June 23, 2026

[TIPS] Why Trade Compliance SOPs and Manuals Matter

19 minutes

Host: Lalo Solorzano

Guest(s): Denise

Published: June 23, 2026

Length: 19:24

Presented by: Global Training Center

Summary

Trade compliance manuals and SOPs may not be the flashiest part of an import/export program, but they are among the most important. In this episode of Simply Trade Tips, Lalo Solorzano sits down with Global Training Center instructor Denise to discuss why written procedures are essential for keeping trade compliance consistent, repeatable, and scalable.

Denise explains that compliance does not live only in the compliance department. It touches purchasing, shipping, customs entries, finance, recordkeeping, screening, escalation, training, and more. When those processes are not documented, companies rely too heavily on memory, tribal knowledge, and “the way we’ve always done it.” That creates risk when employees leave, roles change, products expand, or regulations shift.

This episode breaks down the difference between a compliance manual and an SOP, what each should include, and where companies should start if they do not already have a formal program in place. The key message: SOPs are not just paperwork. They are the operating system that helps a trade compliance program run with control, clarity, and confidence.

Main Topic / Discussion

This episode focuses on how companies can build stronger trade compliance programs by documenting their processes through compliance manuals and standard operating procedures.

Denise explains that a compliance manual is the big-picture document. It outlines the company’s overall approach to trade compliance, identifies responsibilities, explains key risks, and describes how import and export issues are handled. SOPs, on the other hand, are the step-by-step instructions for specific tasks such as product classification, restricted party screening, export reviews, import entry audits, recordkeeping, escalation, and corrective actions.

The conversation emphasizes that SOPs should be practical, clear, and specific enough for a new employee or backup team member to follow without guessing. The episode also highlights why the people doing the day-to-day work should be involved in creating these procedures, since real-world input makes the documentation usable rather than theoretical.

Key Takeaways

• Trade compliance touches many departments, not just the compliance team.

• Undocumented processes create weak points, especially when employees leave or roles change.

• A compliance manual provides the big-picture map of the company’s trade compliance program.

• SOPs provide the detailed step-by-step directions for specific compliance tasks.

• Companies should start by documenting their highest-risk areas first, such as classification, screening, licensing, recordkeeping, entry reviews, and audits.

• SOPs should include ownership, triggers, steps, required records, exception handling, escalation paths, systems, references, and revision history.

• Written procedures make training easier, audits smoother, and compliance more consistent.

• Strong documentation helps leadership see where risks exist and gives the program room to scale.

Resources & Mentions

• Global Training Center

• Import Compliance Training

• Export Compliance Training

• Trade Compliance Seminars

Credits

Host:

Lalo Solorzano – LinkedIn

Guest(s):

Denise Smalls Altagracia – LinkedIn

Producer:

Lalo Solorzano

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By Global Training Center

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