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Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Published: November 6, 2026 Length: ~28 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Could a company with U.S. operations still face foreign importer of record requirements—and what would that mean for its customs broker? In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” to explore the risks hiding behind familiar client relationships. Cindy examines the interim final rule on heightened requirements for foreign importers of record, focusing on the questions it raises about U.S. importer status, beneficial ownership, documentation, and CTPAT participation. She discusses why publicly traded companies, foreign-owned manufacturers, and customs brokers need to look closely at how the requirements apply to their businesses. She also considers the potential impact on express shipments and the responsibilities a broker takes on when serving as importer of record. Before the main discussion, Cindy shares her post-election tariff outlook and updates on demurrage and detention, ACE client support, USMCA negotiations, and customs enforcement. Her central message: understand your data, respond to CBP, and provide practical feedback. For importers and brokers navigating an uncertain compliance environment, this conversation offers important questions to ask before a client’s trouble becomes your own. This Week in Trade • Tariffs after the midterms: Cindy shares her outlook on congressional oversight, possible targeted changes, and why she does not expect a sweeping tariff repeal. • FMC and ACE developments: Cindy highlights a demurrage and detention symposium and a test program intended to improve connections between the trade community and ACE client representatives. • USMCA negotiations: Cindy discusses Canada’s negotiating stance and what it could mean for conversations with the United States. • CBP enforcement: Cindy cites reported increases of 77.5% in overall enforcement and 124% in Form 29 notices, emphasizing the importance of understanding import data and responding to customs inquiries. Main Topic / Discussion The main discussion centers on how heightened foreign importer of record requirements could reshape client verification and risk management for customs brokers. Cindy examines the ownership and real-property criteria used to distinguish U.S. and foreign importers, the documentation brokers would need to review, and CTPAT’s role in the entry process. She raises practical questions about proving beneficial ownership for publicly traded companies, evaluating foreign-owned businesses with substantial U.S. operations, and handling powers of attorney when a broker acts as importer of record. She also considers whether increased demand for eligible brokers could create capacity challenges. For Cindy, the issue extends beyond paperwork: who can produce the required information, who can verify it, what will it cost, and who carries the liability? She urges businesses to give CBP concrete examples and realistic cost estimates, either directly or through their trade associations. Key Takeaways • Revisit importer status. Cindy cautions against assuming that U.S. incorporation or a domestic address alone resolves the question of whether a company qualifies as a U.S. importer of record. • Make client verification a risk decision. Ownership records, supporting documentation, CTPAT status, and potential importer-of-record responsibilities belong in the onboarding conversation. • Know your data and engage with CBP. Cindy emphasizes responding to Forms 28 and 29 and seeking clarification when an action appears inconsistent with your records. • Make regulatory feedback specific. Use business examples, supporting facts, and realistic cost estimates to explain implementation challenges—not simply that compliance will be difficult. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Heightened Requirements for Foreign Importers of Record — Official Federal Register Rule GovInfo • Kelley Drye — Monitoring CBP’s Implementation of EO 14411 Kelley Drye & Warren LLP • Episode inspiration: “I Knew You Were Trouble” by Taylor Swift, from Red. Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Justin Dillon Published: November 4, 2028 Length: Approximately 41 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Could your company be connected to forced labor without knowing it? In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Justin Dillon, founder of FRDM, for a conversation about the people behind the products—and the responsibilities that come with buying, sourcing, and importing them. Justin explains how forced labor concerns have moved from corporate philanthropy into sourcing, trade compliance, and business operations. Together, they explore what importers should consider before selecting suppliers, why procurement and compliance teams need to work together, and how supply chain visibility can help companies ask better questions before goods reach the border. The discussion also goes beyond policies and paperwork. Justin shares the experiences behind his documentary work and advocacy, discusses FRDM’s relationship with WiseTech Global, and points listeners toward organizations supporting people affected by exploitation. At the center of the episode is a compelling idea: meaningful change does not have to depend on a special campaign or a charitable budget. It can begin with everyday purchasing decisions. For trade professionals and business leaders, this conversation offers a reason to look more closely at where products come from—and what responsible sourcing should look like in practice. Main Topic / Discussion Responsible sourcing starts before supplier selection Justin traces the shift from corporate social responsibility initiatives to supply chain due diligence and import enforcement. The discussion emphasizes early supplier vetting and collaboration among purchasing, trade compliance, legal, operations, and leadership—not waiting until a shipment encounters problems at the border. Awareness, exploitation, and meaningful action Justin shares the context behind the rescue footage discussed in the episode and explains why recognizing exploitation is not always straightforward. Rather than encouraging listeners to conduct their own investigations, the conversation focuses on transparency, established reporting channels, and supporting local organizations already doing the work. Making human rights part of everyday business Justin challenges reliance on supplier questionnaires and one-time audits, advocating instead for data- and AI-driven supply chain mapping followed by deeper supplier participation. He also discusses FRDM and WiseTech Global, the influence of procurement spending, and his goal of making human rights a routine business consideration rather than an occasional campaign. Key Takeaways • Start before onboarding. Evaluate supply chain risks before committing to suppliers, when changing direction is less disruptive. • Bring the right teams together. Responsible sourcing requires coordination across procurement, compliance, legal, operations, and executive leadership. • Look beyond the first supplier relationship. Justin advocates mapping supply chains and asking suppliers to extend that visibility through their own networks. • Put purchasing power to work. Align supplier expectations with company values, while supporting established organizations and reporting channels when concerns arise. Resources & Mentions Guest, organizations, and technology • Global Training Center — Presenter of Simply Trade and trade compliance education resources. • Justin Dillon on LinkedIn — Connect with this episode’s guest. • FRDM — The supply chain risk, mapping, and compliance technology discussed by Justin. frdm.ai • WiseTech Global — The company discussed in connection with FRDM’s expansion. • WiseTech Global’s FRDM acquisition announcement — Official background on the transaction discussed in the interview. wisetechglobal.com • Made in a Free World — The nonprofit Justin recommends for supporting projects that help rescue and care for people affected by slavery and exploitation. madeinafreeworld.com Documentary and additional videos • Call & Response — Full Documentary — The full documentary link supplied for this episode. YouTube • FRDM YouTube Channel — Additional videos from FRDM. • Justin Dillon on CNN’s Quest Means Business — The additional interview supplied for this episode. YouTube Help and reporting • National Human Trafficking Hotline — In the United States, call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE) for assistance or to report a potential trafficking situation. For immediate danger, call 911. National Human Trafficking Hotline Official background on the laws and enforcement topics discussed These links provide additional reference material; not every resource below was named individually during the conversation. • U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Forced Labor — Official starting point for forced-labor enforcement information and importer resources. GovDelivery • CBP — Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Overview — Background on the UFLPA and its import restrictions. CBP Help • European Commission — Forced Labour Regulation — Official information on the EU framework. The product prohibition applies from December 14, 2027. single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu • UK Government — Transparency in Supply Chains: A Practical Guide — Modern slavery reporting and supply chain transparency guidance for businesses. GOV.UK • Australian Government — Modern Slavery Act — Official background on Australia’s modern slavery reporting framework. Attorney-General's Department • Public Safety Canada — Forced Labour in Canadian Supply Chains — Guidance and reporting resources under Canada’s Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada • Canada Border Services Agency — Goods Manufactured or Produced by Prison or Forced Labour — Background on Canada’s import prohibition. Canada Border Services Agency • Mexico’s STPS — Forced Labor Import Restrictions — Official information on Mexico’s mechanism for investigating and restricting imports produced with forced labor. Resource in Spanish. Trabajo Forzoso Additional practical reporting resource • CBP Forced Labor Allegation Portal — An additional resource, not named in the episode, for submitting allegations involving forced labor in imported goods. GovDelivery Other organizations mentioned in passing These organizations came up during the discussion of corporate volunteering, philanthropy, and business models; they were not presented as trafficking-response resources. • Habitat for Humanity — Referenced by Andy as an example of organized corporate volunteering. • Anthropic — Mentioned briefly by Justin during the discussion of philanthropy and business models. The individual local organizations described in India and Ghana were not identified by name in the transcript. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Justin Dillon - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Miriam Name, Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN) Published: November 3, 2027 Length: ~16 min Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Your Mexican customer asks for a purchase agreement—even though you have been doing business for years using purchase orders and invoices. Why the extra paperwork? In Episode 5 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes back Miriam Name to explore how U.S. exporters can support their Mexican customers’ compliance efforts. After a lighthearted Día de los Muertos opening, the conversation turns to a serious question: can the importer document what happened throughout the transaction and support the value declared? Miriam discusses purchase-agreement requests that are catching some U.S. sellers off guard, the commercial details those agreements should address, and the complications that rebates and deductions can create. Lalo also asks how the documentation changes when the relationship involves manufacturing services or a sale between related companies. The goal is not to turn every request into a renegotiation of an established business relationship. Miriam offers a practical approach for connecting existing purchase orders, commercial documents, and terms through a master agreement. This week’s tip puts cooperation first. Before treating a request as unnecessary paperwork, understand what your Mexican counterpart needs to support—and how your team can help keep the relationship moving forward. Main Topic / Discussion Supporting Mexican customs valuation starts with understanding the transaction—not just sending the invoice. Miriam frames the discussion around traceability and materiality: documentation showing that a transaction occurred, how it was carried out, and why the declared value is supportable. That includes evidence of the commercial relationship, delivery, transportation, and payment responsibilities. She describes requests for purchase agreements identifying the parties, tax identification, company addresses, the applicable Incoterm, delivery arrangements, and who pays for transportation. The conversation also explores how rebates, deductions, and year-end adjustments can complicate the connection between commercial pricing and Mexican import declarations. The appropriate documentation depends on the arrangement. Miriam distinguishes sales transactions from pure maquila arrangements supported by a maquila services agreement. She also discusses related-party sales and the role of transfer-pricing analysis in supporting value. Her closing recommendation is to cooperate with the importer on a master agreement that references existing purchase orders, commercial documents, and terms—rather than assuming the request requires starting every negotiation over. Key Takeaways • Do not dismiss the agreement request. Miriam urges U.S. exporters to take Mexican customers’ documentation requests seriously, even when the relationship has operated through purchase orders and invoices for years. • Make the commercial details clear. The information Miriam identifies includes company names and addresses, tax identification, the applicable Incoterm, delivery terms, and responsibility for transportation costs. • Pay attention to rebates and deductions. Miriam explains that these arrangements can complicate support for customs value. She also discusses the potential need to adjust Mexican import declarations, or pedimentos, when the value changes. • Match the agreement to the relationship. Sales, pure maquila arrangements, and related-party transactions raise different documentation questions. Miriam discusses master agreements, maquila services agreements, and transfer-pricing support—not one document that automatically fits every situation. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Miriam Name — LinkedIn • Cacheaux, Cavazos & Newton (CCN) • IMMEX Blog Post     Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the 90 Days Until 2027 playbook. This episode provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Confirm the documentation and valuation requirements applicable to your specific transaction. