Trade Compliance for Codes, Parties, and Documents
HS classification support, restricted-party screening, and document checklists so a shipment can be booked without a known filing error.
Classify and Screen Before the Label Is Printed
Trade compliance is the work that happens before a border filing: assigning an HS or HTS code, checking the buyer and consignee against restricted-party lists, and listing which documents the lane requires. It reduces holds caused by “parts” with no tariff code or a consignee that cannot receive the goods.
This is operational support on Vandelta shipments, not a law firm. Classification for new commodities may need your engineering description. Sanctions lists change; screening is run at booking and is not a one-time certificate.
Compliance does not move the box. After codes and parties clear, you still book International Export, LTL, or truckload, then Customs Brokerage files the entry.
What Trade Compliance Covers
- HS / HTS guidance from the item description you provide
- Restricted-party screening on consignee and notify parties at booking
- Document checklist by destination (invoice, COO, licenses)
- Flags for commodities that often need permits
- Record of the code used on the shipment in your account
- Referral to brokerage when the entry is ready to file
How Compliance Is Used on a Booking
01
Describe the commodity
Material, function, and country of origin. Vague descriptions (“electronics”) cannot be classified.
02
Screen parties and destination
Consignee, intermediate consignee, and country are checked against current restricted lists.
03
Book the physical service
Use the code and document list on the parcel or freight shipment, then assign brokerage if goods require entry.
When Trade Compliance Comes First
Use compliance when
- You do not yet have a tariff code for the SKU.
- The buyer or destination is new to your account.
- The product might need a license (batteries, medical, dual-use).
Use another service when
- Codes and parties are already on file — book the shipment and brokerage.
- You only need declared-value coverage — use Insurance.
- Goods are returning on a domestic label — use Returns Logistics.
Data Needed to Classify and Screen
Compliance cannot invent a code from a marketing name. Provide a technical description.
- Item description
- What it is, what it is made of, and what it does. Include model numbers when they change the tariff.
- Parties
- Legal names and addresses for seller, buyer, and consignee. Trade names alone often fail screening.
- End use
- Required when the destination or commodity is controlled. “Resale” is acceptable when that is true.
- Updates
- A classified SKU should be rechecked when the bill of materials or destination country changes.
Related Trade Services
- Customs Brokerage for Import and Export Entries
Files the entry using the codes and documents from compliance.
- International Parcel and Document Shipping
Export parcels after classification is on the booking.
- Declared-Value Coverage for Shipments
Coverage amount selected at booking, separate from duties.
Put Codes and Party Checks on the Account
Sales sets how SKUs are classified and which bookings run restricted-party screening.