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In the fast-paced world of logistics and supply chains, where inspiration, innovation, and strategy execution are crucial, Tiffany MacKinnon stands out as a remarkable leader. With over 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge in import/export, global logistics, and supply chain, Tiffany has carved a distinguished path as the Senior Solutions Consultant of Bristlecone, a leading brand of AI-powered application transformation services for the connected supply chain.
The Key Inspiration Behind Joining the Import/Export
Tiffany’s interest in imports, exports, and compliances began in 1999 when she interned at an Ecuadorian automotive company in Quito. Tiffany quickly learned the critical importance of just-in-time (JIT) raw component deliveries and how supply chain disruptions could significantly impact manufacturing outputs. After finishing college, Tiffany focused on companies that could further develop her passion for international trade. This led her to companies with robust training protocols and process integrity. This early focus laid a solid foundation for her career, allowing her to build skills in freight forwarding and later transition into international trade compliance and senior logistics roles within Fortune 500 companies.
Bristlecone: The One-stop Solution
Tiffany believes the tech industry is closely tied to international trade, presenting both challenges and opportunities in import/export compliance. The constantly shifting regulatory landscape also complicates efforts to ensure compliance throughout the supply chain In addition, factors like data privacy, sanctions, export controls and the rapid growth of emergent technologies further complicate maintaining a compliant supply chain. Bristlecone addresses these concerns by leveraging its deep domain expertise, comprehensive solutions, and automated intelligence. The company uses technology to automate processes, improve efficiency, and enhance data visibility. Bristlecone takes a consulting approach with its customers, offering a full assessment of existing practices, performed by a global network of experts. Combined with a robust portfolio of technology partners, Bristlecone is the industry’s largest pure-play supply chain provider in the marketplace. The company specializes in empowering customers with technology and expert solutions in planning, procurement, and logistical fulfillment, taken from a consulting and AI-first-driven approach.
Striking a Balance between Innovation and Efficiency
Tiffany firmly believes that prioritizing compliance in any new process, procedure, or software platform is crucial. Without this focus, compliance can easily be overlooked. Given that laws and regulations change frequently, it is essential to stay informed through ongoing education and remain updated on current events and regulatory changes. In the present environment, emerging technologies like automation and AI can improve and accelerate the entire supply chain. Staying abreast of technological and regulatory changes can be challenging, so maintaining a culture of continued learning is essential.
The Significance of Collaboration with Regulatory Authorities and Industry Peers
Tiffany recognizes that collaboration is critical for effective import/export compliance. Taking guidance from regulatory authorities ensures that the most up-to-date interpretations of regulations are known and followed into routine processes. Collaboration with industry peers allows for knowledge sharing of best practices and an understanding of the regulatory changes. By working together, companies can identify and address common non-compliances, reducing risk, potential fines, and penalties for failure to comply. An example of the benefits of collaboration with officials occurred in 2023 during the importation of a robotic arm into Vietnam. This robotic arm, designed for surgical environments, was a prototype developed from high-tech, pre-owned electronic components assembled and configured in India. The product was not released for market consumption and was being imported for testing purposes only. Despite the importing company lacking import authority for medical devices, and the importation of previously used components being prohibited, the importation was allowed by Vietnam customs authorities under very strict, exceptional guidelines. The collaborative relationship between the importer, the freight forwarder, and the customs authorities was crucial in enabling the importation to proceed. Without the communication and relationship, the import would have been rejected and returned. Thanks to the establishment of a common group between all parties, the importation was successfully facilitied.
The Key Considerations in Import/Export Compliance
Taking a business to foreign markets brings great growth potential as well as hurdles. Understanding and complying with industry regulations in the target nation is one of the major challenges. The industry compliance regulations incorporate a set of rules that govern different sectors and ensure legal adherence, consumer protection, fair competition, and more.
Companies with global supply chains face an ever-changing landscape of complexities, requirements, and operational processes. Being compliant is critical to avoid repercussions such as fines, penalties, disruptions, and reputational damage, all of which can occur if compliance is overlooked. Compliance touches many areas in addition to customs compliance, integrating elements related to areas such as data privacy, technology transfer across geographic borders, sanctions/embargos, intellectual property, and internal controls. These elements influence decision-making strategies related to sourcing, risk management, technology partnerships, and product design.
The Hurdles in Navigating Import/Export Regulatory Requirements
Each country has its own set of unique challenges around the regulatory requirements of international trade transactions. One such example is Brazil. Brazil’s intricate import/export regulatory landscape presents significant hurdles for businesses. The country’s labyrinth of government agencies, complex documentation, and lengthy administrative processes can be overwhelming. Additionally, fluctuating tax regulations, currency volatility, and frequent changes in trade policies further complicate matters. To navigate these challenges effectively, businesses must possess a deep understanding of international trade, tax laws, and local regulations. While remote operations may be tempting, they often fall short due to the complexities involved. To overcome these obstacles, strategic investments in local personnel resources are crucial to foster trust with authorities, establish efficient processes, and ensure compliance with Brazil’s import/export regulations.”
Words of Wisdom to the Emerging Tech Companies
Advising all the tech companies in the supply chain, Tiffany says, “The most valuable resource in the compliance ecosystem is people. Emerging tech companies need to hire experienced trade compliance and logistics professionals who are familiar with local and international trade laws. While outsourcing trade compliance is often attempted, it has been best to source import/export compliance locally. No amount of technology investment can fully mitigate the supply chain risks without advanced knowledge, regional experience, and mastery of the international trade requirements for a specific area.”