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Miriam Name - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen Published: October 30, 2026 Length: ~ 14 min Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Who stays to do the work after the party is over? In this episode of Simply Trade: Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen uses Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day” to explore a question every importer should ask: what makes a customs broker a true partner when trade requirements change? In her October 30 trade update, Cindy discusses Canadian Section 338 tariff litigation, CAPE refund developments, USTR activity, and enforcement concerns affecting the trade community. She then turns from the headlines to the people responsible for putting changes into practice—especially Northern Border customs brokers managing the tariff changes described in the episode. The focus is not just on filing entries. It is on identifying affected clients, working through complex duty-treatment questions, coordinating entry and entry-summary timing, and communicating when decisions cannot wait. Cindy highlights the preparation and judgment behind that work, including the limits of automated tools when the details get complicated. For importers, brokers, and compliance teams, this episode is a reminder to look beyond the visible transaction. The strongest partnerships are built on the quieter work that keeps both sides informed, prepared, and aligned long after the announcement lands. This Week in Trade • Section 338 litigation and CAPE refunds: Cindy reviews the challenge to Canadian tariffs, CAPE 3 developments involving protested entries, and the plaintiffs’ request for a CAPE 4 process covering antidumping and countervailing duty entries. • USTR and Section 232 reviews: The roundup includes expected recommendations from the Section 301 overcapacity investigations, Airbus subsidy concerns, and the outcome Cindy reports from the robotics and industrial machinery review. • Capitol Hill and Russian fuel imports: Cindy discusses political criticism of Canadian tariff adjustments and warnings to banks, ports, and fuel distributors about their involvement in Russian fuel imports. • FMC enforcement: Cindy highlights increased scrutiny of ocean transportation intermediaries and the importance of having processes and procedures ready to address regulatory inquiries. Main Topic / Discussion Customs Broker Partnerships Beyond the Routine Entry Cindy uses “New Year’s Day” as a metaphor for the work that happens outside the spotlight: preparation, coordination, and follow-through when tariff changes create difficult operational questions. Her focus is on Northern Border customs brokers navigating the changes discussed in the episode. Identifying affected shipments is only the beginning. Brokers must also work through duty-treatment details, entry and entry-summary timing, and client communication—tasks Cindy explains cannot always be handled through automated tools alone. The question for importers: who is prepared to work alongside you when the details become complicated, not just when everything is running smoothly? Key Takeaways • Look beyond the filing. A broker’s value includes the preparation, analysis, and communication that happen before an entry is submitted. • Timing deserves close coordination. Cindy highlights how tariff transitions can raise questions about shipment timing, entry processing, and entry-summary filing. • Reports do not replace judgment. Identifying affected transactions is different from resolving the complex duty-treatment questions behind them. • Make the quiet work visible. Importers should recognize their brokers’ behind-the-scenes contributions, and brokers should communicate the work involved in supporting their clients. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Cindy Allen on LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier — the global trade consultancy Cindy introduces in the episode. • Taylor Swift’s “New Year’s Day,” from Reputation — the musical inspiration for this discussion. • U.S. Court of International Trade — Cindy references filings involving Section 338 and CAPE refund developments. Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles Guest(s): Julie Ann Parks and Eugene Laney Jr., Ph.D. Published: October 29, 2026 Length: ~38:40 Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Your trade team is getting more attention—but is it getting the resources, authority, and technology to match? Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Julie Ann Parks of Altana and Eugene Laney Jr., Ph.D., of the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) to explore what it takes to move from constant firefighting to genuine trade readiness. Drawing on the joint Altana–AAEI report, The State of Enterprise Trade & Customs Organizations, the conversation examines the gap between growing expectations and the support available to meet them. The discussion goes beyond keeping shipments moving. Where should trade compliance sit within an organization? What information should teams have before goods reach the border? And how can compliance leaders make a stronger business case for investment? Julie and Eugene connect those questions to practical challenges: scattered product data, legacy systems, limited budgets, and uncertainty about AI. They also explain why automation should create room for human judgment—not replace it. The episode closes with actionable “figure it out” advice for testing readiness, understanding the business impact of an enforcement response, and finding internal allies. For trade professionals preparing a resource request—and executives evaluating one—this conversation offers a starting point for turning compliance pressure into a more strategic role. Main Topic / Discussion The episode centers on using trade-readiness research to build a business case for change. The linked Altana–AAEI report surveyed 230 enterprise trade leaders: 51% of teams did not meet its trade-readiness threshold, while only 26% felt their resources had grown enough to keep pace. Altana Julie and Eugene explore how reporting structures, budget authority, and access to product and supplier information influence a team’s ability to prepare before goods move. The conversation also tackles AI adoption, with an emphasis on automating mechanical work while retaining expert review. Their practical challenge: simulate a detention or CF-28 response, document the effort and business impact, and use that evidence to explain what needs to change. Key Takeaways • Move decisions ahead of the shipment. Julie emphasizes resolving product and compliance questions before goods are moving, rather than making last-minute intervention the default operating model. • Make the business case in terms leadership understands. Connect resource requests to cycle times, sourcing decisions, tariff mitigation, and the costs of responding to enforcement—not just the compliance team’s workload. • Give trade information a reliable home. The discussion highlights the need to bring product attributes, supplier relationships, and compliance information together rather than continually chasing answers across disconnected systems and spreadsheets. • Pair technology with expertise and internal allies. Automate repeatable work, retain human validation, and involve IT in compliance education. Eugene also encourages identifying the people who can help communicate the program’s value to executive leadership. