The United States government has some of the world’s strictest export regulations. Failure to comply with those regulations can result in fines, restrictions in your ability to export your products and even prison sentences for your company’s officers and parties responsible for ITAR compliance. To make things even worse, the ITAR regulations are subject to frequent updates and changes, making it difficult for employees to keep up with the intricacies of export compliance and export compliance documentation. Comprehensive export compliance training is your best defense against being hit with stiff fines and penalties for unwittingly falling afoul of the many regulations that U.S. exporters must follow.
Sources of Export Compliance Training
While the U.S. government regularly offers seminars on the intricacies of export regulations, developing in-house export compliance training and programs can be tricky without expert advice. Engaging an export compliance consultant can help you create the framework for a comprehensive ITAR compliance program, starting with an export compliance audit to determine where your business stands on compliance and an export compliance checklist to help your company create a plan for following compliance regulations and the documentation trail you need to maintain to prove that you’re following all the rules.
The Basics of an Export Compliance Program
There are many companies that provide compliance training of various sorts. When
choosing among them, look for a consultant that will help your company develop its own internal expertise on compliance. The best compliance consultants understand that a good export compliance program starts with the senior management and is disseminated downward until it becomes part of the base of company procedure and culture.
The first steps in compliance training include reinforcing the importance of compliance, explaining the necessity for a compliance manager and soliciting support for the in-house compliance manager.
Degrees of Training for Middle Management and Support Staff
Every employee who is part of the export supply chain should be trained in not only the techniques and procedures required to remain in compliance, but the reasoning behind the regulations. New employees should be required to take the training early in their orientation and undergo export compliance evaluation within 30 days of their hire. A competent export compliance consultant will work with your company to develop the appropriate levels of training for each level of your staff.
Don’t take chances with export compliance training. Be certain that the consultant you hire understands both the regulations to which your company must adhere and the best ways to train your employees about the importance of following the rules to the letter.
