: maintaining audit-ready files for CBSA or internal reviews
Where businesses get exposed
- Incorrect HS codes causing overpayment or underpayment
- Missing product details on invoices (materials, usage, model, etc.)
- Inconsistent broker instructions across teams or suppliers
- Incorrect valuation inputs leading to duty/tax discrepancies
- Missing documents when proof is requested
What you gain with strong compliance
Audit readiness
Organized documentation and consistent declarations.
Reduced risk
Lower chance of penalties and clearance disruptions.
Better HS classification
Improved accuracy and consistency across SKUs.
Cleaner processes
Standard rules for suppliers, products, and internal teams.
HS classification support
HS classification is one of the biggest drivers of duty and compliance risk. We support importers by reviewing product information and helping establish consistent tariff classifications across product lines.
- SKU and product catalog reviews for consistent HS codes
- Supplier data validation (materials, composition, use, technical specs)
- Classification guidance for new products or product changes
- Standardized broker instructions to reduce entry errors
Information that improves accuracy
- Product description and intended use
- Composition/material breakdown
- Technical specs, drawings, or photos
- Supplier/manufacturer details and part numbers
- Current HS code and past entries (if available)
How we help
Compliance review
Identify gaps across classification, documentation, and processes.
Process standardization
Create consistent internal rules for suppliers and broker instructions.
Ongoing support
Support with new SKUs, supplier changes, and internal compliance upkeep.
Contact us and we’ll help improve accuracy and reduce customs risk.