Trade Compliance Simplify the complexities.

Audit, valuation, and classification are headaches for all but the largest importers and exporters. And they too suffer. Can the complexities be simplified? Absolutely. With our help.

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Manage risk systematically.

To fully manage compliance you need proven systems.

Be prepared for anything.

Preparation is always your best  defence against delays and audits.

Make accuracy your strength.

Accurate classification and valuation take away the worry.

Know your weak spots.

Inefficiencies aren’t always obvious but always have an ongoing cost.

Audit
Readiness
Assured.

The best response to an audit request is a confident one. There is no substitute for expert help. With Livingston at your side, you’ll be fully equipped to respond as expected. Compliance will be verified. Disclosure of non-compliance can be supported. Reduce risk. Save time. Count on us.

Audit Readiness

Most companies don’t know their level of compliance. With Livingston, you’ll know all your risks before an audit occurs. Our Compliance Assessment programs for importers and exporters evaluate your practices, procedures, and business process controls. We identify improvements, determine risks, and uncover one-time and annuity opportunities.

  • Tariff and export classification accuracy
  • Valuation logic, documentation, and pricing relationships
  • Accuracy of all key import/export fields
  • Recordkeeping practices and gaps
  • Duty reduction strategy and administration
  • And many other key trade elements

Audit Support

Government audits have increased and penalties are on the rise. All large importers and exporters must stay vigilant. More worrisome still is that smaller importers/exporters are also under scrutiny. The add-on inconvenience: customs and export officials commonly return 12-18 months post-audit to review performance.

The right partner can make a big difference. No one has more import/export audit experience than Livingston.

Livingston covers you from start to finish:
  • Documentation assessment
  • Preparation of customs and export questionnaires
  • Initial audit/importer/exporter meeting
  • Technical support throughout
  • Penalty avoidance solutions
  • A detailed executive audit report

Valuation
Verified.

Proper declaration of value is no small matter. It determines taxes and duties owed, protects domestic industries from undervalued imports, and guards against fraud. Accurate valuation streamlines border clearances. Inaccurate valuation causes delays. It can also incur penalties, damage reputations, and occasionally result in the seizure of goods. Accuracy is your best defence.

Verifying Value

Customs authorities want to see accurate valuation during compliance audits. Yet valuation isn’t straightforward. It can include such things as commissions, assists, royalties, and pricing relationships with related vendors. Mistakes are common. Penalties are all too common. We validate your methodologies to make sure that your valuation meets regulatory requirements and will provide a clear audit trail.

Entered Value Calculation

Whether you use transaction value or one of the other allowed methods of appraisal, Livingston valuation experts work with you to calculate the appropriate entered value.

Classification Elevated.

Product classification is the bedrock of managing regulatory risk and value maximization. Errors lead to delays, penalties, and audits. Many of our clients rely on Livingston Trade Management Solutions to manage their classification data through a single database that is continually updated. There’s no better way to ensure compliance excellence.

Imports

We support a wide range of Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) classification requirements, including import, free trade qualification, and PGA determination. We also provide international HTS classifications.

Exports

We provide export classification for license determination, export declaration, and statistical purposes. Our services include Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) and Export Control Classification Number (ECCN).

Disclosures 
& Appeals Guided.

Everyone makes mistakes. Customs and Export Enforcement allows for voluntary or prior disclosure to correct non-compliance and pay outstanding duties and taxes. However, if regulatory authorities discover an error or initiate an audit, voluntary/prior disclosure is no longer an option.

Voluntary & Prior Disclosures

We help you determine if you qualify for voluntary/prior disclosure then guide you through the process, including negotiating with authorities. There’s no better way to minimize penalties.

Rulings & Appeals

Rulings issued by Customs can be contested. We research rulings that you have already received or assist you in obtaining a ruling. Our people are also highly qualified to help you with any dispute, appeal, or trade action, no matter how complex. We’ll work with customs to pursue a favorable outcome, reduce payable duties, and maximize refunds if extra duties have been paid.

Export 
Controls Simplified.

Failure to comply with global export controls can result in serious penalties. 
Our export compliance solutions are designed for highly regulated global enterprises. With Livingston, you work with an elite team of advisors who provide an accurate, auditable methodology for jurisdiction determination, ECCN classification, export license determination, and assistance with export license applications and management.

Our export compliance solutions include:

  • Commodity jurisdiction determination
  • Export classification
  • Sanctions support
  • Control/planning analysis
  • Licensing/permitting services
  • Export filings
  • Restricted party screening and hit resolution

Jurisdiction Determination

Controls are based on jurisdiction. We analyze your exports — including hardware, software, technology, and information — to determine which country and government agency has jurisdictional authority. Then we classify everything according to characteristics and end-use to determine controls that might apply.

Included in our service:
A reliable export-determination process.

Consistency relies on a classification and export-determination process for identifying licensing requirements and ensuring ongoing regulatory compliance

Accurate classifications by country.

Export control classifications by country/jurisdiction, which could include Export Control Number (ECN), Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), United States Munition List (USML), Global Dual-Use, military lists, etc.

Training for employees.

Costly mistakes are often reinforced without training and systems in place to avoid them.

License Application & Tracking

As you grow, so does the likelihood of overlooking licenses and permits needed for commodities and destinations. The licensing process can be both time-consuming and challenging. Our experts determine the licenses you need and the exemptions you might qualify for, then help you manage your licenses. We take the pressure off your people so they can do more productive work. Compliance improves. Penalties and delays are avoided.

Broker Best Practices

Broker / Entry Management

Importers are responsible for the compliance information submitted by their broker(s). Livingston Trade Management Solutions acts as an experienced overseer, ensuring accuracy and brevity to avoid errors and penalties. We apply best practices to fix issues that can arise with brokers. We review data across multiple broker relationships rather than one broker at a time. Our priorities: quality, cost-saving, cycle time.

Entry Audits (Transactional)

Customs authorities expect importers to maintain effective compliance controls to ensure accurate declarations and payment of duties, taxes, and fees. We use long-established processes to verify your controls, identify opportunities for improvement, and prepare to respond quickly to government inquiries when they occur.

Post Entry & Reconciliation Filing

Sometimes transaction information is not finalized at the time of importation. We have you covered. On your behalf, Livingston will provide customs authorities with missing information such as proof of preferential duty claims, adjustments to value, and other corrections as needed.

Entry Data Analysis

Consistency is vital with entry data. Using a centralized database of classification, origin, and transaction data, we help you ensure consistency while identifying cost-savings and duty recovery opportunities.

Clearance Support (Referrals)

Having the right data at the right time is key to an efficient international supply chain. We ensure that you always have the required information when carriers and brokers inquire.

Talk to us

Talk to a Livingston trade management expert.
No strings. Just solutions.

Remove the guesswork from global trade. Don’t leave money on the table. Make compliance processes your strength. Starting today.

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