Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shales

In this Halloween Week special, the Simply Trade hosts dig into real-life trade horror stories that will make any exporter’s blood run cold.

Attorney Josh Rodman from Schulz Trade Law joins Lalo and Andy to share two spine-chilling case studies where export compliance went sideways — despite good intentions. From ballistic helmets misclassified under the wrong ECCN to shipments to Russia caught in the tangled web of ever-changing export controls, this episode proves that in trade, even honest mistakes can summon costly consequences.

Josh explains how voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) can save a company from financial nightmares and why staying current with export regulations is critical to avoid getting haunted by unexpected investigations or penalties.

This episode blends legal insight with cautionary tales — perfect for your Halloween listening lineup!

Real-world export control “horror stories”

Misclassification of military equipment under ECCNs

Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) and how they mitigate penalties

OFAC subpoenas and overlapping U.S. government investigations

Russian sanctions, HTS code–based restrictions, and transshipment red flags

How exporters can protect themselves through due diligence and expert review

Schulz Trade Law

Export Administration Regulations (EAR)

OFAC – U.S. Treasury Sanctions Programs

U.S. Department of Commerce – BIS

Global Training Center

🎧 Credits

Hosts:

Lalo Solorzano

Andy Shiles

Guests:

Josh Rodman - Schulz Trade Law

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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