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New executive orders and tougher enforcement are raising the stakes for trade compliance in the chemical industry. Victoria Meyer sits down with Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, to clarify what leaders need to know about customs, importer responsibilities, and real-time compliance demands.
They outline how assigning ownership of trade compliance, strengthening internal processes, and leveraging systems like CAPE for tariff refunds can protect your business. This episode highlights the true risks of non-compliance and offers practical guidance for leaders navigating the shifting landscape of global supply chains.
Victoria and Noushin discuss:
- How NUCO Logistics pioneered chemical-specific freight forwarding and customs brokerage.
- The difference between customs clearance and full-spectrum trade compliance.
- Understanding the new Executive Order 14411: stricter requirements, physical presence, and increased accountability for importers of record.
- Why compliance is a company-wide responsibility spanning purchasing, logistics, regulatory, finance, and executive leadership.
- The essentials every chemical importer must address: HTS codes, country of origin, valuation, recordkeeping, and post-entry audits.
- Tariffs and what’s changed, how to ensure you recover eligible duties, and common pitfalls.
- Practical steps to strengthen compliance culture and safeguard your license to operate.
Killer Quote: “Importing into the country is not a right, it is a privilege that has been given to every importer.” — Noushin Shamsili
More Links:
Episode 248 – What’s Ahead for Marine Logistics in 2026 with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics
Episode 64 – Innovative Logistic Solutions With Noushin Shamsili Of NUCO Logistics
Episode 12 – How NUCO Logistics Pivoted During The Pandemic With Noushin Shamsili
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How Executive Orders are Reshaping Chemical Imports and Compliance with Noushin Shamsili of NUCO Logistics
The pace of change in US trade policy has put a spotlight on compliance, enforcement, and global supply chain strategies for chemical companies. For those managing complex international logistics, keeping up with executive orders, shifting tariff policies, and increased regulatory scrutiny has become a business imperative, not just an administrative task. On this episode of The Chemical Show, Victoria sat down with Noushin Shamsili, CEO of NUCO Logistics, to break down what matters now in trade compliance and the practical steps leaders can take to protect their license to operate.
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The Expanding Scope of Trade Compliance
Trade compliance in the chemical industry has moved far beyond simply clearing customs. As Noushin explained, many business leaders and operational teams have mistakenly viewed compliance as the responsibility of a single person or department (often logistics or an external customs broker). In reality, trade compliance touches purchasing, regulatory, finance, logistics, and even executive leadership.
A critical concept is that the importer of record, not the customs broker, bears responsibility for accurate classification, valuation, and country-of-origin declarations. With increased CBP scrutiny, outdated processes or misaligned internal handoffs can trigger penalties, audits, and shipment delays. Noushin stressed the importance of having clear ownership and standard operating procedures to align departments and ensure data integrity all the way from purchase order to physical customs entry.
New Executive Order 14411: Why It’s a Game-Changer
Recent changes have raised the bar for what’s required of chemical importers. The new Executive Order 14411 empowers DHS and DOJ to strengthen the enforcement of customs regulations. For chemical companies, this policy shift means two major things:
- Foreign importers of record must now have a physical U.S. presence and demonstrate meaningful local assets. The days of “one-person operations” importing under DDP terms without real accountability are ending.
- U.S.-based importers face higher standards for bonding and financial responsibility—creating more accountability and risk if errors or violations are discovered.
This is not just about paperwork. These measures are designed to protect domestic producers by closing loopholes, limiting opportunities for misdeclaration, and making it harder for bad actors to undercut US manufacturers or evade duties.
Compliance Is a Team Sport: Internal Practices That Minimize Risk
With enforcement ramping up, companies must go beyond “checking the box.” Noushin offered practical advice for chemical industry leaders:
- Assign clear ownership. Designate a person or department as the compliance lead to coordinate across purchasing, logistics, regulatory, and finance.
- Implement robust processes. Develop SOPs for classifying products (HTS), determining valuation, and verifying country-of-origin. Don’t rely solely on supplier-provided information, double-check everything.
- Stay audit-ready. Keep comprehensive records for at least five years, and conduct regular internal (or third-party) audits post-entry to uncover and correct errors before they become liabilities.
- Emphasize training and communication. Ensure staff understands that trade compliance is not just paperwork; it’s integral to your license to import and your ability to serve customers.
Tariffs: Managing a Moving Target
Tariff uncertainty continues to create challenges. As Noushin described, CBP’s new CAPE system has made it easier, if companies are prepared, to request refunds on IEPA tariffs. The catch? Many importers lacked access to their own ACE accounts, creating delays and missed opportunities.
The takeaway: maintain direct access to systems like ACE and ACH. Don’t outsource all responsibility to your broker. The more proactive you are, the better positioned you’ll be to respond as policies evolve.
The rules for importing chemicals are changing, and the stakes are higher than ever. As enforcement increases, compliance must be viewed as a shared, strategic business function—critical to operational continuity and customer trust.
If you’re leading a chemical business, start today. Audit your processes. Assign clear owners. Don’t assume tomorrow’s rules will look like today’s. In Noushin’s words: “Importing into the country is not a right, it’s a privilege” and maintaining that privilege requires diligence at every step.
About Noushin Shamsili:
Noushin Shamsili, CEO & President of NUCO Logistics
Noushin Shamsili, CEO & President of NUCO Logistics, is a Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) and Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) with 25+ years of experience in International Logistics. She founded NUCO in 2008 to specialize in chemical and pharmaceutical shipments and advises importers on Customs compliance, duty mitigation, and international trade strategy.