Little Things Speak Volumes

There are so many examples that can be reviewed about how the little things can carry over to volumes of positive results or catastrophic outcomes.
Within compliance, a road map is usually strongly suggested to stay on course ensuring that even those little aspects of supply chain are monitored and not forgotten. 
One "little" deviation in a critical data element can be voluminous and veer the movement of goods off course.
Here are some examples:

1)
HS (Harmonized System of classification) codes are applied to each and every product crossing a border. An HS code usually has 10 digits with the first six being mostly consistent throughout all member jurisdictions of the World Customs Organization and the last four being country specific. An anomaly with a single digit can result in under/over-payment of duties, missed requirements from various Government departments, even delays in Customs clearances. One digit!!! A seemingly "little" thing that many consider "simple" can result in loud volumes of pain points

2)
Ever take advantage of a preferential treatment under a Free Trade Agreement? Is it only based on a piece of paper called a Certificate/Statement of Origin received from the vendor/exporter? Have any steps been taken to communicate with the issuer of this piece of paper to confirm that the necessary stages were used to ensure that the goods listed have gone through the certification process or was it a "simple"/"little" step if completing a document and signing?
Results could be very advantageous to the importer OR could have quite the opposite effect if the multiple steps, to ensure conformity within the rules of the Free Trade Agreement, were not taken.
Volumes of shipments utilize various Free Trade Agreements and little do importers realize the significance of what that little piece of paper represents and how a great advantage can turn into volumes of extensive costs and burdens.

3)
Dare we forget about the valuation of the goods entering a jurisdiction. Have the little "add-on" (usually known as assists) been taken into consideration? Have the little shipments, typically sent under the banner of e-Commerce and B2C transactions, been declared using the true and correct value? The extensive volumes of e-Commerce shipments (increasing constantly) have gained the attention of Customs authorities to ensure accurate declarations. Some jurisdictions with low de-minimis thresholds focus their audits on these shipments. The ramifications and cost can be quite the opposite of little.

I bring this up because, I realized that after writing this BLOG for over two years, I have not given a shout out to Livingston International, my employer.
Yes, in the very first Blog, I did note that the views expressed in these Blog posts are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.

However, about two weeks ago, I celebrated the holiday of Purim. A holiday not known to many. However, in the Livingston corporate calendar, the company acknowledged the holiday. Further, Passover was also noted in our corporate calendar. It is very pleasing to see that my employer recognizes and notes not only the big well known holidays but those that are also just a little one. 

LITTLE THINGS SPEAK VOLUMES!!!

So thank you Livingston for supporting and recognizing all associates with all our diverse backgrounds.
It is very much appreciated!

As for the holiday of Purim, our family feasted on:
- Mongolian Meatballs
- Beef and Broccoli
- Noodles (chow mien) with chicken and vegetables
- General Tao Chicken
- Pineapple Chicken
- Battered Cauliflower
- Egg Rolls
- Vegetable Fried Rice

I used Google to search for recipes for all of the above (except the egg rolls, which were bought).
It was a looooong day in the kitchen but the results spoke volumes and were very much worth the efforts.
A great meal was had by all!

Know that LITTLE THINGS SPEAK VOLUMES for:
- Compliance
- Customs
- Food
- Work Life Balance

THANK YOU LIVINGSTON for recognizing the LITTLE THINGS!!!
Location: Montreal, QC, Canada

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