Posts by TDR
How the Trump Administration is Using U.S. Trade Laws to Impose Tariffs: Section 301, Section 232, and IEEPA Explained
The Trump administration has dramatically altered the landscape of U.S. trade policy by aggressively deploying long-standing legal authorities—Section 301, Section 232, and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—to impose...
5 Ways To Mitigate The US Tariffs
Our European and American experts are available to help you limit the impact of the new US tariffs.
Trade Duty Refund to Attend WMX Asia 2025 in Hong Kong
We are excited to announce that Trade Duty Refund will be participating in the World Mail & Express Asia (WMX Asia) Conference, taking place from September 17–19, 2025, in Hong...
Tariff History: Fast to Rise, Slow to Fall – A Global Perspective
Throughout modern economic history, countries have turned to tariffs as powerful tools to confront external shocks, assert political autonomy, or protect domestic industries. Yet if we examine the record of...
Strategic Planning for U.S. Shippers Entering the EU and what the New Customs Reform Means for You
Dealing with the U.S. and EU market daily, I’ve witnessed firsthand the increasing complexity and opportunities that comes with shipping goods from the United States into the European Union. Whether...
Customs, Compliance, and Margins: Where Trade Strategy Meets Profitability
As a customs and trade compliance professional with decades of experience in the sector, I’ve seen firsthand how customs duties can make or break profit margins. Whether you’re importing raw...
Trade Duty Refund to Sponsor #AAEI25
Trade Duty Refund (TDR) is thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the 104th AAEI Annual Conference & Trade Day (#AAEI25), taking place on June 26th and 27th 2025 in Washington,...
Over 25 years as a Customs Expert, the 3 Questions I Get Asked Again and Again
After more than 25 years in the world of customs consulting working with importers, exporters, logistics teams, and trade compliance professionals across dozens of industries, I’ve learned one thing for...
Is There Money Sitting in Your Supply Chain? Understanding Duty Drawback and Overpayment
As someone who has been in customs and supply chain for over 20 years and now the CEO of a company, one of the most surprising - and frustrating -...
What Happens After You Click ‘Buy’: The Duty-Filled Path of International Orders
With the rise of global eCommerce, a single online order can trigger a complex chain reaction involving multiple countries, regulations, and logistics providers. While the customer may experience a seamless...
Announcing The TDR Customs Consultancy Business Line
In an era of increasing supply chain complexity and unpredictable tariffs, businesses need more than just reactive solutions — they need proactive customs strategy. With TDR Customs Consultancy, we now...
Navigating Friendshoring: Customs Duty Implications for Cross-Border Retailers
In today’s unpredictable global trade landscape, friendshoring is emerging as a pivotal supply chain strategy for cross-border retailers. However, beyond geopolitical considerations, friendshoring can significantly impact your customs duty exposure....
Understanding Digital Customs Declarations and When to Seek Expert Guidance - Trade Duty Refund
There is a global shift toward digital customs declarations defined by speed, automation, and stricter compliance standards. But while digitalization brings immense benefits, it also introduces complexity, especially for businesses...
Ask the Experts: On-Time Delivery and Hassle-Free Logistics for Cross-Border Trade with Beth Chapman
Our Ask the Experts series is switching gears this month and taking a look at cross-border logistics and the complexities in ensuring on-time delivery for consumers, and hassle-free logistics for...
Navigating Global Tariff Changes: Strategies for Cross-Border Retailers
In today’s rapidly evolving global market, cross-border retailers face significant challenges due to fluctuating tariffs. Understanding these changes is crucial for managing costs, ensuring compliance, and optimizing duty drawback opportunities....
HS Codes Demystified: A Quick Guide from a Seasoned CEO
In my 30+ years navigating global trade, I’ve learned that success in cross-border commerce can depend on one deceptively simple detail: the Harmonized System (HS) code. Whether you’re a supply...
Navigating 2025: E-Commerce Alliances and AI Integration in a Shifting Trade Landscape
In 2025, e-commerce sellers are uniting to navigate the complexities of increased tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and the evolving landscape of AI integration. As highlighted in this recent Forbes article,...
The Hidden Costs of Non-Compliance in the Customs Duties Sector
In the constantly changing world of global trade, compliance with customs duties is more than a bureaucratic requirement - it’s a strategic necessity for businesses. As governments across the globe...
Green Tariffs and Customs Duty Refunds: A Sustainable Approach for Cross-Border Retailers
As the world celebrates Earth Day, it’s essential to recognize the connection between environmental sustainability and customs duties. Globally, consumers are shifting towards eco-friendly brands, and companies are striving to...
