Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Trade-IQ, LLC ("Trade-IQ," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your trade compliance information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website www.trade-iq.com and use our US customs and international trade compliance consulting services.

As a professional services firm specializing in customs compliance, import/export classification, and duty optimization, we handle sensitive business and trade information with the highest standards of confidentiality and security.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our services or accessing our website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Business Information

We collect business information necessary to provide our customs compliance and consulting services, including:

• Company name, address, and Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Contact information for authorized representatives
• Importer of Record numbers and customs bonds
• Power of Attorney for customs representation
• Email addresses and phone numbers for business communications
• Billing information and payment details

Trade Compliance Data

In the course of providing our services, we collect and process:

• Import and export transaction records
• Product descriptions and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications
• Customs entry documentation (7501 forms, commercial invoices, packing lists)
• Country of origin determinations and certificates
• Valuation documentation and duty calculations
• Free Trade Agreement qualification records
• Customs audit findings and compliance assessments
• Supply chain and vendor information
• Prior disclosure and protest documentation

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and usage, including:

• IP address and browser type
• Device type and operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on our site
• Referring website addresses
• Cookie and tracking technology data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide customs consulting, classification, and compliance services
• Prepare and file customs entries and related documentation
• Conduct compliance audits and risk assessments
• Optimize duty payments and identify savings opportunities
• Assist with customs examinations, audits, and inquiries
• Maintain records as required by US Customs regulations (19 CFR)
• Process transactions and manage billing for our services
• Respond to your questions and provide customer support
• Send regulatory updates and compliance alerts
• Comply with legal obligations and customs regulations
• Protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your business information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Government Agencies: With US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other government agencies as required for import/export compliance, including:
  • Customs entry filings and documentation
  • Responses to CBP requests for information (CF28/29)
  • Focused assessments and customs audits
  • Prior disclosures and voluntary compliance programs
• Authorized Representatives: With customs brokers, freight forwarders, or other parties you authorize to act on your behalf
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors who assist us in providing our services (e.g., cloud storage providers, payment processors)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or other legal process
• Business Protection: To protect our rights, enforce our agreements, or investigate potential violations
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of our business
• Consent: With your explicit consent for any other purpose

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following categories of third-party services to support our operations:

• Cloud Storage Providers: Microsoft Azure for secure document storage and backup
• Payment Processors: Stripe and PayPal for processing client payments
• Communication Tools: Email and video conferencing platforms for client communications
• Customs Software: Trade compliance and classification databases for research and verification
• Analytics: Google Analytics to understand website usage and improve our services

These service providers have access only to the information necessary to perform their services and are contractually obligated to maintain the confidentiality and security of your information.

6. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your trade compliance information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Multi-factor authentication for system access
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Restricted access controls on a need-to-know basis
• Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures
• Employee training on data security and confidentiality

While we implement industry-standard security measures, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but commit to promptly notifying you of any security breach that may affect your information.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information in accordance with US Customs regulations and professional service requirements:

• Customs Records: Import/export documentation, entries, and related records are retained for five (5) years from the date of entry, as required by 19 CFR 163.4
• Compliance Audit Records: Audit reports and assessments are retained for five (5) years from completion
• Financial Records: Invoices and payment records are retained for seven (7) years for tax purposes
• Business Communications: General correspondence is retained for three (3) years unless related to customs entries
• Power of Attorney: Retained for five (5) years after expiration or revocation

We may retain certain information for longer periods when required by law, court order, or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access and receive a copy of your personal information
• Correct or update inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Object to or restrict certain processing activities
• Opt-out of marketing communications
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

9. Professional Services and Confidentiality

As a professional customs consulting firm, we maintain strict confidentiality regarding all client information:

• Trade Secrets: We protect your proprietary information, including product formulations, supplier relationships, and pricing strategies
• Competitive Information: We do not share your business information with competitors or use it for any purpose other than providing services to you
• Professional Standards: We adhere to professional ethics and confidentiality standards for customs consultants
• Limited Access: Access to your information is restricted to employees and contractors who need it to provide services to you

10. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident or business, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• The right to know what personal information we collect
• The right to request deletion of your personal information
• The right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
• The right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below. We will respond to your request within 45 days.

11. Children's Privacy

Our services are business-to-business professional services and are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will take steps to delete such information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or customs regulations. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date and, for active clients, by email notification.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at: