Thursday Oct 30, 2025
[CRIMES] Export Horror Stories – When Compliance Gets Scary
Hosts: Lalo Solorzano & Andy Shales
Guest: Josh Rodman, Attorney at Schulz Trade Law
Published: October 29, 2025
Presented by: Global Training Center
Length: 28 minutes
Episode Summary
In this Halloween Week special, the Simply Trade hosts dig into real-life trade horror stories that will make any exporter’s blood run cold.
Attorney Josh Rodman from Schulz Trade Law joins Lalo and Andy to share two spine-chilling case studies where export compliance went sideways — despite good intentions. From ballistic helmets misclassified under the wrong ECCN to shipments to Russia caught in the tangled web of ever-changing export controls, this episode proves that in trade, even honest mistakes can summon costly consequences.
Josh explains how voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) can save a company from financial nightmares and why staying current with export regulations is critical to avoid getting haunted by unexpected investigations or penalties.
This episode blends legal insight with cautionary tales — perfect for your Halloween listening lineup!
Key Topics
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Real-world export control “horror stories”
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Misclassification of military equipment under ECCNs
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Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) and how they mitigate penalties
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OFAC subpoenas and overlapping U.S. government investigations
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Russian sanctions, HTS code–based restrictions, and transshipment red flags
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How exporters can protect themselves through due diligence and expert review
Resources & Mentions
🎧 Credits
Hosts:
Guests:
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Josh Rodman - Schulz Trade Law
Producer:
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Lalo Solorzano
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