Top 10 Global Customs and Compliance Changes in 2025: Essential Insights for Cross-Border Retailers
We are already over a quarter into 2025, and the global trade landscape has undergone significant transformations. These changes, marked by heightened tariffs, regulatory overhauls, and shifting compliance frameworks, are...
Navigating De Minimis Rules: Impact on Cross-Border E-Commerce and Duty Refunds
The “de minimis” tax exemption is a hot topic globally, especially with the surge in cross-border e-commerce. Under these rules, low-value goods are exempt from customs duties, significantly impacting international...
Seasonal Fluctuations in Retail Returns: Key Insights for Cross-Border Retailers
Seasonal fluctuations significantly impact retail returns, with average return rates surging during peak holiday periods. Understanding these trends is crucial for cross-border retailers seeking to optimize their operations and manage...
Mastering Ecommerce Returns: Strategies to Reduce Return Rates and Boost Profitability
Want to make returns easy and uncomplicated? Learn the average return rate and strategies to reduce returns in your retail business, especially for cross-border retailers dealing with duty refunds and...
Navigating Global Trade: The Role of Partners and Customs Duties in Cross-Border Success
International trade is a collaborative effort, relying on a vast ecosystem of partners to move goods efficiently, legally, and profitably across borders. This network includes manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers, freight...
Ask the Experts with Cyril Bray: Breaking Borders and Driving e-Commerce Growth - from Marketing to Transportation to Customs Compliance
In today’s fast-paced digital age, e-commerce continues to break barriers, enabling businesses to reach international customers like never before. For almost a decade, Glopal has been working hard to support...
Navigating Global Supply Chains: The Impact of Customs Duties and Tariffs
Global supply chains face significant challenges due to customs duties and tariffs, prompting companies to reevaluate their sourcing strategies. Elevated tariffs on imported goods increase production costs, forcing businesses to...
Navigating U.S. Customs Duties: A 2025 Guide for European Retailers
Expanding into the U.S. market presents significant opportunities for European retailers, but navigating customs duties remains a critical challenge, especially with the evolving policies of the new administration. Recent changes...
Impact of 2025 Steel and Aluminum Tariffs on Consumer Products and Customs Duties
The Trump Administration is implementing new steel and aluminum tariffs in 2025, set to take effect this month, which are poised to shake up industries, supply chains, and pricing for...
Understanding the Rise in Retail Return Rates and Its Impact on Cross-Border Retailers
In today’s retail landscape, consumers have an unprecedented number of purchasing options, from online shopping to global retailers. This shift has led to a significant increase in return rates, particularly...
The Power of SMBs in Global Trade and Duty Drawback
Small to Mid-Size Businesses (SMBs) are a powerful force in most economies, especially in the U.S. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, SMBs with 500 employees or fewer make...
Maximizing Customs Duty Drawback: The Benefits of Partnering with Experts
Many companies may believe they can manage customs duty drawback internally, but this complex process often requires specialized expertise to fully maximize returns and comply with regulatory requirements.
Mastering Harmonized Tariff Schedule: A Guide for Cross-Border Retailers
With global trade consistently growing but facing increased uncertainty, businesses, especially cross-border retailers, must be more strategic and agile than ever. One crucial, but often overlooked, factor is the Harmonized...
The Potential Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Customs Duties and Duty Drawback
In recent years, U.S. tariffs have significantly influenced international trade dynamics, directly affecting customs duties and the duty drawback system. For businesses engaged in global commerce, understanding these impacts is...
Navigating the 23% Return Rate in Luxury E-commerce: Strategies for Cross-Border Retailers
The luxury e-commerce sector faces a significant challenge with an average global return rate of 23%, amounting to approximately $38 billion USD in returned merchandise annually. As e-commerce continues to...
Harnessing AI for Efficient Customs Duty Drawback: A Game Changer for Cross-Border Retailers
In the realm of international trade, AI is revolutionizing customs duty drawback processes, offering cross-border retailers unprecedented opportunities to reclaim duties efficiently. This innovation is transforming how businesses manage customs...
Customs Duty Drawback and Luxury Goods: The Case of the $10,000 Suit
Are you a luxury goods company involved in cross-border trade? If so, you likely ship high-quality goods abroad that are subject to customs duties due to their premium pricing. But...
Maximizing Duty Drawback: A Guide for Global Retailers and E-commerce Platforms
Are you a global retailer or e-commerce platform provider? If so, are you leveraging the duty drawback opportunities available to your business? Understanding and claiming duty drawback refunds can significantly...
e-Book: Practical Guide to Customs Duties on Returns
💡 We are excited to introduce our exclusive, free e-Book, providing an expert guide to customs duties on returns. This comprehensive resource, packed with over 30 pages of valuable insights,...
