Navigating Ecommerce Regulations And Compliance

Origin is origin. It doesn’t matter if your shipment is routed through Canada, Mexico, or any other country. If the product was manufactured in China, it remains ineligible for de minimis (Section 321 / T86). The country of origin is determined by where the goods were made, not where they were shipped from. And here’s the kicker: If even one product in the shipment has Chinese origin, the entire shipment loses its de minimis eligibility. So, what does this mean for your duties and taxes on Chinese-origin goods? It means they just got expensive. When you file through Entry Type 11 or 01, here’s the breakdown of what you could be facing: - Normal Tariff - Section 301 Tariff (if applicable) - Additional 10% Tariff (always applicable) - Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) (min/max varies based on entry type & value, $2-$600+) - & potentially other fee's based on product and mode (think HMF, AD, etc.) The costs can add up quickly, but staying compliant is the only way to avoid penalties and delays. Tips to Stay Compliant: - Know and validate the country of origin. Don’t rely on where the shipment is coming from. - Provide detailed descriptions and ensure accurate HTS classifications. The landscape is complex and the game has changed. Have questions about de minimis or duties? THere's a wicked smart community here and my DM's are always open. Stay safe out there and remember, compliance matters.

🎯𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐄𝐔 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐭🎯 by J. Scott Marcus, Kamil Sekut and Kai Zenner/ Bruegel   📚Aims to provide a comprehensive view of legislative measures relevant to digitalization enacted during 2009-2014, 2014-2019, and the current legislative session in the #EU. 📚Covers governmental and non-governmental bodies at the EU level contributing to the implementation and enforcement of digitalization-related legislative measures. 📚 Includes 104 laws (planned, in negotiation, adopted) and 66 entities that are crucial for the digital sector.    📒Table 1 🟡Provides an overview of legislative measures classified into categories such as Research & Innovation, Industrial Policy, Connectivity, Data & Privacy, Cybersecurity, Law Enforcement, Trust & Safety, E-commerce & Consumer Protection, Competition, IPR & Media, and Finance. 🟡Distinguishes between enacted measures, those in the legislative process, and initiatives announced but not yet formally in the process. 🟡Links to the detailed text of enacted or negotiated legislation provided.     📓Table 2: ⚫ Provides a list and taxonomy of EU bodies contributing to the implementation and enforcement of digitalization-related legislative measures. ⚫Includes EU institutions, Executive agencies, Decentralized agencies, Governing boards, Independent bodies, Advisory bodies, Networks of Member States, and European Standardization Organizations (ESOs).   📘Key Legislative Files for the Current Term: include 🔵1. Digital Markets Act (#DMA) 🔵2. Digital Services Act (#DSA) 🔵3. Data Act 🔵4. Artificial Intelligence Act (#AI Act)   📗Latest Developments Include: 🟢DMA and DSA have already been enacted, but supporting decisions are needed. 🟢Data Act trialogue negotiations completed; final law publication expected in autumn. 🟢AI Act political agreement achieved; trialogue negotiations between Parliament and Council pending. 🟢Possible legislative proposal for large content and application providers' contributions to broadband networks, but enactment before the legislative session's end is uncertain.   🔗https://lnkd.in/efhBXtrz

💡 Amazon just rolled out a useful feature: Fee Explainers. If you’ve ever looked at a fee on your seller account and wondered why you were charged or how it was calculated—this is for you. Fee Explainers break down: ✅ What the fee is (definition) ✅ What affects it (attributes/variables) ✅ How it’s calculated (math behind it) The tool covers the following fee types: ● Subscription ● Referral ● Variable closing ● Fixed closing ● Refund administration ● Customer return ● High-return rate processing ● Removal ● Disposal You can now see these in both preview tools (like the Revenue Calculator) and review tools (like the Transaction view). It’s a big step forward in transparency—and I love that.

On August 1, 2024, the European Union's AI Act came into force, bringing in new regulations that will impact how AI technologies are developed and used within the E.U., with far-reaching implications for U.S. businesses. The AI Act represents a significant shift in how artificial intelligence is regulated within the European Union, setting standards to ensure that AI systems are ethical, transparent, and aligned with fundamental rights. This new regulatory landscape demands careful attention for U.S. companies that operate in the E.U. or work with E.U. partners. Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it's an opportunity to strengthen your business by building trust and demonstrating a commitment to ethical AI practices. This guide provides a detailed look at the key steps to navigate the AI Act and how your business can turn compliance into a competitive advantage. 🔍 Comprehensive AI Audit: Begin with thoroughly auditing your AI systems to identify those under the AI Act’s jurisdiction. This involves documenting how each AI application functions and its data flow and ensuring you understand the regulatory requirements that apply. 🛡️ Understanding Risk Levels: The AI Act categorizes AI systems into four risk levels: minimal, limited, high, and unacceptable. Your business needs to accurately classify each AI application to determine the necessary compliance measures, particularly those deemed high-risk, requiring more stringent controls. 📋 Implementing Robust Compliance Measures: For high-risk AI applications, detailed compliance protocols are crucial. These include regular testing for fairness and accuracy, ensuring transparency in AI-driven decisions, and providing clear information to users about how their data is used. 👥 Establishing a Dedicated Compliance Team: Create a specialized team to manage AI compliance efforts. This team should regularly review AI systems, update protocols in line with evolving regulations, and ensure that all staff are trained on the AI Act's requirements. 🌍 Leveraging Compliance as a Competitive Advantage: Compliance with the AI Act can enhance your business's reputation by building trust with customers and partners. By prioritizing transparency, security, and ethical AI practices, your company can stand out as a leader in responsible AI use, fostering stronger relationships and driving long-term success. #AI #AIACT #Compliance #EthicalAI #EURegulations #AIRegulation #TechCompliance #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessStrategy #Innovation 