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Altana + AAEI Trade Readiness Report: The State of Enterprise Trade & Customs Organizations Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Julie Ann Parks — LinkedIn Eugene Laney Jr., Ph.D. — LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Ashley Arnold, Global Training Center instructor Published: October 28, 2026 Length: Approximately 14 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary The shipment cleared customs. The goods were delivered. That means the entry is finished, right? Not so fast. In Episode 4 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Global Training Center instructor Ashley Arnold with a reminder: customs release is not the end of the entry life cycle. Her year-end tip is to review what happened during the rush to get shipments moving—and address the issues that may still need attention. Ashley explains why importers working with multiple brokers should compare classifications, run ACE reports, and confirm that supporting documents are actually available. She also encourages listeners to include DDP shipments in their review rather than overlooking them once the goods have arrived. The discussion explores how a newly understood requirement or an incorrect Chapter 99 number can lead a team back to earlier entries. A review may reveal a problem to correct or a potential duty-recovery opportunity, but timing matters. For teams already stretched thin, Ashley offers a manageable starting point: an entry number, an issue, and someone responsible for following through. This episode is about turning a year-end check into a repeatable habit—not adding another overwhelming project to your list. Main Topic / Discussion Review the entry—not just the shipment’s delivery status. Lalo and Ashley discuss a year-end review of entry data, broker classification consistency, and supporting records. Ashley recommends using ACE reports to look for discrepancies and checking other entries when an issue appears in one. They also discuss post-summary corrections, protests, and why identifying a potential correction or recovery opportunity is only useful when the applicable deadlines receive attention. To keep the work manageable, Ashley shares her three-column approach: entry number, issue, owner. Assign responsibility, communicate the deadline, and follow up. The conversation also covers their expectations of closer supply-chain scrutiny and Ashley’s encouragement to ask questions and participate in public-comment opportunities. Key Takeaways • Customs release is not the finish line. Ashley urges importers to revisit entries, run ACE reports, and compare classifications across brokers instead of treating delivery as the end of the review. • One error deserves a broader look. Finding an incorrect Chapter 99 number or learning that a requirement was interpreted differently should prompt a review of other potentially affected entries. Evaluate the next steps before applicable correction or protest deadlines pass. • Electronic storage is not the same as verified access. Check that the supporting documents are actually present and retrievable. Ashley also recommends including DDP shipments in the review. • Give every issue an owner. Start with Ashley’s three-column tracker: entry number, issue, owner. Delegate the work, communicate when it is needed, and follow up rather than assuming the handoff resolved the problem. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Ashley Arnold — LinkedIn • Ashley Arnold — Global Training Center Instructor Profile • CBP — ACE Reports • Additional Background: CBP’s Supply-Chain Visibility Request for Comments Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the 90 Days Until 2027 playbook. This episode provides general educational information. Confirm the requirements and deadlines applicable to your entries before taking corrective action. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Ashley Arnold - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Published: October 23, 2026 Length: ~18 min Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What happens when customs practices that once escaped close scrutiny become the focus of enforcement? In this episode of Simply Trade—Cindy’s Version, Cindy Allen turns to Taylor Swift’s “Karma” to explore a message importers, customs brokers, and freight forwarders cannot afford to overlook: compliance risk has a history. Cindy connects the week’s tariff, court, and agency developments with a practical concern for trade teams—being ready to support their claims when questions arise, not just when the paperwork is normally finalized. She describes reports of shipments being stopped at the northern and southern borders for detailed valuation, origin, and trade agreement documentation, putting added pressure on release processes and after-hours coordination. The discussion also considers what an Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) settlement involving a freight forwarder can teach the industry about screening controls, and why reviewing today’s transactions is only part of the job. Historical import patterns, undervaluation, misclassification, and transshipment all feature in Cindy’s assessment of a more demanding enforcement environment. This episode challenges listeners to look beyond routine filings and ask a bigger question: can your organization explain and support its trade decisions—past and present—when scrutiny arrives? This Week in Trade • White House developments: Cindy discusses possible Section 232 tariffs on wind turbines and parts, along with the administration’s approach to Russian oil and gas imports and the objections surrounding it. • Tariff refund oversight: Cindy reviews lawmakers’ request for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) examination of IEEPA duty refunds, including refund accuracy, recipients, and whether money reached downstream consumers. • Court challenges and refund access: The episode covers the Section 301 forced-labor case, the Section 338 tariff challenge involving Canada, and expanded CAPE 3 eligibility for additional Court of International Trade filings. • Implementation and screening: Cindy discusses the entry type 13 deadline extension for mail importations and an OFAC settlement involving a freight forwarder’s sanctions-screening controls. Main Topic / Discussion Cindy’s central theme is customs karma: practices that may previously have been tolerated or overlooked are drawing closer attention in what she describes as a “zero trust” enforcement environment. She explains why detailed documentation requests at the point of release can disrupt shipments when supporting records are normally assembled or shared later. Her emphasis is on documentation readiness, coordination with customs brokers, and understanding risks in both current transactions and historical import activity. The discussion connects sanctions screening, undervaluation, misclassification, and transshipment to that broader enforcement focus. Cindy encourages listeners to review their policies and procedures, share examples of disruptive border holds through trade associations, and participate in enforcement-related rulemaking. Key Takeaways • Be ready to support your entry claims. Prepare accessible documentation for valuation, country of origin, free trade agreement qualification, and antidumping duty disclaimers. • Review the past alongside the present. Cindy stresses that historical import patterns—not just current shipments—can become part of enforcement scrutiny. • Look beyond a completed screening check. Review the policies, procedures, and screening frequency behind your technology. • Coordinate before a shipment is stopped. Discuss document access and potential release-time questions with your customs broker, and share examples of problematic border holds through relevant trade associations. