For SMB importers without dedicated trade compliance staff, outsourced TCO services provide ongoing compliance oversight at fraction of in-house cost. Services: monthly review of compliance posture, audit support, regulatory monitoring, training. Typical fee $2,000-$6,000/month for SMB importers.
This guide covers Outsourced Trade Compliance Officer Service. Importer education spans setup, ongoing operations, and compliance program design.
Practical implementation depends on company size, sector, and operational structure.
When to outsource
SMBs ($5M-$250M revenue) without dedicated trade compliance staff. Insufficient volume to justify full-time hire.
When to hire in-house
$250M+ companies with diverse import portfolios. High-frequency audit exposure. Specialized industry knowledge needs.
Outsourced TCO scope
Monthly compliance review, audit response support, regulatory monitoring, supplier vetting, USMCA Certificate management, training.
Cost comparison
Outsourced: $24-72k/year. In-house: $120-200k+ fully-loaded for senior trade compliance professional.
Frequently asked questions
When does this apply?
Most relevant for SMB importers facing the named situation or considering the named strategy.
What documentation is needed?
Standard CBP forms plus topic-specific records.
What is the timeline?
Initial assessment 2-4 weeks; complex implementation 8-16 weeks.
What does this cost?
Project work typically $5,000-$25,000. Ongoing retainer for active operations.
How do I begin?
Book a 15-minute scoping call. We confirm fit before any engagement.
Get started
Engage on importer setup or compliance program design.