Importing isn’t as simple as buying a product overseas and having it show up at your door.

In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles break down three of the most common (and costly) assumptions business owners make about importing—and how those mistakes can quietly erode margins, create compliance risk, and lead to serious problems with U.S. Customs.

If you’re importing—or thinking about it—this is a must-listen.

📌 What You’ll Learn

Why your supplier is not responsible for your compliance
How duty rates have shifted from predictable to volatile
The real role of a customs broker (and what they don’t own)
Why bad data = compliant filings… that are still wrong
How small mistakes can turn into costly enforcement issues

🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Your Supplier Does NOT Handle Everything

Many importers assume their overseas supplier manages the process.

Reality:

The supplier’s priority is getting paid
You are the Importer of Record
You are accountable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection

If documentation is wrong—valuation, country of origin, product description—you own the consequences.

“Your supplier may ship the goods—but you own the risk.”

2. Duties Are No Longer Predictable

What used to be a stable, forecastable cost is now a moving target.

Tariffs and trade policies change rapidly
Sourcing decisions directly impact duty exposure
Long purchasing cycles increase risk

“Duty used to be a line item. Now it’s a variable you have to actively manage.”

3. Compliance Is NOT Your Broker’s Job

Hiring a broker does not transfer liability.

Brokers file based on the data you provide
They facilitate compliance—but don’t own it
Incorrect data = correctly filed… but still wrong

“Customs holds the importer accountable—not the broker.”

⚠️ Real-World Risk

Even when no one is trying to cut corners:

Miscommunication with suppliers
Last-minute product changes
Incorrect documentation

…can result in:

Shipment delays
Exams or holds
Seizures
Long-term compliance issues

🧠 The Bigger Insight

All three mistakes come down to one thing:

👉 Misunderstanding responsibility

Importing is not passive.

The companies that succeed:

Maintain internal oversight
Understand classification and documentation
Treat trade as a controlled process—not a transaction

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

Business owners importing goods
E-commerce sellers sourcing overseas
Small to mid-size importers
Anyone new to international trade

📣 Mentioned in This Episode

National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA Conference)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Credits

Hosts:

Produced by: Global Training Center

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