TikTok Shop is making a BIG push towards product quality (and listings). While everyone's focused on commission rates and creator collaborations, TikTok is quietly building the infrastructure for a quality-focused marketplace that could fundamentally change how DTC brands approach social commerce. The platform's new quality standards are strategic guardrails designed to create sustainable competitive advantages for sellers who take them seriously. A few observations worth sharing: 1️⃣ Self-testing requirements are particularly strict for fragile items. If you're in beauty, home goods, or electronics, TikTok is demanding comprehensive pre-market testing. This is about training their algorithm to preference listings with lower return rates. 2️⃣ The emphasis on "clarity is everything" for assembly instructions signals TikTok's awareness that post-purchase experience drives repeat customers. Sellers that invest in superior documentation will see downstream benefits in review quality. 3️⃣ The platform's focus on review management is about feeding their recommendation engine with sentiment data. Brands actively responding to feedback are getting algorithmic preference. TikTok Shop's core value proposition is "authentic content that drives impulse purchases." Now they're protecting the very trust mechanism that makes creator-driven commerce work. For brands considering TikTok Shop: either meet these standards proactively or struggle with poor visibility and higher acquisition costs later. The sellers who will win on this platform are focused on building quality-centric operations that translate naturally into the content-commerce ecosystem TikTok is building.

From the Trenches in SEA: Affiliate & Shoppertainment That Actually Converts (Not Vanity) Why it matters - SEA ecommerce hit US$145.2 B GMV in 2024, with US$16.8 B driven by social & live commerce. - TikTok Shop now owns 13–14% of SEA ecommerce, second only to Shopee’s 48% share. - Live & video commerce grew 30% month-on-month last year — projected to hit US$20 B GMV in SEA from TikTok alone. What’s working right now - Localized creators > polished KOLs – Tier‑2 city micro‑creators are outperforming macro names because they’re trusted. - Hyper-authentic affiliate flow – Relatable content → in-app click → instant purchase → sellers only pay for actual sales. - Viral loop → brand deals – Start with a product review, drive sales, earn commission, then get gifted products & collabs. Trenches-Tested Tips for REAL ROI 1.  Start with paid experimentation – Test a single trending SKU, run a native TikTok video, track results for 7–10 days. 2.  Go live with context & urgency – 60% of beauty/fashion GMV in SEA now happens during live sessions. 3.  Disclose transparently – Declare affiliate links, free samples, or commissions; both platforms & buyers expect clarity. 4.  Localize everything – SEA buyers rely on COD, e-wallets & local trust cues (Halal, humor, language). 5.  Scale legally – Get contracts for commission models, VAT/KYC sorted, and track cross-border tax implications. Tangibles, Not Hype - Creator-funded travel – Affiliates now fund SEA trips purely from TikTok Shop commissions. - Beauty livestreams breaking records – SEA beauty brands routinely cross US$500K+ per livestream. - Micro → macro journey – Creators start with <10K followers, test products, build trust, then secure free products & paid brand deals. SEA-Wide Credibility - Momentum Works confirms TikTok & Shopee now capture 84% of SEA platform GMV. - DataReportal: TikTok ads reached 1.59B people in Jan 2025 — nearly 20% of the global population. - Campaign Asia/BCG: SEA live commerce grew 30% MoM in 2023—this is the new distribution chain. Final word: This isn’t about vanity metrics — it’s hard results, real money, and legal rigor. SEA’s affiliate + live commerce revolution is democratizing retail: brands, creators, agencies — the moment is now. Engage with me: - Comment with your SEA live commerce experience. - Let’s co-create a playbook for authentic affiliate conversions. - Tag a creator who’s turning credibility into commerce. Disclaimer All data and examples are based on publicly available reports and creator experiences. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always ensure compliance with local laws and platform policies. #TikTokShop #SocialCommerce #AffiliateMarketing #CreatorEconomy #EcommerceSEA https://lnkd.in/gVGt4_bG

