Batten Down the Hatches: New Trade Regs Are on the Way

Is trade compliance nothing but a headache? Or can it be good for business? Some international trade regulations force importers and exporters to sharpen their knowledge of suppliers across multiple tiers, as well as the status of products in transit. Others are just a burden, and do nothing but drive up supply-chain costs. So what can traders expect from the ''unprecedented wave'' of new regs that are due to take effect over the coming year? We get a perspective from Susan Pomerantz, senior director of global trade management consulting with customs broker Livingston International. She runs down all of the new initiatives on food safety, customs automation, security and other aspects of trade compliance.