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Cindy Allen on LinkedIn • “Karma” by Taylor Swift — the inspiration for this episode’s trade theme. • Trade Force Multiplier — Cindy’s company, mentioned as a resource for reviewing trade compliance risks. Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles Guest(s): Kyle Grobler Published: October 22, 2026 Length: ~ 37 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Being good at trade compliance and being known for that expertise are not the same thing. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome Kyle Grobler for a candid conversation about personal branding, professional visibility, and showing up—even when posting feels uncomfortable. Kyle explains why he committed to sharing his experience on LinkedIn for six months, with one simple goal: help one other person. What followed included new connections, speaking opportunities, and offers for jobs he never applied for. But this is not a conversation about chasing viral posts. It is about making your knowledge useful to others and building relationships through consistent contribution. The discussion moves from practical profile improvements and meaningful engagement to the human side of professional credibility: admitting mistakes, telling relatable stories, and letting people see the person behind the job title. Lalo shares his own discomfort with being visible, while Andy connects the conversation to sincere leadership and learning from frontline employees. For trade, customs, and logistics professionals wondering whether they have anything worth sharing, this episode offers a different starting point: your everyday experience may be exactly what someone else needs. You do not have to wait until you feel ready—or until the new year—to begin. Main Topic / Discussion Kyle’s central message is that a personal brand grows through contribution, not just self-promotion. He discusses building a LinkedIn profile that explains the problems you solve, sharing lessons from your work, and engaging thoughtfully with other people’s content. The conversation also goes beyond social media. Lalo and Andy explore how professional visibility connects to workplace credibility, communicating trade’s value, and building relationships with colleagues at every level. From acknowledging mistakes to listening to frontline employees, the emphasis stays on consistency, sincerity, and community—not perfection or popularity. Key Takeaways • Make your expertise easy to understand. Use your LinkedIn photo, banner, headline, and About section to communicate who you help, the problems you solve, and what you have accomplished. • Share the lesson, not just the success. Experiences, mistakes, and what you learned along the way can offer another trade professional a useful starting point. • Contribute more than you ask for. Thoughtful comments, meaningful responses, and genuine conversations build relationships beyond your own posts. • Choose consistency over perfection. Keep showing up even when engagement is modest. Kyle’s focus is helping someone—not measuring every post against viral numbers. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Connect with Kyle Grobler on LinkedIn Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Guest(s): Kyle Grobler - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lori Mullins Guest(s): Leah Ellis and Dave Corn Published: October 21, 2026 Length: Approximately 33 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary What happens when a trade policy decision reaches the people responsible for making it work? In this special Simply Trade collaboration with the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), host Lori Mullins sits down with Legislative Committee Chair Leah Ellis and Co-Chair Dave Corn to connect the daily realities of trade with the conversations taking place on Capitol Hill. Coming out of NCBFAA’s 2026 Government Affairs Conference, Leah and Dave explain why advocacy is a year-round effort—and why firsthand experience matters when lawmakers are weighing changes. The discussion explores the push for more advance notice before tariff changes, the downstream effects on drawback and the broader duty life cycle, and the challenge of strengthening customs enforcement without making legitimate trade harder to facilitate. At the center of the conversation is a practical question: Who is best positioned to explain what happens at the entry desk, inside a brokerage operation, or when an importer faces an unexpected change? Leah and Dave make the case that you do not need a government affairs title to contribute. You need real examples, a willingness to speak up, and the commitment to keep the conversation going after the meeting ends. Main Topic / Discussion This episode goes behind the scenes of NCBFAA’s legislative advocacy, showing how members’ operational experiences help inform the association’s conversations with lawmakers. Lori, Leah, and Dave discuss NCBFAA’s request for at least 30 days’ advance notice of tariff changes, the importance of considering the entire duty life cycle, and the balance between customs enforcement and trade facilitation. Their enforcement discussion includes a verified importer-of-record registry and the position that CBP should determine importer eligibility using government information unavailable to brokers. They also explain what happens after the Capitol Hill meetings: sharing concrete examples, answering staffers’ questions, maintaining local relationships, and following up throughout the year. Key Takeaways • Tariff notice is an operational issue. NCBFAA’s request for at least 30 days of advance notice is about giving brokers, importers, software providers, and CBP time to prepare for implementation. • The duty life cycle does not end at entry. Dave explains why drawback, corrections, reconciliation, refunds, and recordkeeping need a place in tariff-policy conversations. • Effective enforcement needs clear responsibilities. The guests support appropriate broker due diligence while arguing that CBP should determine importer eligibility using information brokers cannot access. • Advocacy requires participation and persistence. Bring real-world examples, get involved through committees and local associations, and follow up with congressional offices after the conference. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • NCBFAA Legislative Committee and Committee Directory NCBFAA • How to Get Involved in an NCBFAA Committee NCBFAA Credits Host: Lori Mullins Guest(s): Leah Ellis - LinkedIn Dave Corn - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Josh Rodman, Schulz Trade Law Published: October 20, 2026 Length: Approximately 18 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary You checked your customer’s name against a restricted-party list. But do you know who owns that company? In Episode 3 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Josh Rodman of Schulz Trade Law to discuss the BIS affiliates rule and what exporters can do to prepare. Recorded while the rule was suspended, the conversation looks beyond the name on the invoice to ownership structures, potential licensing requirements, and risks that can exist even when a subsidiary is legally separate from its parent. Josh brings the issue to life through a client’s proposed sale of approximately $250,000 in electrical power equipment to a Chinese-owned subsidiary in Jamaica. The example leads to a critical question: what happens when a deal is signed before a rule takes effect, but the goods ship afterward? Lalo and Josh also explore the limitations of relying on screening tools alone, the importance of understanding different restricted-party lists, and why uncertainty