[TIPS] Audit Automation & Defensible Compliance

Trade & Tech Series – Episode 4 Hosts: Renee Chiuchiarelli & Julie Parks Hammer and Heels Length: ~12 minutes Format: Simply Trade Tips (Trade & Tech series) Episode Summary In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee Chiuchiarelli and Julie Parks dive into the evolving role of audit automation in global trade compliance — and why traditional, reactive auditing models are no longer enough. With increased enforcement focus from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Justice, companies can no longer rely on trust-based assertions or post-liquidation corrections. Instead, trade compliance is shifting from passive, after-the-fact reviews to active, continuous validation powered by technology and AI. Renee and Julie break down how automated audit controls can help companies defend tariff positions, validate origin and classification claims, and identify risk before it becomes an enforcement issue — all while freeing human auditors to focus on higher-value analysis. Key Topics Covered Why audit programs are now a regulatory expectation, not a “nice to have” DOJ and CBP enforcement priorities impacting import compliance The limits of traditional sample-based audits and post-liquidation fixes What audit automation really means in trade compliance Using technology to continuously validate: Classification Valuation Country of origin FTA eligibility Trade remedy exposure How ERP data changes can impact compliance in real time The importance of defensibility over perfection Why AI doesn’t replace judgment — it enhances it Data readiness: understanding what data you actually have before deploying AI tools Key Takeaways Compliance today is about proof, not assertions Regulators don’t expect zero errors — they expect reasonable, documented controls Audit automation helps identify risk before entry finalization or liquidation Technology enables trade teams to review more data with fewer resources Human auditors are still critical — automation removes low-value tasks so they can focus on what matters most Defensible audit programs protect both the company and leadership This Episode’s FIO (Figure It Out) Pause and kick the tires on audit automation. Identify one provider or tool Understand what comparisons they can run using your existing data Evaluate what low-hanging fruit automation can remove from your auditors’ workload Use technology to enhance — not replace — human expertise Even testing one tool can reshape how you think about audit readiness and defensibility. Join the Conversation How are you auditing your trade data today? Are you still relying on samples and spreadsheets — or moving toward continuous validation? Join the discussion in the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how you’re approaching audit automation. Credits Hosts: Renée Chiuchiarelli Julie Parks Producer: Lalo Solorzano 🎧 Subscribe & Follow New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday. Presented by: Global Training Center — education, consulting, workshops & compliance resources for trade professionals. Connect With Us Simply Trade Podcast on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn YouTube Spotify Apple Podcasts Trade Geeks Community 💬 Don’t forget to rate, review & share with your fellow trade geeks! Want to Be on the Show or Have Topic Suggestions? [email protected]