Similarities of IT Compliance & Logistics Compliance

Released On 9th Apr 2018

We all know GDPR is here. We have all received the emails from our online retailers, our suppliers and our customers about it. ISO, HIPAA, SOX etc Regulations have been around for years, and it is an uphill battle for IT Teams to ensure they adhere to them all. If they don’t adhere to regulations and get breached or lose customer data, then threats of fines, bad publicity, and even Directors being put in jail all loom over like a grey cloud.

However, there is a taste of irony here. With all eyes on the Technical Solution and Legal side of IT Compliance, few are thinking about the Logistical Compliance side.

Many ongoing IT Compliance projects involve multi country roll outs, but the budgets and procurement come from one single source in the EU or the US – this in turn means the Vendor, Distributor or VAR may be responsible for the delivery of goods to each site, but are they aware and following the laws and processes?

Many companies Export and Import ‘Dual Use’ goods without following the correct export / import processes and so are not Compliant with the rules set out by International Government bodies. Some may have their goods being held or seized by customs because they have genuinely not known that certain pre-approval processes are required. Yet, like non-Compliance to IT Regulations, the outcome of non-compliance to Trade Compliance can be just as serious - costly fines, long delays in getting the goods to site, legal action, bad publicity and even the threat of jail.

What are “dual-use goods” and why are they controlled?

Dual-use items are goods, software, technology which can be used for both civil and military applications. It covers Networking, Voice, Security and Storage technology that has a data transfer, and data analysis function.

Importing

Every country has different Import laws and processes. To apply for an Import license for dual use goods to enter, you will need to have personnel in-country who understands the requirements - very few countries have a clear and easy process. You may also need different documents types. For example, in the Middle East you need a Certificate of Origin for the goods, which may have to be endorsed. An Importer of Record (a legal entity in that country) who is listed on the shipment documents as the Importer is required – many end users don’t like to be involved in this as they don’t understand the process and do not have the time to do it.

How can Mouse & Bear help?

Mouse & Bear Solutions is a group of interdisciplinary professionals with over 20 years’ experience in:

• IT
• Logistics
• Trade compliance
• Supply chain logistics
• Business management
• Project Management

We have an established office in the UK to provide Importer of Record (IoR) and Exporter of Record (EoR) services to over 160 countries worldwide.

We employ a hands-on, project management approach for the delivery of our clients’ technology hardware into international markets.  We pride ourselves on our ability to work closely with our clients to create bespoke personalised solutions to suit any global project, independent of size.

Providing exceptional customer service and support, we walk our clients through the entire logistical and customs clearance process; continual progress updates allow you peace of mind and the freedom to pursue your core business activities.

Please get in touch for further information or advice. Email iorsolutions@mouseandbear.com, call 01935 848526 or send the enquiry form below.

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