Every dollar counts in global trade. This is especially true with the tight margins, ever-shifting tariffs, and supply chain disruptions American businesses face today. 

What you need to know about classification, valuation, origin rules, and duty-recovery strategies so you protect compliance, recover cash, and optimize your global supply chain.

At times, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) might want to take a closer look at a business’s records to make sure it’s following all regulations. When CBP initiates an audit, it largely wants to make sure your business is keeping accurate records, complying with regulations, and, perhaps most importantly, paying the right amount of money on your imports.

Global trade regulations are getting more restrictive, and customs authorities are tightening up. In 2026, your company can’t afford to let compliance become an afterthought.

If your business is involved in international trade, duty drawback can be a game-changer. Duty drawback is a government program that refunds certain duties, taxes, and fees paid on imported goods that are subsequently exported or destroyed. Your business can recover significant amounts that go right back to the bottom line. Before you can do that, though, you have to decide whether to manage duty drawback internally or outsource it to seasoned specialists.

Paying import duties and taxes can add unnecessary burdens on you or your company. Importing items can also hold up your merchandise in port. However, if you’re a company that sends certain goods internationally, you could reduce the costs of import duties if the item will be in a foreign country for less than a year. 

U.S. import regulations are notoriously complex, particularly when they involve chemical substances. If your business imports chemicals (or products that contain them), one of the most daunting regulations is the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Noncompliance with TSCA can lead to significant financial penalties, costly shipment delays — and irreparable damage to your company’s reputation.

Navigating customs and logistics is complex and costly, but a partner with the right expertise changes everything. An experienced partner lowers risks, maximizes refunds, and keeps your cargo moving seamlessly. Don’t leave compliance or cash flow to chance.

HST classification guidelines are becoming increasingly important. With stricter customer enforcement, frequent trade and regulatory updates, evolving global trade policies, and the rise of AI-powered auditing systems, accurate classification is essential.

If global trade were a jigsaw puzzle with pieces including contract negotiating, navigating customs, and shipping logistics, Incoterms 2020 would be the instructions on the puzzle box.