Have Your Cake and Eat it too – Solving the Import Compliance Problem

Compliance is the area in shipping that most often trips people up. While just about all documents and licenses come with challenges, a class of documents takes complexity to another level.

Demystifying import certifications such as the NOM, KCC, CCC, and FSB licenses, which commonly frustrate shipments and thwart timelines, can be a tall order.

While all compliance documents should be taken seriously, with even the most minor error resulting in disaster, these more complex pieces of documentation offer a significantly higher chance for disaster. Suppose we were to use the analogy of a picnic. In that case, general import compliance can be likened to the uninvited ants, annoying and difficult to control but still manageable with the right tools and knowledge. Then, these pieces of documentation are the killer bees, swarming to your lemonade and ready to sting with any wrong move. You may get a few lucky swipes in, but without the proper knowledge and equipment at your disposal, you are at serious risk for a painful sting.

Not only are issues with these certifications more challenging to resolve, but they are highly nuanced and contextual, making for a very long and often arduous acquisition process. This can pose particular problems for potential importers, especially those with a tight deadline, like this client whose $5000 shipment of electronics needed to be delivered to Mexico as soon as possible.