Given the perpetually changing landscape of international trade, compliance can be a lofty goal for any company; however, without the right tools and training, that goal becomes an obstacle that is practically insurmountable. At GJA Trade, we will provide your company with all the tools it needs to establish or evaluate and update its compliance program to highlight any areas of concern.

Written compliance policies and procedures must be customized to suit the needs of the company. Many companies go around pedaling manuals, checklists, programs, etc., but the truth is, a compliance program manual should never be adopted “off the shelf” and should be tailored to your company’s specifications. GJA Trade prides itself on our distinctive level of service to our clients and will base your program on your procedures and policies as a compliance program will not be successful if it differs drastically from existing policies and procedures.

Additionally, after the events of September 11th, Customs began to flex its muscles and introduced the concept of a “Focused Assessment” which is, in essence, a mini-audit. This allows Customs to reach far beyond their previous scope of compliance operations and target and increased number of importers quickly and efficiently. A company should be able to demonstrate it exercised due diligence or reasonable care with regards to compliance. A written, verifiable compliance program has become a de facto minimum requirement for establishing the exercise of due diligence.

Another increasingly significant aspect of international trade supply chain security. The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program is a security initiative brought about after 9/11 aimed at fostering government-business cooperation to strengthen the supply chain. While skeptics originally dismissed C-TPAT as nothing more than a fleeting program or temporary solution, it has proven itself a force to be reckoned with. The program has grown exponentially since inception and many industry experts anticipate that it will become mandatory in the near future.

These regulations and programs are here to stay, and unless companies get aboard, they will ultimately suffer and regret their decision not to do what is necessary. Our goal is to help your company reach its compliance goals, and as such, offer a wide range of services.

GJA operates separate and apart from Givens and Johnston, PLLC, but with a continued juxtaposition.