Navigating global trade can be complex for businesses today. Laws change quickly, and new customs rules can disrupt supply chains if companies are not prepared. To help protect client interests and stay ahead of these changes, Sheltered International recently attended the 2026 National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Government Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C.

Represented by Andrew Ciccarone, Sheltered International joined an influential delegation from the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (FCBF) to bring real-world logistics perspectives directly to federal legislators and trade officials. The delegation traveled to the nation’s capital to share real-world shipping experiences with lawmakers and policy leaders.

“Attending the 2026 NCBFAA Government Affairs Conference allowed us to bring the direct experiences of everyday importers straight to Capitol Hill,” said Andrew Ciccarone. “Engaging face-to-face with lawmakers ensures that our clients’ perspectives are truly represented as federal trade policies take shape. It underscores our commitment at Sheltered International to stay ahead of regulatory changes and actively advocate for our industry.”

Direct Engagement on Capitol Hill

A major highlight of the conference was meeting directly with Florida representatives and congressional staff on Capitol Hill. These face-to-face meetings gave the team a chance to speak up about issues that impact everyday business operations.

During these legislative meetings, delegates emphasized two key priorities established by the NCBFAA:

  • Strengthening Fair, Effective Customs Enforcement: Pushing for rules that keep borders secure while keeping legitimate shipments moving smoothly.
  • Tariff Advance Notification Transparency: Asking lawmakers to give businesses plenty of warning before applying new tariffs or taxes on imported goods.

Advocating for tariff advance notification transparency remains particularly vital for importers and supply chain managers. When tariffs change without warning, companies face unexpected costs and shipping delays. Advance warnings help businesses plan their budgets, set accurate prices, and protect their profits. By sharing these challenges with lawmakers, Sheltered International helped make sure the needs of importers and exporters are heard in Washington.

Navigating Evolving Regulatory Standards

Beyond congressional advocacy, the conference also covered major updates from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Government agencies are planning several changes that will require companies to share more information about their supply chains.

A major point of discussion was a proposed rule regarding supply chain visibility. Under this plan, CBP is considering stricter requirements for foreign export documents, business identification numbers, and product tracking technologies.

CBP is also cracking down on importer records under CBP Form 5106. Going forward, companies must make sure their address, phone number, and tax ID match official records exactly. If information is missing or incorrect, CBP may deactivate the importer number, which stops goods from crossing the border. Additionally, customs brokers must have a direct, valid Power of Attorney on file with the importer of record.

These developments reflect a broader regulatory shift toward total transparency and data validation across all filings.

What This Means for Sheltered International Clients

For clients of Sheltered International, these industry updates show why proactive compliance is so important. Government agencies are asking for more transparency at every stage of the shipping process. Waiting to fix paperwork errors after cargo arrives at the port can lead to expensive delays and fines.

By participating in national policy discussions at their origin, Sheltered International gains early insight into regulatory shifts, enabling clients to refine their compliance practices before strict mandates take effect. This inside knowledge allows the team to help clients update their paperwork, review their supplier details, and keep their supply chains moving without costly interruptions.

The Florida Customs Brokers Association meeting with the Lauren DiBella, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission. She previously worked at thhe Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority in 2017.

Meeting with John Rutherford, the Representative from Florida’s 5th Congressional District covering Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, and St. Augustine.

Stay in Control with Sheltered International

Sheltered International remains dedicated to advocating for fair trade policies on Capitol Hill while delivering actionable compliance guidance to clients worldwide. As federal trade regulations continue to evolve throughout 2026 and beyond, maintaining an informed, adaptable approach is critical to operational success.

To learn more about our personalized expertise and state-of-the-art software, contact us today.