1. Shiumei Lin
UPS Public Affairs, Asia Pacific Region
Module 3: Establishing a
Trade Compliance Program
11 July 2018
2. Importance of Trade Compliance
Compliance: unwanted expense or strategic advantage?
Better to use compliance as the catalyst for process improvement
Non-compliance can mean:
Shipment delays
Monetary fines and penalties
Increased inspections
Adverse publicity
3. Compliance as a Competitive Advantage
A robust compliance program
promotes efficiency.
You can also address potential
risks before they become
issues.
Compliance can also have
tangible business results:
Revenue enhancement
Brand protection
Higher profitability
4. Elements: Policy & Procedure Manual
Provides a “map of compliance” for employees to follow
Include compliance policies and procedures
Keep current and up-to-date
Training program
5. Elements: Receipts & Record-keeping
Responsibilities and standards for information
management, whether in hardcopy, electronic
media, email correspondence etc.
Records should be easily retrievable
System should allow for easy collection of all
records for one transaction
Maintain a back-up system for all electronic files
Ensure records retention is clearly defined in
contractual agreements eg with freight
forwarders, brokers etc.
6. Elements: Self-Audits
Timing and frequency
What to include:
Criteria: what should it be (see manual)
Condition: what is it actually (based on review)
Effect: consequences
Cause: how did it get that way?
Recommendations: what should be done
Corrective Action: action, follow-up
Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP) – individuals or companies
voluntarily disclose errors or omissions
7. Elements: Supply Chain Security
• Manage the process from the first point of regulatory risk, even
before the sale, through the entire supply chain process
• Monitor post-shipment activities, such as re-exports and transfers,
servicing and returns
• Actions you can take:
• Document who is responsible
• Train stakeholders to recognize questionable transactions
• Develop criteria for holding/stopping/releasing an order
• Audit, audit, audit!
8. Elements: Supply Chain Security
• Crafting the right strategy for your business:
Brokerage model Number of brokers Broker management
Should your transportation
carrier provide brokerage or
should your broker(s) be
responsible for clearance
regardless of carrier?
Should you consolidate globally
across all business units, or
select different brokers based
on geography, transportation
mode or other needs?
Should your team manage daily
interactions with brokers, or
should an outside provider act
as a control tower to support
broker management?
9. Self-Assessment
Strengthen self-
compliance
Assess whether internal
controls have been
implemented
Remain informed even
when using external
agents
E.g. Singapore Customs
Compliance Toolkit
Source: Singapore Customs
10. Authorized Economic Operator
Voluntary certification program – Secure Trade Partnership (STP)
Recognised as trusted partners of Singapore Customs
Companies certified can enjoy benefits
Must undergo TradeFIRST Self-Assessment Checklist:
Components are:
Company Profile
Inventory Management and Controls
Procedures and Processes
Security
Strategic Goods Control