Activity Code 3a – Instruments of International Traffic

This article is based on a recent webinar hosted by Roanoke Insurance Group President Karen Rzeszutko and featuring expert perspectives from Roanoke Regional Vice President Erik Wilsgard and Lenny Feldman, managing partner, operating committee, at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg P.A. Compliance with import regulations has taken on even greater importance in 2026, with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ushering in an “Age of Enforcement.” CBP is concerned about importers’ compliance practices and has expressed a strong interest in working with the community of customs brokers, sureties and servicing partners to improve importer vetting. Vetting is an ongoing responsibility, […]

A new bill introduced in the U.S. Senate could bring meaningful changes to how importers of record operate and how customs bonds are issued and managed. Senator Bill Cassidy recently introduced legislation intended to strengthen protections against fraudulent trade practices and the misuse of importer-of-record structures. The bill is designed to provide U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with additional tools to address concerns around non-resident importers and shell companies that may evade duties or compliance obligations. Key Provisions in the Proposed Legislation While the bill is still early in the legislative process, several provisions could affect companies involved in […]

Roanoke Insurance Group is proud to announce that Karen Rzeszutko has been recognized as one of Insurance Business America’s Elite Women for 2026. Each year, Insurance Business America honors women across the insurance industry who are making a meaningful impact through leadership, innovation, and service. The Elite Women award celebrates professionals who are helping shape the future of insurance while mentoring the next generation of leaders. Karen’s recognition reflects her commitment to supporting logistics service providers and strengthening partnerships across the global trade community. Through her leadership at Roanoke, she has played a key role in helping clients navigate complex […]

Recent developments from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) have prompted important questions across the customs brokerage community. While the Court invalidated certain IEEPA tariffs, it also remanded key issues for further review. At the same time, new tariffs have been introduced under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. For customs brokers and importers, this evolving landscape raises practical concerns about bond sufficiency, collateral requirements, duty collection, and compliance procedures. As developments continue, we are closely monitoring guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other authorities to […]

By: Alexandra Theunissen, Senior Strategic Relationship Manager Logistics companies are built to keep freight moving on time, with precision and minimal disruption. Yet in conversations I have every day with logistics service providers, it’s clear that cyber incidents now pose one of the most significant threats to that continuity. The concern is no longer limited to data security alone, it extends to operational downtime, misdirected funds, disrupted customer visibility, and the challenge of recovering quickly when critical systems fail. As a Senior Strategic Relationship Manager at Roanoke, I work closely with organizations that rely on interconnected digital systems to operate […]

A recent General Average (GA) declaration on the vessel ONE Henry Hudson has prompted understandable concern among shippers and the logistics community. When GA is declared, cargo may be delayed, documentation requirements can increase, and shippers, especially those without adequate insurance, may face unexpected financial obligations before their goods are released. For logistics service providers, moments like this are an opportunity to offer clarity and confidence. Your clients look to you for guidance, and having a clear, consistent explanation of the GA process helps reduce uncertainty during an already stressful situation. For a step-by-step overview you can share with your […]

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has completed its annual review of importer financial security requirements. This review—conducted each year on October 20—recalculates the financial security (customs bond) needed for each importer’s RM business account. If your required bond amount has increased, you’ll need to update your financial security by January 15, 2026 to remain compliant. Why CBSA Runs an Annual Review Each year, CBSA reassesses every importer’s bond requirement based on the most recent transaction history and import activity. This process ensures that the financial security in place accurately reflects current import volumes and liabilities. Only importers whose required […]