Deringer Digest Blog

  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Tammy Flanders Hetrick

Tammy Flanders Hetrick brings 28 years of International Trade and Logistics experience to the team, starting at CBP (when it was the US Customs Service) where she worked in the Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures division in the District of St. Albans, Vermont, and during which she performed various assignments in Washington, DC and the on the southern border. She then moved to the private sector to establish Best in Class compliance programs for the largest snowboard company in the world, and for an innovative coffee and appliance company. In addition to US compliance, she has set up compliance programs in Canada, Europe, and Japan. She is a known entity in the compliance field, speaking at conferences across the US, in Brussels, and annually at MIT/Boston. Beyond compliance, Ms. Hetrick has extensive International Logistics experience, standing up bonded warehouses in Europe and Asia, activating and operating several Foreign Trade Zones, and negotiating ocean transportation contracts. She has shepherded companies through ISA and CTPAT certifications and validations, CBSA audits, European Customs audits, and Japanese Customs audits. Ms. Hetrick looks forward to assisting clients with their compliance needs.
Find me on:

Recent Posts

“What’s My Compliance Score?” Why We Are Asking The Wrong Question

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 2/10/20 1:20 PM

When I’m preparing to deliver a Risk Assessment Report, the first question clients often ask is, “What’s our compliance score?” While the intention is good, we are asking the wrong question. Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth, particularly in compliance – and in the gap is where good companies get into trouble.

Read More

Topics: compliance, trade compliance

Beyond the Dollar: How to Compare Customs Brokers

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 12/17/19 3:12 PM

Importers might aptly view a Customs broker as a trusted partner for Customs entry filing, but a broker’s job is also to help safeguard importers against delays, fines, and penalties due to errors or regulatory violations.

Read More

Topics: trade compliance, import compliance, Customs Broker, Brokerage

Why Trade Compliance Should be a Priority for Your Company

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 11/8/19 8:44 AM


US businesses that actively source raw materials, components, or finished goods from other countries must understand—and adhere to—the trade regulations for every country involved in their supply chain. Failure to do so can lead to fines and severe penalties.

Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Management, Customs Consulting, International Trade Compliance & Enforcement, trade compliance, import compliance, shipping compliance

3 Pillars of Import Compliance Risk Management

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 11/8/19 8:39 AM


When companies don’t comply with trade regulations, they face fines, penalties, and potentially late delivery of their goods.

Read More

Topics: Customs Consulting, International Trade Compliance & Enforcement, trade compliance, import compliance, shipping compliance

Binding Ruling Requests & How They Benefit Importers

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 9/9/19 2:30 PM


Correctly classifying merchandise or products for import involves a sea of rules that govern import classifications.

These rules are often confusing and unclear, and doing this incorrectly can come at a hefty price. Binding rulings help clear up any confusion by providing classification and duty rates in advance.

Read More

Topics: Supply Chain Management, Customs Consulting, International Trade Compliance & Enforcement, binding rulings

Advance Your Trade Compliance: CTPAT Trade Compliance Program

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 4/16/19 4:30 PM


The United States Government has made a serious commitment to trade security and trade compliance in the last few years.

To improve the security of international trade and enforce trade laws and regulations, the Government is taking measures to advance partnership programs and encourage more importers to participate - including sweetening the deal .

Read More

Topics: International Trade Compliance & Enforcement

Compliance: If you've got it, flaunt it!

Posted by Tammy Flanders Hetrick on 1/11/18 2:22 PM

Want to get me going? Tell me compliance is a necessary evil.

Necessary? Sure. Evil? Only if you lack imagination and ingenuity!

Read More

Topics: International Trade Compliance & Enforcement

More to Read