David
Merritt

Director, Global Trade Consulting, Europe & Asia

Working Both Sides

With over 58 years of international trade compliance experience, David has developed a deep expertise in customs and export controls for global organizations. He has conducted numerous compliance-related assessments, audits, and due-diligence reviews throughout the EMEA region and abroad. He also provides advice and training to major multinational companies on logistics, import and export control policies, regulations, and licensing procedures.

David has worked for years "on both sides of the logistics tracks" with cargo carriers and customs agents and with IT suppliers in the production of regulatory software. "Carriers have helped me understand timelines and competitive concerns," he says. "At the same time, there's an inviolable need for regulatory compliance through all stages of the supply chain to avoid costly delays and potential penalties."

"I support regulatory officers in our client organizations who also have competing tasks. They must keep the company compliant yet get the goods out the door. Our independent third set of eyes gives them clarity on balancing those conflicting priorities.”

On the importance of consistently communicating with clients: "I follow regulatory changes on a daily basis. That makes it easy to forget that for our clients this is NOT their daily activity. They are in the business of making, selling, and delivering products. So if a change in trade regulations might affect a client's business model, I help them understand how they need to prepare. That fortifies trust."

Professional ethos: The best solution with the least burden. "Almost all of our clients all have issues that require regulatory-related solutions. Our priority is to introduce best-in-class processes and procedures that can be part of their current work flows rather than introducing a bolt-on process that could interrupt the manufacturing or sales process and require additional resources. Ideally, greater efficiency also results in lower cost. That’s always the goal."

Work of note: The roll out of HM Revenue and Customs computerized declaration services at Heathrow Airport. "The software resulted in repeatable, auditable, and accurate processing of data for the authorities. Following the implementation, business increased 10-fold for my employer yet resourcing was kept to a minimum."

David's work with regulatory controls in the many verticals he has assessed led to his selection as a subject matter expert supporting the UK government Department for Business and Trade in the development of replacement free trade agreements following Brexit. He continues that work, which now includes India, Canada, and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).