Niagara Region
In Person
Canadian exporters are navigating an increasingly complex U.S. tariff and compliance environment, often absorbing unnecessary duties that erode margins and limit growth.
This complimentary, in-person CUSMA Compliance Workshop equips businesses with the practical knowledge needed to qualify goods correctly, reduce duty risk, and protect U.S. market access.
Delivered in partnership with Niagara Economic Development and led by trade and customs experts, the session breaks down CUSMA rules of origin, product classification, certification requirements, and audit readiness in clear, business-focused terms, with real-world supply chain examples.
Participants will leave with actionable steps they can apply immediately, and the option to book confidential one-on-one clinics with trade lawyers, customs brokers, and supply-chain advisors to address company-specific compliance and margin challenges.
Key takeaways include:
- How to determine whether your products truly qualify under CUSMA Rules of Origin
- Common classification and certification errors that lead to unnecessary duties
- Practical strategies to protect margins amid ongoing tariff volatility
- What U.S. customs authorities look for in audits—and how to prepare
- When and how to engage legal, brokerage, or supply-chain expertise to reduce risk
Additional CUSMA workshops will be listed soon. Check back at bot.com/cusma for new dates and locations, or email wtc@bot.com for updates.
Upcoming regions include:
- City of Toronto
- Peel/Halton
- Vaughan
- Ottawa
The session is free to attend, with gratitude to Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Small and medium sized business owners, leaders, and CEOs.
Operations and logistics managers, customs and compliance teams, finance and accounting leads, and anyone responsible for North American shipping documentation.
Agenda
8:30 – 9:00 | Arrival & Registration
- Check-in and light refreshments
- One-on-one clinic sign-ups (optional)
9:00 – 9:15 | Welcome & Why This Matters
- The current tariff environment and rising compliance risk
- Why many firms are paying duties they don’t owe
- The real business impact of getting CUSMA wrong: margins, pricing power, and U.S. market access
9:15 – 10:15 | CUSMA in Practice: What Exporters Need to Know (Panel + Q&A)
- Rules of Origin & qualification
- Product Classification & eligibility
10:15 – 11:15 | CUSMA Audit Readiness: Build a Verification-Ready Origin File
- How to Survive a CBSA/CBP Review
11:15 – 11:30 | From Knowledge to Action – Workshop Wrap-up
11:30 – 1:30 | Optional One-on-One CUSMA Clinics (Stay Behind)
For participants with specific challenges who would like to stay behind to have a session with a Trade Lawyer, Custom Broker or Trade & Supply-Chain Advisor.
Participants who do not require clinics are free to depart at 11:30
Speakers
-
Jim Trubits
VP of Business Development, Mohawk Global
-
Susan Dafoe
Consulting Manager, Cole International
-
Jon P. Yormick
Founder, Yormick Law LLC
Tickets & Registration
Registration is free of charge and now open. Register Here: Begin Registration: CUSMA Compliance Workshop: Avoiding the U.S. Tariff Trap
*Limited spots available
