Trade Compliance
Mission Statement
Ashcroft is governed by regulatory and international statutes that place a range of obligations on our employees throughout the world. Ashcroft observes national and international foreign trade laws and manages its business responsibly in accordance with these statutory and regulatory requirements of the countries in which it operates.
Primary responsibilities of the Ashcroft Trade Compliance Department are:
- To ensure that all areas of the Ashcroft organization are in regulatory compliance with applicable Import and Export laws and regulations
- To maintain and assess Ashcroft's policies and procedures to ensure they promote and reinforce a culture of integrity and ethical business principles and practice
Staying Compliant
Safety & Security Practices
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires that all corporations engaged in Importing and Exporting maintain consistent reviews in keeping with current updated regulatory standards as well as proposed legislation that may have an impact on trade conduct. The Trade Compliance Department ensures these business practices are in place
At Ashcroft, trade compliance is focused on the following activities:
- Conducting risk assessments of all import and export processes
- Technology or software in accordance with U.S. and international trade laws and regulations
- Valuation, Tariff Classification and Export Control Classification (ECCN)
- ITAR licensing for controlled products, Country of Origin marking
- Denied Party Screening, U.S. Embargoed and Sanctioned Country screening
- Intellectual Property Right Protections, Free Trade Agreements and the application of all Export Trade Controls
Managing Risk
All alleged regulatory violations or trade misconduct must be reported to Laura Richard, Global Manager Import/Export Compliance at 203-385-0656.
The Ashcroft Trade Compliance Department will initiate an investigation and evaluate against standards of regulatory conduct and will recommend the proper resolution within the boundaries of international trade policies, export controls and U.S. and foreign government agencies.
The Trade Compliance Department will be the liaison with Customs Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Facilitation of Safety & Security, Ashcroft (Stratford, CT) U.S. Facility
Ashcroft in Stratford, CT is a U.S. licensed manufacturing facility through The U.S. Department of State. We employ the following safety and security practices to protect our people, products, and processes:
Documentation Processing: Procedures are in place to ensure that all information used in the clearing of merchandise and cargo is legible, complete, accurate and protected against the exchange, loss or introduction of erroneous information.
Manifesting Procedures: Importer Security Filing (ISF) for ocean and master airway bills along with commercial invoices and packing slip auditing procedures are in place to help ensure the integrity of cargo received from outside of the U.S.
Shipping and Receiving: Shipping weights and dimensions along with proper labeling, country of origin markings and piece counts are verified. Imported cargo is verified against the packing list and internal purchase order placed with the supplier.
Departing Cargo: Exported cargo is verified against purchase or manifest delivery orders. The Electronic Export Information (EEI) is submitted to AES/ACE for shipments over $2500 USD (or as required). Truck drivers delivering or receiving cargo are positively identified before cargo is released or received.
Physical Security: Cargo handling and storage facilities have physical barriers and deterrents that are intended to guard against unauthorized access.
Cargo Discrepancies: All shortages, overages, and other significant discrepancies are investigated. Customs and/or other appropriate law enforcement agencies are notified if illegal or suspicious activities are detected.
Security and Threat Awareness: Ashcroft has onsite security personnel. Physical inspections and surveys are performed by Ashcroft personnel and are kept on file.
Gates, Gate House and Physical Access Controls: For safety and security, there is one gated access entry for daily deliveries onto the premises. For the safety of employees and visitors, and for the protection of company assets, access controls prevent unauthorized entry to the facility. Access controls include the positive identification of all employees, visitors and vendors at all points of entry. Visitors that enter onto the Ashcroft premises are escorted and monitored.
Alarm Systems and Video Surveillance Cameras: Ashcroft alarm systems and video surveillance cameras are in place and are utilized to monitor the premises to prevent unauthorized access to cargo handling and storage areas.
Domestic and Foreign Visitors: Ashcroft's Stratford, CT U.S. headquarters has a U.S. State Department technology control plan in place. Visitors must present photo identification for documentation purposes and must advise if they are a foreign national upon arrival. All visitors are escorted at all times.
Deliveries (including mail): Proper vendor identification and/or photo identification must be presented for documentation purposes upon arrival by all vendors. All packages and mail are screened before being delivered throughout the Ashcroft Stratford, CT facility.
Financial Auditing: Ashcroft internal financial J-SOX audits are conducted by non affiliated financial auditing firms to ensure Ashcroft's ongoing financial health.
Our Stewardship & Principle
Ashcroft is committed to all regulatory policies and procedures. The Trade Compliance Team keeps current with all applicable national and international compliance laws and regulations. The team identifies business transactions that may potentially violate those statutes.
Ashcroft's commitment to maintain integrity in all business transactions is supported through identification and avoidance of improper influence. Strict separation of business and personal interests is maintained to prevent illegal, unethical, or improper conduct. Commitment and adherence to regulatory transparency in all Import and Export transactions is of the utmost importance.
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