The era of predictable global trade is over. Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and stricter enforcement are reshaping supply chains and creating risks. Compliance with trade and tariff rules is now a strategic imperative—impacting board-level decisions, operations, and competitive positioning.
Below, find our insights to help you stay ahead.
Incoterms® & Tariffs: A Primer for Buyers
The choice of Incoterm defines who is responsible for customs clearance, tariff calculation, insurance, and even the risk of loss or damage in transit. A buyer who misunderstands the term can find themselves unexpectedly liable for unpaid duties, delays at the border, or penalties for inaccurate tariff reporting—even if the seller made the mistake. Read more about Incoterms and their compliance implications.
Beware the Tariff DDP Trap: Strategies to Manage Hidden Import Liabilities and Supplier Risk
Don’t confuse convenience with compliance. It is the buyer left holding the bag when the supplier submits false information and underpays tariffs, particularly when the DDP designates the buyer as the Importer of Record. The solution is not to avoid DDP altogether, but to establish robust contractual protections, effective oversight controls, and data-driven monitoring. Read more about managing DDP risks and protecting your organization.
So Your Goods Have Arrived at the Border. What Can Go Wrong?
Five critical documentary hurdles await: commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and admissibility certifications. When documentation fails at the border, costly delays, fines, and penalties can arise. Customs authorities are on the lookout for fraud and illegal tariff avoidance, and their suspicions can arise from any appearance of wrongdoing. Read more about preventing document failures at the border.
So You Have a Trade Compliance Program. Now What?
Many organizations invest significant resources in developing comprehensive trade compliance programs, yet struggle with implementation. The answer lies in transactional excellence—a methodology that integrates compliance seamlessly into every aspect of cross-border trading. Organizations that master this approach don’t just achieve compliance—they turn it into competitive advantage. Read more about implementing transactional excellence.
Tariffs Meet COSO: A Two-Way Street to Risk & Opportunity Management
Tariffs have become a board-level priority impacting every business function. The COSO Integrated Internal Control Framework—widely accepted as the leading risk management framework—provides a structured approach to tariff management. When applied effectively, COSO helps organizations proactively manage risk, uncover opportunities for savings, and stay ahead of regulators and competitors. Read more about applying COSO to tariff management.
Interested in learning more about our team’s expertise? Our Senior Advisers Jerry McAdams and Adam Dambrov share their perspective on the top issues impacting clients.
Reach out to Jonny Frank, Eric Hines, Snežana Gebauer or Laura Greenman to discuss these topics and how StoneTurn can help.
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