Become a Member

Assisting Governments Tracking Cross-Border Trade-Related Crimes

The International Trade Council provides critical support to governments in identifying and tracking cross-border crimes related to the movement of goods. Through comprehensive analysis, intelligence gathering, and leveraging expert insights, we assist authorities in pinpointing illegal activities that disrupt international trade. By tapping into global trade data and scrutinizing customs documentation, we offer actionable intelligence that helps governments better understand and counteract these threats.

Our expertise, coupled with the use of advanced technology, enables us to uncover various illicit activities, including smuggling, goods misdeclaration, and sanctions avoidance. These activities not only undermine global trade regulations but also weaken economic stability and national security. By identifying these crimes early, we help prevent financial losses and ensure that international trade remains transparent and compliant with laws and standards.

Reconciling Export and Import Data

We help governments reconcile discrepancies between goods listed as leaving one port and arriving at another, often revealing fraudulent bills of lading that may have been changed while at sea.

Country of Origin Anomalies

Using our advanced AI tools we can identify mismatches between declared and actual countries of origin, ensuring that goods comply with preferential trade agreements and applicable tariffs.

Price Discrepancies

By analyzing trade data, we identify goods that are sold or purchased at prices significantly different from average market rates, a key indicator of money laundering or smuggling.

Misdeclared Goods (Wrong HS Code)

We track sellers or recipients who misclassify goods using incorrect Harmonized System (HS) codes to avoid tariffs or import restrictions, revealing patterns of misdeclaration.

Ship Renaming

We help detect cases where ships are renamed or falsely registered to obscure their involvement in illegal trade or sanctions violations.

Transshipments

Our research uncovers illicit transshipment activities, where goods are rerouted through intermediary countries to disguise their true origin or destination.

Ghost Shipments

We track instances where goods are declared but never actually shipped, exposing fraudulent activities intended to move money or claim tax refunds.

Dual-Use Items

We monitor the trade of dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes, helping governments prevent unauthorized sales to restricted entities.

Sanctions Avoidance

Our team assists in identifying companies and individuals attempting to evade international sanctions by diverting goods through sanctioned countries or entities.

Document Falsification

We help customs authorities detect falsified shipping documents, including bills of lading, certificates of origin, and commercial invoices.

Free Trade Zone Exploitation

We analyze the use of free trade zones, which are often exploited to launder money or evade customs duties, ensuring better control over these areas.

Undervaluation and Overvaluation

We investigate cases of intentional undervaluation or overvaluation of goods to minimize tax liabilities or facilitate illicit financial flows.

Fraudulent Insurance Claims

By tracking trade routes and verifying shipping documentation, we help identify cases where fraudulent insurance claims are filed for supposedly “lost” goods.

Illegal Shipments of Controlled Goods

Our team works to identify the illegal trade of controlled goods, such as endangered wildlife products, weapons, and restricted chemicals.

Unusual Trade Route Deviations

We help detect unusual deviations in trade routes that may indicate smuggling operations, especially in high-value items like oil and precious metals.

False Labeling for Import Duty Avoidance

We investigate cases where importers falsely label goods to exploit lower tariff rates, ensuring that governments collect the correct duties.

The International Trade Council is a global, peak-body, chamber of commerce that supports businesses and governments by providing resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities to promote international trade and foreign direct investment. It serves as a platform for organizations to collaborate, share knowledge, and navigate the complexities of global markets.