Customs Duties Strategies Part 3 - Returned Goods Relief (RGR)
For the third consecutive week, we are sharing strategies regarding customs duties that help companies either claim back duties or avoid them altogether. This week, we are looking at a...
Customs Duties Strategies: Part 2 - U.S. Duty Drawback
Exploring customs duties strategies? This week, we’re diving deeper into U.S. Duty Drawback: what it is, how it works, and quick tips to determine eligibility.
Customs Duties Strategies: Part 1 - Duty Reclaim on Returned Goods
Managing customs duties can be daunting for businesses, especially when addressing the complexities of returned goods. Trade Duty Refund, a trusted customs broker, simplifies this process, empowering businesses to reclaim...
The Role of Brokers in Balancing Customer Satisfaction and Reverse Logistics Efficiency for Global Retailers
Returns are a critical touchpoint in the customer journey, influencing loyalty and profitability. With 16.5% of U.S. retail sales—over $800 billion in 2023—being returned, efficient reverse logistics is key to...
Understanding Duty Drawback: A Guide to Customs Duties Refund Calculation
When trading internationally, customs duties can significantly impact your bottom line. Duty drawback programs provide an opportunity to reclaim duties paid during importation, potentially saving your business substantial costs. Learn...
2025 Predictions for Cross-Border Trade and Logistics
2025 is just around the corner, and it promises to bring new opportunities and challenges to the cross-border trade and logistics sector. With the U.S. elections in November generating speculation...
Ask the Experts: RGR with Elke Rödel - What is Returned Goods Relief and Who Can Benefit?
In this edition of “Ask the Experts”, we are honored to have international trade and customs expert Elke Rödel give us insights on Returned Goods Relief, helping cross-border retailers navigate...
Ask the Expert: International e-Commerce and Returns with Ben Bagnulo, Chief Executive, SAMOS
In this edition of our “Ask the Experts”, Trade Duty Refund spoke with international trade and logistics expert, Ben Bagnulo who is based in the UK, about his experience with...
How to Calculate Customs Duty Refunds in the EU: A Practical Guide
Customs duty refunds in the European Union (EU) allow businesses and individuals to reclaim duties paid on imported goods in certain circumstances. Understanding how to calculate these refunds can help...
How are Low-Value e-Commerce Goods from China Impacting the European Union Market
The rise of e-commerce has revolutionized global trade, connecting consumers and businesses in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. A major force in this shift has been the influx...
Navigating the Complexities of Customs in the UK
Navigating the complexities of customs can be daunting for businesses operating in the United Kingdom. Here, Trade Duty Refund has compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help...
10 Key Statistics on Cross-Border Trade All Retailers Should Know
In the evolving landscape of global commerce, cross-border trade remains a vital growth avenue for retailers. Staying informed with the latest data is essential for navigating this dynamic market. Here...
Enhancing e-Commerce: Partnering with Customs Brokers in Cross-Border Trade
As the e-Commerce landscape continues to expand globally, businesses face increasing challenges in managing international shipping and logistics. Navigating the complexities of customs regulations, tariffs and documentation can be daunting,...
How Technology Helps Retailers Claim Back Customs Duties
In the intricate web of global commerce, customs duties represent a significant cost factor for retailers involved in international trade. With the rise of eCommerce, goods traveling across borders are...
Maximizing Returns: How Global Retailers Can Reclaim Customs Duties on Returned Items
For global retailers, managing returns is an inevitable aspect of doing business. Whether due to customer dissatisfaction, product defects, or other reasons, returned items crossing international borders can incur significant...
Navigating the Dual Challenge: Rising Returns in Retail and Customs Costs
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, one challenge looms larger than ever: returns. With the proliferation of e-commerce and the convenience it offers, the rate of returns has surged, posing...
Ask the Experts: 5 questions with Jocelyn Montpert
Embarking on a new blog series, Trade Duty Refund delves into the complexities of international trade, development, and eCommerce by engaging industry experts in thought-provoking discussions. Our aim is to...
The EU AI Act and the Evolution of International Trade: Reshaping Customs and Commerce
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has certainly taken the world by storm. In recent years, we have seen the benefits that AI technology can bring to business and society in terms of...
The Rise of Global eCommerce: what to know about cross-border returns
If the digital revolution gave a boost to global business by eliminating physical borders to retail shopping, it may have consequently created a headache when it comes to understanding supply...
