Applying Global Compliance Standards in a Diverse Regulatory Environment

Phillip Poland, Director, Customs and Regulatory Affairs, DHL Express Americas Region

As a global organization operating in 220 countries and territories globally, a major challenge for DHL Express is to establish compliance standards that can be applied globally. At DHL Express our Chief Executive Officer encourages employees to “think global; act local”, but this can be difficult to achieve when regulations vary globally. This challenge is increasing difficult in the area of international trade law as it relates to export and sanction controls. Countries globally are passing new laws and regulations on a regular basis in reaction to terrorism, threats of nuclear weapons, violations of human rights, and civil unrest. In this article we will look at how companies can apply harmonized global standards around sanctions, embargoes, and party screening of designated entities while remaining flexible to respond to changing local laws and regulations.