Ray McGuire Consulting Group –

Trade compliance encompasses much more than filing customs entries or export documentation.

Trade compliance basics includes ensuring your imported or exported goods are

     In conformance with all laws and regulations of the origin and destination countries

     Meet all foreign and domestic technical regulations that may affect your goods and business

     Shipped and received in the shortest time possible, improving your cash flow

Trade Agreements

In addition to the more well-know import / export issues, most countries conclude a number of trade agreements giving preferential treatment to certain products, or goods originating in certain other countries.

The United States alone currently has close to 300 multilateral or bilateral trade agreements.

With well defined and documented compliance procedures and processes you can maximize trade compliance while facilitating speedy purchase, sale, and cross-border movement of your merchandise.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) has recently seen a much more vigorous enforcement by the U.S. government, and has become a major concern for many US-based corporations and persons.

30 countries are signatories to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Convention that mandates the bribery of foreign officials be treated as a serious crime.  All countries in the European Union (EU) have enacted laws consistent with the Antibribery Convention.

The problem is real.  Bribes are accepted as common business practice in many regions of the world.  In fact, in some countries, companies are even permitted to deduct the cost of such bribes as a business expense when filing their taxes.

In view of these regulations and enhanced enforcement the challenge is to determine how to remain compliant in countries or regions where bribery may be acceptable or even the norm.  That is, documenting compliance while remaining competitive in areas where competition continues to bribe – openly or covertly.

We can help you analyze and determine the impact of domestic and foreign laws, legislation, court decisions, and regulations on your business.

Together we can then plan, strategize, and leverage trade agreements to maximize the financial and operational benefit of international trade for your particular busines model.