about implementation is not a reason to postpone preparation. This week’s tip is to start investigating the ownership of your overseas counterparties now. Understanding those relationships can help your team identify questions that need attention before a transaction reaches the shipping stage. Main Topic / Discussion Knowing your customer’s name is not the same as understanding its ownership. Josh explains how the BIS affiliates rule would extend restrictions to certain unlisted companies based on ownership of 50% or more, including aggregated ownership. His Jamaica example illustrates why a subsidiary’s separate legal identity and location do not answer every export-compliance question. The discussion also covers export timing, the uncertainty surrounding any future temporary general license, and the possibility that a subsidiary could serve as a route for goods to reach a restricted parent. Josh recommends investigating ownership now and reviewing the distinctions among the Entity List, Military End-User List, and SDN List. Rule-status clarification — checked October 20, 2026: The published BIS suspension notice runs through November 9, 2026, with reinstatement scheduled for November 10, 2026, absent further action. The possible extension discussed in the recording should not be treated as an announced change. Check for subsequent BIS updates before relying on these dates. Federal Register Scope clarification: The episode refers broadly to the SDN List. For the BIS affiliates rule specifically, the published text identifies SDN designations under the programs listed in EAR § 744.8(a)(1), rather than every SDN designation. Federal Register Key Takeaways • Look beyond the customer’s name. Josh recommends examining ownership layers and percentages—not assuming a name-only screening result resolves the affiliates-rule question. • Signing a contract does not settle export eligibility. Josh explains why the date of export matters and why any applicable temporary general license would need to be evaluated separately. • A suspended rule does not eliminate other risks. The conversation highlights diversion concerns when an otherwise separate subsidiary could help an Entity List parent obtain goods. • Understand what each list actually restricts. Josh encourages exporters to review the Entity List, Military End-User List, and SDN List rather than treating them as interchangeable—or assuming every listing prohibits every kind of business. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Josh Rodman — LinkedIn • Josh Rodman — Schulz Trade Law • BIS Affiliates Rule — Published Rule and Scope • BIS — One-Year Suspension of the Affiliates Rule • OFAC — 50 Percent Rule FAQs Follow Simply Trade for updates on companion resources and the planned 90 Days Until 2027 playbook. This episode provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Verify the requirements applicable to your transaction. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Josh Rodman - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Pete Mento and Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Published: October 16, 2026 Length: ~43 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Recorded live at VMA26 in Norfolk, Pete Mento and Cindy Allen bring the Pete and Cindy Show to the conference stage for a candid, no-spin conversation about tariffs, refunds, enforcement, and what importers should do next. They unpack Sections 301, 232, 122, and 338 as tools of leverage, revenue, national security, and industrial policy—and question whether the current tariff strategy is producing the promised reshoring results. VMA26 brought shipping, port, logistics, and trade leaders together under the theme “Anchored: Grounded in Strategy. Ready for What’s Next.” Va Maritime The discussion turns practical as Pete and Cindy examine IEEPA refunds following the Supreme Court’s 2026 ruling, ACH setup, liquidation risk, and the need to involve trade counsel before money is left on the table. Then comes the warning: CBP, DOJ, BIS, and other agencies are using better data, deeper supply-chain visibility, and faster analytics in an increasingly enforcement-first environment. Supreme Court They also explore CBP’s advanced-data proposals, including foreign export documentation and supplier information that could reshape procurement, contracts, forwarding, and entry processes. Their advice is direct: engage suppliers now, strengthen cooperation clauses, evaluate service providers for compliance—not just price—and invest in people, systems, and lawful duty-mitigation tools. The line that captures the entire session: hope is not a strategy. Federal Register This Week in Trade • The IEEPA tariff ruling and the ongoing duty-refund process • Sections 301, 232, 122, and 338 as tools of leverage, revenue, and national security • CBP’s proposed heightened import disclosures and foreign export-document requirements • Expanding compliance expectations for importers, brokers, forwarders, and carriers Main Topic / Discussion This live discussion connects tariff policy directly to operational execution. Pete and Cindy argue that tariffs, refunds, data collection, supply-chain relationships, and enforcement can no longer be managed as separate issues. Tariffs as leverage The hosts examine how different tariff authorities are being used to influence negotiations, protect strategic industries, raise revenue, encourage domestic production, and reshape trade relationships with China, Canada, Mexico, and other partners. Refunds and lawful mitigation Pete and Cindy discuss the IEEPA refund process and the importance of reviewing affected entries, ACH information, liquidation status, and available legal options. They also highlight drawback, first sale, reconciliation, and foreign-trade zones as strategies companies should evaluate with qualified advisers. Enforcement powered by data The conversation explores how ACE data, supply-chain mapping, anomaly detection, and interagency coordination are increasing the government’s ability to identify discrepancies. The hosts warn that companies should expect faster, more targeted enforcement across both imports and exports. Advanced data and shared responsibility CBP’s ANPRM raises questions about foreign export declarations, invoices, classifications, values, certificates of origin, business identifiers, and earlier filing. Pete and Cindy explain why these proposals could affect procurement, supplier contracts, freight forwarding, carrier operations, and customs entry processes—not only the trade compliance department. The public comment period ends December 1, 2026. Federal Register Key Takeaways • Hope is not a strategy. Importers should model tariff exposure, prepare for continued enforcement, and build plans that do not depend on duties simply disappearing. • Review potentially eligible IEEPA entries, confirm ACH refund information, monitor liquidation status, and involve trade counsel when administrative or judicial action may be necessary. • Begin supplier outreach now. Determine who holds foreign export records, add government-cooperation and data-sharing language to contracts, and consider commenting on CBP’s ANPRM before December 1, 2026. • Evaluate brokers, forwarders, and carriers for their compliance programs, escalation procedures, recordkeeping, and willingness to challenge questionable instructions—not solely their rates and service levels. The importer of record remains ultimately responsible. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • VMA26 International Trade Symposium • Supreme Court Opinion — Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump • CBP — IEEPA Duty Refunds • Federal Register — Heightened Import Disclosures for Supply Chain Visibility • White House — Strengthening Customs Enforcement Fact Sheet Credits Host: Pete Mento Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Andy Shiles Guest(s): Grant Sernick, Third Wave Published: October 15, 2026 Length: Approximately 37 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Trade compliance cannot stay in the back office when the risks reach the boardroom. In this episode of Simply Trade, Andy Shiles welcomes back Grant Sernick of Third Wave for a candid conversation about customs enforcement, increasingly complex entries, and the disconnect between compliance teams and senior leadership. Drawing on his experience and industry discussions, Grant shares why he believes importers need to rethink how they manage trade risk. Together, he and Andy explore the limits of manual entry reviews, the challenges of Chapter 99 tariff provisions, and why knowing the finished product may not be enough to understand the compliance risks across its supply chain. But this is not just a conversation about what can go wrong. The discussion turns to what companies can do: communicate risk clearly to executives, strengthen the data behind their filings, and use automated verification to help specialists focus on discrepancies that need their judgment. Grant also explains Third Wave’s approach to comparing expected entries with broker-filed data. For importers, trade professionals, and business leaders, this episode offers a practical starting point for a bigger question: does your company’s approach to trade compliance reflect the business risk you are actually managing? Main Topic / Discussion Andy and Grant examine why trade compliance deserves attention beyond the department responsible for customs paperwork. Grant describes an enforcement environment that he believes demands stronger oversight—not only of individual entries, but also of the materials, suppliers, and production processes behind imported goods. The conversation connects those concerns to executive decision-making, financial controls, and staffing. Andy challenges leaders to ask where their companies are vulnerable, while Grant explains how automated entry verification can help identify discrepancies between expected entries and broker submissions. Their emphasis is on using technology to direct professional expertise where it is needed, rather than relying on manual review alone. Key Takeaways • Make trade risk an executive conversation. Andy and Grant emphasize that leadership needs to understand the exposure before it can make informed decisions about resources, controls, and strategy. • Look beyond the finished product. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding raw materials, components, suppliers, and the parties involved throughout the supply chain. • Verify filings rather than assuming they are correct. Grant explains why comparing expected entries against broker-filed data can help identify both duty overpayments and underpayments. • Use automation to support expert judgment. The goal discussed is broader entry coverage and earlier discrepancy detection, allowing compliance professionals to focus on the issues that require their attention. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Grant Sernick on LinkedIn — Connect with Grant and follow his trade commentary. • Third Wave / 3rdwave — The company discussed in the episode. • 3rdwave Entry Verification — Product information for the entry-verification capability discussed by Grant. 3rdwave.co Credits Host: Andy Shiles Guest(s): Grant Sernick - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Victoria Schneider Guest(s): Brenda Cordova and Alyson Hachey Published: October 12, 2026 Length: 8 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Keeping up with trade compliance takes more than knowing the rules. It also helps to know people who understand the challenges. In this special Simply Trade–ICPA collaboration, host Victoria Schneider welcomes Brenda Cordova and Alyson Hachey for a preview of the first-ever ICPA Mexico Conference. They share how conversations at MIC’s previous Mexico event helped spark the collaboration, with MIC becoming a founding partner, and what they hope this new gathering will mean for the trade compliance community. With English- and Spanish-language tracks and options to attend in person or virtually, the conference opens more ways to participate. Victoria highlights the USMCA joint review as one of the planned topics, while Brenda and Alyson emphasize the value of learning from professionals with different perspectives and experiences. But education is only part of the story. The guests also reflect on the friendships, shared experiences, and sense of belonging that keep them connected to ICPA. From professional learning to the excitement of experiencing Mexico City after Día de los Muertos, this episode offers a welcoming look at an event built around knowledge and connection—and a reminder that navigating trade does not have to be a solo effort. Main Topic / Discussion Victoria, Brenda, and Alyson preview the inaugural ICPA Mexico Conference, scheduled for November 3–5, 2026, at the Marquis Reforma Hotel in Mexico City. ICPA The discussion covers the collaboration behind the event, its focus on customs and trade education, and the opportunity to participate in English or Spanish, in person or virtually. The USMCA joint review is highlighted as a conference topic, while the conversation’s central message is about bringing professionals together to learn, exchange experiences, and build relationships that extend beyond the conference. Key Takeaways • A conversation can grow into something bigger. The conference collaboration began with discussions at MIC’s previous Mexico event about supporting the trade compliance community. • Different perspectives strengthen professional learning. The guests emphasize hearing from customs and trade experts who bring practical experience to the challenges facing importers, exporters, and other professionals. • There is more than one way to participate. Victoria highlights English and Spanish tracks, along with in-person and virtual attendance options. • The connections matter beyond the agenda. Peer relationships can become sources of support, shared knowledge, and lasting friendship, whether someone is new to trade compliance or a longtime practitioner. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • ICPA Mexico Conference — Event Details and Registration • International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) Credits Host: Victoria Schneider Guest(s): Brenda Cordova - LinkedIn Alyson Hachey - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Federico “Kiko” Zuniga Published: October13, 2026 Length: Approximately 22 minutes Presented by: Global Training Center Summary Your triennial report is due in February—but that does not mean you have until February to finish your continuing education. In Episode 2 of 90 Days Until 2027, Lalo Solorzano welcomes Federico “Kiko” Zuniga for a practical conversation about customs broker continuing education and the preparations that should already be underway. Kiko raises an important concern: some licensed brokers still do not realize this requirement affects them, particularly those working outside a traditional brokerage operation. The conversation goes beyond counting hours. Lalo and Kiko discuss finding qualifying education, using free and on-demand training, checking completion codes, and keeping the documentation behind the certification you make in your triennial report. They also explore why waiting until the last minute can turn a manageable task into