Not all labs are meeting Amazon’s standards, and starting July 13, that will matter more than ever.   Not all compliance documents are created equal and it is easy to assume that if a lab can give you a certificate, you’re good to go.   However, Amazon is changing how it validates risk by tightening control over where your compliance documentation originates. If your lab is on the suspended list, even if your product is safe, your document will be rejected.   Starting July 13: • Amazon will only accept product test results from labs that meet internal safety and authenticity standards. • Documents issued by labs flagged as non-compliant will be automatically rejected. • Sellers who previously used banned labs may be required to resubmit documentation to avoid listing removal. • The list of suspended labs will continue to evolve, it's your responsibility to monitor it.   Two suspended labs already include: • Bay Area Compliance Laboratories Corp. (Dongguan) • Shenzhen LCS Compliance Testing Laboratory Ltd.   Amazon is no longer treating compliance as a check-the-box exercise. They’re treating it as a trust signal, a way to score your product, your supplier, and your risk to the platform.   So it's time to think of it from the safety and defensibility side, because the wrong lab doesn’t just slow your listing approval, it signals to Amazon that your documentation chain is weak, and we all know how bad it can turn.   So what should sellers and agencies do? • Review your past compliance submissions. If they came from now-suspended labs, be proactive. • Bookmark and regularly check Amazon’s approved lab directory: https://lnkd.in/gU2pAgeG • When sourcing new documents, confirm the lab meets Amazon's current requirements before you pay.   The cost of using the “easy” lab isn’t worth the operational risk, if your backend can’t stand up to audit, your brand won’t scale.   #AmazonCompliance #MarketplaceOps #AmazonSellers

Supplements are not always what they claim to be. SuppCo tested popular Creatine Gummies and found that 4 out of 6 had little to no Creatine in them. The second-best-selling product on Amazon, with 30,000 purchases last month, contains no creatine. Link to the report in comments. How is this possible? ⚖️ Lack of pre-market testing Unlike pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements in the U.S. are not approved by the FDA before they go to market. The FDA expects companies to self-regulate and follow Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) — but there’s no routine pre-sale inspection or validation. 🎭 Label Fraud + “Dusting” Some bad actors intentionally “pixie-dust” an ingredient or add none at all — hoping no one ever tests it. They often focus on short-term sales and ads, planning to rebrand before getting caught. Because enforcement is slow, the short-term ROI can outweigh the long-term legal risk for shady players. 🧾 Loose Enforcement & Limited Oversight While the FDA and FTC have the authority to issue warning letters, enforce product recalls, and pursue civil/criminal charges…these actions require resources and lab validation. FDA inspections are typically reactive, rather than proactive.

Imagine losing $2 million in sales in just 10 days because Amazon accused you of review manipulation. That’s exactly what happened to one of our clients, a 9-figure seller who nearly lost their entire business. By the time they brought us in, Amazon was ready to keep their entire account down, for good.  We moved fast and built a rock-solid appeal to counter Amazon's most recent denial messaging.  Two days after submission, Amazon responded: They told the seller they could avoid suspension if they agreed to every point in the appeal and proved they would never engage in review abuse again. How did they prove it? They described full and complete execution of each measure they'd implemented to ensure no mistakes would occur again, and they proved that many legitimate reviews had been deleted in error.  Amazon accepted the appeal and another large account was saved. There are valuable lessons for ALL sellers here: 1. When you blindly trust a third-party marketing or revenue growth marketing service who doesn't know or care what Amazon policies are, you'll get caught eventually, if not immediately. And you’ll pay a hefty price. 2. Amazon is expanding "zero tolerance" policies, and bumping up their commitment to enforcement. ASIN-level violations can put your entire account at risk. While enforcement isn't consistent, that only makes this less predictable & more scary. 3. Don’t hastily cast about, then pay for, amateur-level solutions. It could take you loads of time to revamp your appeals strategy if you begin with bargain-basement generic templates or off-message, tone deaf appeals.  Every day you do this the wrong way equals money lost, right? If your account means something to you, avoid early errors.  

Amazon’s AI is getting smarter—and it’s no longer just scanning your listings. It’s now crawling your entire web presence for compliance issues. Not just what’s on Amazon… but what’s on your Shopify site, WooCommerce store, and even inside your product images. And yes, sellers are already getting flagged. One brand had their listing pulled over a claim that never appeared on Amazon. It was on their own website. Here’s what Amazon’s AI is now monitoring (off-Amazon): 1: Product claims like “clinically tested” or “FDA approved” on your website 2: Text in your product images (Amazon uses OCR to read it) 3: Price mismatches across channels like Walmart, eBay, and your site And no… this isn’t manual moderation. This is automated. What you need to do now: → Audit your website and landing pages for compliance red flags → Remove risky language from image overlays  → Align pricing across all sales channels 📌 If Amazon spots something they don’t like—anywhere—it could cost you your listing. Amazon is no longer just looking in the box. It’s looking everywhere. Stay ahead... or risk getting shut down.