Simply Trade

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Jen Diaz
Published: July 9, 2026
Length: 31:14
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
The Consumer Product Safety Commission is entering a new era of import enforcement, and importers need to pay attention. In this episode of Simply Trade, Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles welcome back trade attorney Jen Diaz for a timely conversation about CPSC’s move into mandatory electronic filing for Certificates of Compliance.

Jen breaks down what importers must understand regarding the July 8, 2026 effective date, including when products require testing, what certificates must include, and why relying on assumptions or HTS codes alone can create serious risk. From children’s apparel and toys to bicycles, helmets, mattresses, rugs, furniture, jewelry, and other consumer products, the discussion makes clear that CPSC requirements can reach far beyond what many companies expect.

The episode also highlights practical steps importers can take now: use CPSC’s Regulatory Robot, confirm whether a Children’s Product Certificate or General Certificate of Conformity is required, work with approved testing labs, and provide certificate data to brokers before entry. For companies importing regulated consumer products, this is not just another paperwork change. It is a compliance checkpoint that could determine whether goods move smoothly or get stopped at the border.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on CPSC’s mandatory eFiling requirement for Certificates of Compliance and what it means for importers of regulated consumer products. Jen Diaz explains how the requirement fits into a broader enforcement trend, why importers should conduct product-level compliance reviews before shipping, and how tools like CPSC’s Regulatory Robot can help companies identify applicable safety rules, testing obligations, and certificate requirements.

The discussion also explores potential delays, cargo holds, laboratory testing concerns, HTS flagging, broker communication, and the importance of maintaining strong records before goods arrive in the United States.

Key Takeaways
• CPSC eFiling becomes a major compliance requirement for importers of regulated consumer products beginning July 8, 2026.

• Importers should not rely only on HTS codes; they should use the CPSC Regulatory Robot to determine whether specific products are subject to CPSC rules.

• Products that may trigger CPSC requirements include children’s apparel, toys, bicycles, helmets, mattresses, rugs, imitation jewelry, pacifiers, furniture, and other general consumer goods.

• Importers may need either a Children’s Product Certificate or a General Certificate of Conformity, depending on the product and applicable safety rules.

• Certificate data should be ready before importation and provided to brokers early so it can be filed properly with the entry.

• Testing labs matter. Importers should verify that required testing is performed by approved laboratories and keep strong documentation in case CPSC questions the shipment.

• Compliance should happen before sales, manufacturing, and shipping—not after cargo is already on hold.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• CPSC Regulatory Robot: Safer Products Start Here
• CPSC Guidance and HTS List for Filing Electronic Certificates
• CPSC eFiling Resources

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Jen Diaz – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Ashley Arnold
Published: July 8, 2026
Length: 11:26
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
What do the World Cup, Beyoncé’s world tour, and international trade compliance have in common? More than most people realize.

In this July Tips episode of Simply Trade, host Lalo Solorzano welcomes Ashley Arnold as the featured tips instructor for the month. Together, they connect major global events, concerts, soccer tournaments, trade shows, and traveling equipment to one important compliance tool: the ATA Carnet.

Ashley explains how ATA Carnets work like a “product passport” for goods that temporarily enter a country and then leave again. From cameras and stage equipment to trade show booths and production gear, these items are not being sold, but they still cross borders and need proper documentation. Instead of paying duties and taxes and later trying to recover them, companies can use a carnet to simplify temporary importation.

This episode makes a technical trade topic practical, timely, and easy to understand by showing how compliance plays a role behind the scenes of entertainment, sports, events, and business travel.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on ATA Carnets and how they support temporary international movement of goods. Ashley Arnold explains that when equipment travels internationally but is not sold and must return home, an ATA Carnet can help avoid unnecessary duties, taxes, and documentation burdens.

Using examples like the World Cup, Beyoncé’s world tour, international camera equipment, stage gear, and trade show booths, Lalo and Ashley show how global events depend on trade compliance. They also clarify that items intended to stay in the destination country, such as promotional giveaways or merchandise for sale, generally do not belong on a carnet.

Key Takeaways
• ATA Carnets are useful for goods that temporarily enter another country and return home.
• Carnets can help avoid paying duties and taxes upfront and then trying to recover them later.
• Not everything crossing a border is for retail sale, and that distinction matters in trade compliance.
• Carnets are commonly used for cameras, stage equipment, trade show booths, and other event-related gear.
• Promotional items, giveaways, merchandise for sale, and goods that will remain abroad generally should not be placed on a carnet.
• Customs brokers and specialized carnet service providers can help companies determine when and how to use one.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn
• Ashley Arnold on LinkedIn

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Ashley Arnold – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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Host: Cindy Allen
Published: July 3, 2026
Length: ~15 minutes
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
This week on Simply Trade: Cindy's Version, Cindy Allen unpacks another busy week in international trade, covering updates on CAPE refunds, post-summary correction payments, Section 232 investigations, the future of USMCA, and a major Department of Justice settlement involving Alibaba.

Using Taylor Swift's "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" as this week's theme, Cindy explores a broader question facing the trade community: Where should responsibility begin—and where should it end?

As government enforcement expands beyond importers to brokers, online marketplaces, and other supply chain participants, the episode examines how increased accountability may reshape global trade while raising important questions about fairness, due diligence, and practical implementation.

This Week in Trade

Members of Congress urged USTR to allow the current Jones Act waiver to expire as scheduled.

The Department of Commerce launched a new Section 232 investigation involving certain coal imports.

Beginning August 5, CBP will require ACH payments for duties owed on Post-Summary Corrections.

CAPE continues expanding, including refund eligibility for qualifying reconciliation entries, while CBP reported significant processing progress.

The United States formally initiated the USMCA withdrawal process, beginning the review and renegotiation timeline.

The Department of Justice announced a $600 million settlement with Alibaba related to alleged violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Main Topic
The episode's central discussion focuses on the growing trend of expanding legal responsibility across the supply chain.

Using the Alibaba settlement as an example, Cindy explores whether online marketplaces, customs brokers, and other intermediaries are increasingly being held accountable for actions traditionally associated with manufacturers or importers. She compares this trend to recent customs enforcement initiatives that place greater expectations on brokers and service providers to identify and report potential violations.

The discussion raises an important question for trade professionals: How much responsibility can reasonably be placed on parties who facilitate commerce but may not own, manufacture, or control the products themselves?

Key Takeaways

CBP continues refining the CAPE refund process as filings increase.

ACH payments will soon become mandatory for duties owed on Post-Summary Corrections.

USMCA has officially entered its formal review and withdrawal process.

The Alibaba settlement signals expanding government expectations for e-commerce platforms.

Customs enforcement continues moving toward broader supply chain accountability.

Companies throughout the supply chain should expect increasing due diligence expectations.

Resources & Mentions

Global Training Center

Trade Force Multiplier

Alibaba

USMCA

Jones Act

Credits
Host

• Cindy Allen – LinkedIn

Producer

• Lalo Solorzano

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Trade Geeks Community

Host: Lalo Solorzano, Andy Shiles
Guest(s): Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar
Published: July 2, 2026
Length: 31:00
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
The USMCA review process is creating questions across North American trade circles: Is the agreement ending? Are new rules already in effect? What should companies do now?

In this episode of Simply Trade, hosts Lalo Solorzano and Andy Shiles sit down with Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar, Vice President of COMCE Sur and a participant in USMCA/TMEC discussions, to clarify what is really happening. Fausto explains the USMCA sunset clause, why the agreement remains in force, and what the current review process means for businesses operating in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The conversation explores the most active topics on the table, including automotive rules of origin, labor value content, steel and aluminum requirements, China-related concerns, tariffs, and the future of regional sourcing. Fausto also shares practical guidance for companies that already claim USMCA benefits and for those that previously avoided qualification because it seemed too complex.