an unnecessary scramble. For license holders who are no longer active in the industry, Kiko introduces voluntary suspension as an option worth understanding rather than simply letting requirements go unaddressed. This episode brings the series’ central idea into focus: do the work now so you are not starting the new year already behind. Review your credits, organize your records, and make sure two broker friends know what is coming, too. Main Topic / Discussion Completing continuing education and filing the triennial status report are two separate tasks—with different deadlines. Lalo and Kiko discuss the first continuing-education reporting cycle, the documentation needed to support completed training, and how to identify credit-eligible activities. They also address the misconception that the requirement concerns only brokers who actively file entries, highlighting licensed professionals working in importer and exporter compliance departments. Kiko’s practical advice is to start early, maintain organized records, and verify that training provides the appropriate completion information. The conversation also covers voluntary license suspension and closes with a community challenge: contact two broker friends and make sure continuing education is on their radar. Key Takeaways • January is the education deadline—not February. Required continuing education for the current cycle must be completed by January 31, 2027. The triennial status report is due February 28, 2027. Do not treat the reporting deadline as extra time to earn credits. GovDelivery • Plan your qualifying hours before the year-end rush. Kiko discusses the current cycle’s 20-hour requirement and the 36-hour standard for later full cycles. He points to free government webinars and qualifying on-demand training as ways to make progress without traveling to a conference. • Keep the evidence behind the checkbox. Save course details, completion codes, certificates when provided, and supporting records. Kiko also discusses transcript tracking for NEI designees. Completing training and being able to document it are both important. • Do not assume your job title makes you exempt. Kiko emphasizes that licensed brokers working in importer or exporter compliance should not dismiss the requirement simply because they are not filing entries. Review your license status and applicable requirements—and encourage colleagues to do the same. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Federico “Kiko” Zuniga — LinkedIn • NCBFAA — Customs Broker Continuing Education & Triennial Requirements • NEI — Credit Tracking, Transcripts & Member Resources • CBP — Continuing Education Deadline & Triennial Reporting Reminder The 90 Days Until 2027 companion playbook is in development, with practical resources planned to grow alongside the series. Follow Simply Trade for release updates. Credits Host: Lalo Solorzano Guest(s): Federico “Kiko” Zuniga - LinkedIn Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]

Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Published: October 9, 2026 Length: ~19 min. Presented by: Global Training Center Summary At a customs compliance conference, Cindy Allen heard a trade-fraud task force speaker describe a move toward a “zero-trust” enforcement environment. In this episode, she unpacks what that message could mean for importers: more data-driven scrutiny, more detailed questions, and a greater need to substantiate what appears on an entry. Using Taylor Swift’s “No Body, No Crime” as this week’s theme, Cindy explores the role of ACE data, AI-assisted supply-chain mapping, and interagency collaboration in the enforcement approach described by the speaker. Her central question is practical: can your business support its country-of-origin determinations, classifications, and manufacturing claims when customs asks for evidence? She also walks through the week’s tariff-refund developments, including CAPE 3 questions and a reported class-action designation, before turning to country-of-origin scrutiny and proposed changes for informal mail entries. Additional updates touch on global overcapacity, USMCA uncertainty, and the relationship between tariffs and consumer-goods inflation. For importers, brokers, and compliance teams, the episode connects policy headlines to the daily work of maintaining records, understanding suppliers, and responding thoughtfully to government requests. Cindy’s message: being confident in your compliance is not the same as being prepared to demonstrate it. This Week in Trade • Tariff refunds and litigation: Cindy discusses CAPE 3 filing questions, protest-related guidance, and a reported class-action designation. She highlights unresolved participation details, potential benefits for smaller importers, and the possibility of a government appeal. • Country of origin and overcapacity: Cindy reviews U.S. Trade Representative comments on manufacturing and origin determinations, increasingly detailed customs questionnaires, and G20 efforts to address overcapacity. • Proposed informal mail-entry changes: The Entry Type 13 discussion covers broker appointments, tighter data deadlines, proposed changes to the $250 trade-remedy threshold for informal entries, and final deliver-to-party information. • USMCA and tariff impacts: Cindy flags questions about USMCA’s future and discusses a report linking tariffs to consumer-goods inflation. Main Topic / Discussion Cindy’s main discussion centers on the “zero-trust” enforcement environment described by a trade-fraud task force speaker at an ACI customs compliance and trade-enforcement conference. She examines how ACE data, AI-assisted mapping, and cooperation across agencies can connect parties, products, and filing patterns. Her example: two importers use the same supplier for the same product but declare different tariff numbers. Cindy explains why that difference can attract scrutiny and how detailed CBP Forms 28 and 29 may help officials build a fuller picture of the goods, manufacturing processes, and parties involved. The practical question running through the discussion is whether a company can produce the evidence behind its trade decisions—not simply state that it is compliant. Key Takeaways • Be prepared to substantiate your declarations. Cindy challenges importers to consider whether their records support the classifications, origin determinations, and manufacturing information on which they rely. • Understand both the entities and the goods. Cindy distinguishes the supply chain—the entities moving goods—from the value chain—the goods moving among those entities. • Take detailed customs communications seriously. Cindy urges importers receiving extensive Forms 28 and 29 to seek experienced assistance and consult customs counsel when preparing responses. • Separate developments from final outcomes. Refund procedures, possible appeals, and proposed mail-entry changes involve unresolved questions. Cindy emphasizes understanding the details before deciding what a development means for your business. Resources & Mentions • Global Training Center • Cindy Allen on LinkedIn • Trade Force Multiplier: Cindy’s trade consultancy, introduced in the episode. • Song reference: Taylor Swift, “No Body, No Crime,” from evermore. • Referenced processes and tools: CAPE 3, the Court of International Trade, ACE data, CBP Forms 28 and 29, and proposed Entry Type 13 mail procedures. Credits Host: Cindy Allen Guest(s): N/A Producer: Lalo Solorzano 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • YouTube 💬 Connect with us: • Simply Trade • Global Training Center • Trade Geeks Community Don't forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions? [email protected]