Latest news with #KellyMartinez
Fibre2Fashion
3 days ago
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Textiles face complex origin verification, FTA compliance: ePost
Amid heightened scrutiny of the US de minimis rule, escalating tariff tensions, and stricter customs enforcement in key global markets, a new analysis from ePost Global highlights a troubling trend: the most valuable product categories are also the most exposed to regulatory complexity. Leading the list is apparel and textiles, which account for 39.2 per cent of shipment value and are subject to intricate origin verification processes and stringent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) compliance requirements. Cross-border e-commerce has hit a regulatory wall that's driving up costs and catching retailers unprepared. The study of 15.6 million international shipments worth $421 million has revealed that nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of product categories now fall into tariff-sensitive classifications, with customs authorities around the world significantly ramping up enforcement. A new ePost Global report warns that cross-border e-commerce is facing rising regulatory challenges, with apparel and textiles (39.2 per cent of shipment value) hit hardest by complex origin checks and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) compliance requirements. Of 15.6 million shipments analyzed, 73 per cent fall under tariff-sensitive categories. Findings from ePost's 2025 Shipping Optimisation Analysis Report expose a hidden crisis brewing in global retail supply chains, with 42 per cent of shipment value now tied to high-complexity customs categories that face intense scrutiny—such as electronics, luxury goods, and food items. "Retailers are sailing into a perfect storm of regulatory changes," said Kelly Martinez, founder and co-president of ePost Global . "The cross-border boom that fuelled e-commerce growth is now confronting a wall of protectionist policies, with customs authorities converting what used to be routine shipments into complex compliance challenges." "The rules of global commerce are being rewritten in real time," said Martinez. "Brands that thrived in the era of simplified cross-border shipping now find themselves facing a maze of regulatory hurdles that can demolish profit margins overnight if they're unprepared." The data reveals key strategic advantages for retailers who adapt to the evolving regulatory landscape. Notably, 97 per cent of all shipments still qualify under the EU's €150 (~$170.31) de minimis threshold, presenting a significant opportunity for cost-effective cross-border sales. Additionally, with over 52 per cent of product categories averaging under $20 in value, there is untapped potential for consolidation strategies. By adopting value-based shipping models, retailers can better navigate tariff challenges—an increasingly important tactic as recent policy shifts close loopholes that once allowed low-value packages to enter duty-free. ePost's analysis further shows that retailers who systematically address four critical documentation elements—product descriptions, HS codes, declared values, and country of origin—can gain significant advantages in speed-to-customer and cost efficiency. "What used to be back-office paperwork decisions have become make-or-break factors for international retail strategy," Martinez warned. "A single misclassified shipment or incomplete customs form can trigger cascading delays, fines, and customer disappointment that damages brand reputation." Furthermore, Alison Layfield, director of product development at ePost Global , cautions that "defaulting on HS codes is no longer safe – your product could end up with a 25 per cent tariff. Customs is now requiring accurate classifications, which equates to clear descriptions, correct HS codes, declared value and actual country of origin based on the manufacturer." Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
73% of Cross-Border Shipments Face Tariff Challenges, ePost Data Finds
CYPRESS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cross-border e-commerce has hit a regulatory wall that's driving up costs and catching retailers unprepared, according to a new analysis from ePost Global. The study of 15.6 million international shipments worth $421 million reveals that nearly three-quarters (73%) of product categories now fall into tariff-sensitive classifications, with customs authorities around the world significantly ramping up enforcement. The findings from ePost's 2025 Shipping Optimization Analysis Report expose a hidden crisis brewing in global retail supply chains, with 42% of shipment value now tied to high-complexity customs categories that face intense scrutiny, including electronics, luxury goods, and food items. "Retailers are sailing into a perfect storm of regulatory changes," said Kelly Martinez, Founder and Co-President of ePost Global. "The cross-border boom that fueled e-commerce growth is now confronting a wall of protectionist policies, with customs authorities converting what used to be routine shipments into complex compliance challenges." The $421 million warning sign Amid heightened scrutiny of the U.S. de minimis rule, growing tariff tensions, and increasingly strict customs enforcement across major global markets, the analysis reveals that the most valuable product categories are also the most vulnerable to regulatory complexity: Apparel & textiles (39.2% of shipment value) – Subject to complex origin verification and Free Trade Agreement compliance Luxury & personal items (16.8%) – Face increased value declaration scrutiny and security measures Electronics & technology (10.0%) – Complicated by region-specific restrictions and battery safety regulations "The rules of global commerce are being rewritten in real time," said Martinez. "Brands that thrived in the era of simplified cross-border shipping now find themselves facing a maze of regulatory hurdles that can demolish profit margins overnight if they're unprepared." Hidden loopholes in the new regulatory landscape The data reveals several strategic advantages for retailers who understand the new regulatory terrain: 97% of all shipments still qualify under the EU's €150 de minimis threshold, creating a critical strategic opportunity Over 52% of product categories have average values under $20, suggesting untapped potential for consolidation strategies Value-based shipping approaches can help retailers sidestep the most punishing tariff traps This strategic approach becomes especially relevant as recent policy changes close loopholes that previously allowed low-value packages to enter duty-free. The new compliance imperative ePost's analysis reveals that retailers who systematically address four critical documentation elements – product descriptions, HS codes, declared values, and country of origin – can achieve significant competitive advantages in speed-to-customer and cost efficiency. "What used to be back-office paperwork decisions have become make-or-break factors for international retail strategy," Martinez warned. "A single misclassified shipment or incomplete customs form can trigger cascading delays, fines, and customer disappointment that damages brand reputation." Furthermore, Alison Layfield, director of product development at ePost Global, cautions that "defaulting on HS codes is no longer safe – your product could end up with a 25% tariff. Customs is now requiring accurate classifications, which equates to clear descriptions, correct HS codes, declared value and actual country of origin based on the manufacturer." The complete 2025 Shipping Optimization Analysis with detailed strategic recommendations is available here. Analysis Methodology The data reflects customer shipment patterns tracked by ePost Global throughout 2024 and includes consolidated information across product categories, shipment values, and customs classifications. ePost Global analyzed 15.6 million shipments valued at $421 million. Categories were assessed for tariff exposure and customs complexity, and evaluated for optimization potential under international de minimis thresholds. About ePost Global ePost Global delivers cost-effective, global delivery solutions through strategically located processing centers throughout the United States. By combining technology and global logistics expertise, ePost Global optimizes delivery workflows, enhances visibility for all phases of delivery, and simplifies international shipping complexity.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
