Michael Lahar began working in the field of international trade and Customs in 1987, after attending the University of New England with a major in Business Administration. Mike joined a nationally known brokerage and forwarding firm, quickly progressing to earn his individual license as a Customs broker from the U.S. Treasury in 1989. He began his career with Deringer in 1997 as a Post Entry Specialist. Mike was instrumental in the formal development of Deringer’s centralized Post Entry Team and was a prominent contributor to Deringer’s imaging technologies. He has also served as a trade consultant focusing upon the government’s Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) initiatives. Mike joined the Deringer Logistics Consulting Group in 2001 as a specialist in the laws and regulations related to liquidated damages and penalty cases. While recognized as an expert in this area, he also holds expertise in special entry programs including Temporary Importation Bonds (TIBs), contracts and government entries. In 2002, Mike became involved with the implementation of Deringer’s FDA registration program, which is a key component of the federal Bio-terrorism Act of 2002. He returned to Deringer operations in Champlain, NY as the FDA Team Leader in 2005, became involved with Deringer’s training programs, and earned the title of National Post-Entry Supervisor. Currently, Mr. Lahar serves as the corporate Compliance Manager with oversight of the Compliance and Regulatory, Post Entry and Bond Departments as well as the blanket NAFTA and FDA registration programs. He continues his work as a trainer and speaks frequently at industry and trade events on various government agency agendas concerning trade.