EPISODE · Apr 9, 2026 · 24 MIN
What Importers Tend to Get Wrong About Importing
from Simply Trade · host Global Training Center
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: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Produced by: Global Training Center 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 💬 Connect with us: Simply Trade on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community
What this episode covers
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: Lalo Solorzano Andy Shiles Produced by: Global Training Center 📢 Subscribe & Follow Stay connected with the Simply Trade community and never miss an episode that helps you trade smarter. 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube 💬 Connect with us: Simply Trade on LinkedIn Global Training Center on LinkedIn Trade Geeks Community
NOW PLAYING
What Importers Tend to Get Wrong About Importing
No transcript for this episode yet