Episode Title: Trade & Tech Series: Using Technology to Unlock Duty Mitigators

In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Renee and Julie dive into duty mitigators and how technology is transforming the way trade professionals manage voluntary customs programs. From drawback and foreign trade zones to Chapter 98 provisions and free trade agreements, the conversation focuses on how tech-enabled subprocesses can reduce risk, improve compliance, and make mitigator programs operationally feasible.

The key takeaway? Mitigators aren’t just about duty savings — they’re about building smart, data-driven compliance strategies that align labor, systems, and business objectives.

What duty mitigators really are — and why they’re often misunderstood

The role of voluntary programs in customs compliance

How technology supports complex mitigators like:

Drawback programs

Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs)

Chapter 98 provisions (including TIBs and returns)

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)

First Sale for Export

Why accurate HTS classification is a mitigator in itself

How tech helps create stronger business cases for mitigator programs

In-house vs. outsourced compliance — and why tech matters in both

Mitigators require structured subprocesses — technology makes them scalable

Tech connects core business systems so import and export data work together

Good data in = good data out (and bad data creates risk fast)

Mitigators shouldn’t be dismissed due to overhead — tech changes the math

Asking vendors how they leverage technology can impact pricing and value

Pick one mitigator and analyze it using your own data.

Review your ACE data or internal trade data

Identify one potential mitigator (drawback, FTZ, TIB, FTA, etc.)

Determine if your import and export activity supports it

Assess whether technology could make it viable and compliant

Remember: not all mitigators apply to all duties — understanding eligibility is key.

Be part of the discussion inside the Trade Geeks Community and let us know how your FIO analysis goes. We’ll be sharing episodes, insights, and real-world trade conversations there.

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Hosts:

Renee Chiuchiarelli

Julie Parks

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

New Simply Trade Tips episodes every Tuesday.

Presented by:

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Global Training Center on LinkedIn

YouTube

Spotify

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Trade Geeks Community

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