4S Ranch fifth grader wins ‘Sheriff for the Day' contest
4S RANCH, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A fifth grader at Stone Ranch Elementary School in 4S Ranch got a sweet surprise from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office Thursday. Sheriff Kelly Martinez and members of her command staff visited Ashwin Sundaresan during class to announce him as the 'Sheriff for the Day' contest winner. Savannah Bananas bringing different style of baseball to Petco Park Here is the winning essay that Sundaresan submitted for the contest: 'Hi, my name is Ashwin and I'm in the 5th grade. When I grow up, I want to be a Sheriff in San Diego County. Some people want to be astronauts or doctors, but I want to help people right here in my own beautiful county. I want to be a Sheriff because I think it's really important to keep people safe. When someone is scared or in trouble, the Sheriff is the one they can count on. I want to be the kind of person who listens and shows up when people need help. Also, I like being a leader and working with others, and Sheriffs do a lot of that every day. If I were the Sheriff, I would do more than just prevent crime or punish criminals. I would visit schools to talk to kids about safety and being kind to each other. I'd make sure there were more neighborhood events, so people could get to know one another better. I think when people feel like they're part of a community, they're nicer to each other. I'd also help people who don't have homes or need food by working with shelters and food banks. Being a Sheriff means caring about everyone, not just the people who follow the rules. Everyone deserves help sometimes. I know it's a big job, but I'm not afraid of working hard. I want to be a Sheriff so I can make a real difference and show that even one person can help a whole town feel safe and happy.' Sundaresan, who was sworn in as Sheriff for the Day, also received a special tour of the Sheriff's Office. 'The reason I applied for this is because I'm a part of our school student safety patrol, so I keep fellow students at my school safe. And I wanted to learn more about how a sheriff keeps the local community safe,' Sundaresan said in front of the sheriff's staff. The sheriff's department wanted to thank all the fifth graders who participated in the Sheriff for the Day essay contest. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How to obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons permit in San Diego County
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego County Sheriff's Office recently announced that the department, under the leadership of Sheriff Kelly Martinez, has been working to improve the efficiency and accessibility of its Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit application process. In doing so, authorities said significant changes have been implemented to reduce wait times and enhance service for applicants while maintaining the integrity of the process. Sheriff Martinez is responsible for issuing CCW permits across the entire county, not just in areas under the sheriff's jurisdiction. According to her office, she has prioritized making the application process faster and more user-friendly. Through a series of innovative changes, the time it takes to process a CCW permit application has been reduced from 18 months to approximately eight months. As explained by the sheriff's office, the CCW application process has been streamlined to increase efficiency. Applicants now complete their application online, select an appointment date, and pay the initial fee upfront. After the appointment, the information is sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) to check the applicant's criminal history, date of violation, and if complete details regarding a final disposition have been given to the DOJ. The sheriff's office said applicants will receive a determination on their CCW application within approximately 90 days. SpaceX's 'Dragon' spacecraft splashes down off the Oceanside coast If approved, applicants will be instructed to complete a required training course, which ranges from eight to 16 hours depending on whether they are new applicants or renewing their permits. The sheriff's office explained that though there is progress with the process, staffing limitations remain a challenge. Currently, the Licensing and Criminal Registration Division employs 15 permanent staff members and four part-time retired employees. To address this, Sheriff Martinez has supplemented staffing with detectives who assist in the permitting process. Additionally, the office is looking into increasing automation and technology solutions to further expedite the process. A new program, CCW Pro, is also being developed by the sheriff's Data Services Division to streamline the permit process, with features like automated status updates and notifications. These technological advancements are expected to reduce wait times further in the future. Sheriff Martinez has also been a vocal supporter of legislation that could help improve the CCW permitting process. She backed Assembly Bill 1092, which sought to extend the CCW permit renewal period from two years to three or four years. Such an extension would allow the Sheriff's office to better allocate resources, reducing costs for applicants and further streamlining the overall process. $10M Scratchers ticket sold at market in East County To be eligible for a CCW permit in San Diego County, the sheriff's office explained that residents must meet several criteria, as listed below: They are a San Diego County resident and can provide two valid proofs of residency (Penal Code 26150). They are not a disqualified person. (Penal Code 26202). They are not prohibited by state or federal law from possessing, receiving, owning or purchasing a firearm (Penal Code 26185). They complete the required CCW training course, as described in Penal Code 26165. Recent court rulings make out-of-state residents visiting San Diego (or other counties) eligible to obtain a CCW permit in California. The sheriff's License and Criminal Registration Division is working out the process to accommodate those applicants. The sheriff's office said it's committed to maintaining the safety and well-being of the community while ensuring efficient customer service for those applying for CCW permits. Sheriff Martinez and her team expressed dedication to refining the process, balancing public safety, the rights of law-abiding citizens, and operational efficiency. For more information on how to apply for a CCW permit in San Diego County, visit the sheriff's office website or contact the License and Criminal Registration Division. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
