Christine DeFord

Senior Trade Compliance Specialist, TCO

Smiths Detection

09.2015 - 08.2025

United States Certified Export Compliance Officer (USECO)
Empowered Official
Technology Control Officer
Responsible for product classifications under the EAR & ITAR
Reviewed photos, drawings, commercial invoices and bill of materials to determine country of origin
Prepared USMCA form and Certificates of Origins
Comply daily with all U.S export regulations to ensure product is exported following all Department of Commerce & State Department rules & regulations
File export license as needed for Department of Commerce and the State Department
Perform new hire training as well as other specialized training for new & existing employees
Maintain classification for all items in Global Trade Services (GTS)
Research custom notices, pay invoices for bonds, ITAR registration, urgent issues as they arise.
Review GTS holds daily including blocked orders, sanctioned parties & embargo holds
Served as subject matter expert by advising sourcing, procurement, supply chain and management on the new tariff changes and the effect it has directly on import duties and taxes paid as well as US Customs and Border Protection Regulations (CBP).
Reviewed audit and monitoring reports related to import and export activities.
Prepared monthly reports for CEO and Government Security Board.
Prepared documentation and records for upcoming audits and inspections.
Updated import spreadsheets with latest data to enhance strategic planning, due to current tariff changes daily to assist procurement, sourcing and supply chain teams.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of US Trade applicable laws and regulations-Section 301, TSCSA, ADD/CVD, etc.
Collected detailed notes on investigations and other communication to adhere to legal requirements and enhance recordkeeping.
Helped create training programs to handle system-wide issues and maintain compliance.
Confirmed data and licensing information through investigations and notified violators of required changes to bring operations into compliance.
Assisted with development of compliance procedures, objectives and strategies
Identified gaps in existing compliance processes and recommended updates.
Conducted periodic compliance audits and reviews to identify areas of improvement.
Investigated locations to confirm license data, conducted background checked and assessed premises for compliance with licensing requirements.