The key message: USMCA is still alive, but companies should not be passive. Compliance reviews, origin documentation, tariff classifications, and supply chain localization are becoming more important than ever.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the current USMCA review process and what it means for companies doing business in North America. Fausto explains that the agreement has not been terminated and that current rules remain in place. However, because the United States has chosen not to simply extend the agreement as-is, the countries are entering a period of yearly reviews that could lead to negotiated changes.

The discussion highlights the importance of certainty for investment, the role of industry associations in shaping negotiating positions, and the compliance steps companies should take now to prepare for increased scrutiny.

Key Takeaways
• USMCA remains in effect, and companies should continue operating under the current rules unless and until negotiated changes are formally implemented.

• The review process is expected to focus heavily on agriculture, automotive, and steel, with automotive rules of origin and labor value content receiving particular attention.

• Companies claiming USMCA benefits should perform internal “sanity checks” on tariff classification, origin calculations, certificates of origin, and supporting documentation.

• Businesses that previously chose not to qualify under USMCA should reconsider, especially as tariff exposure and enforcement pressure increase.

• Regional sourcing and supply chain visibility are becoming more important as companies prepare for future origin verifications and possible rule changes.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Lalo Solorzano on LinkedIn
• Andy Shiles on LinkedIn
• Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar on LinkedIn

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn
Andy Shiles – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Fausto R. Lopez Aguilar – LinkedIn

Producer:
Lalo Solorzano

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💬 Connect with us:

• Simply Trade
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Host: Lalo Solorzano
Guest(s): Denise
Published: June 30, 2026
Length: 21:23
Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary
Trade compliance does not happen in a vacuum. In this episode, Lalo Solorzano wraps up the four-part series with Denise by exploring why cross-functional training and stronger internal partnerships are essential for smoother global trade operations. From classification and customs audits to cost forecasting and border delays, the conversation highlights how trade compliance depends on collaboration across departments that may not always realize they play a role in trade.

Denise explains why teams like engineering, finance, procurement, sourcing, logistics, and supply chain all bring critical knowledge to the table. When those teams operate in silos, companies face rushed decisions, unclear ownership, duplicated work, and avoidable compliance risk. But when they align around shared goals, define roles early, communicate clearly, and close the loop after decisions are made, trade becomes less of a roadblock and more of a strategic partner.

This episode offers practical guidance for building trust, reducing last-minute fire drills, and turning one-off requests into long-term business relationships.

Main Topic / Discussion
This episode focuses on the importance of cross-functional partnerships in trade compliance. Lalo and Denise discuss how departments outside of trade compliance—such as engineering, finance, procurement, logistics, sourcing, and supply chain—directly influence trade outcomes, even when they do not see themselves as part of the trade process.

Denise breaks the process into three practical phases: before the work begins, while the work is underway, and after decisions are made. She explains how teams can align on shared goals, clarify expectations, make collaboration easier, and recognize contributions to strengthen future partnerships.

The episode also uses tariff classification during a product launch as a practical example of what can go wrong when teams do not communicate early, and what changes when companies create a structured, proactive partnership around trade decisions.

Key Takeaways
• Trade compliance is most effective when departments work as partners, not isolated teams.
• Shared goals help turn competing priorities into collaborative problem-solving.
• Clear roles and expectations reduce defensiveness, confusion, and duplicated work.
• Strong cross-functional relationships lead to fewer border issues, better cost predictability, and a stronger position with customs authorities.

Resources & Mentions
• Global Training Center
• Incoterms training
• CTPAT training
• Tariff classification
• Cross-functional trade compliance training

Credits
Host:
Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):
Denise – LinkedIn

Producer:
Mara Marquez

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Don’t forget to rate, review, and share with your fellow trade geeks!

Want to be on the show or have topic suggestions?
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