Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 10, 2026

1. Introduction

Trade-IQ, LLC ("Trade-IQ," "we," "us," or "our") commits to safeguarding privacy and maintaining confidentiality of trade compliance information. This policy explains how information is collected, used, disclosed, and protected when visiting www.trade-iq.com and utilizing customs and international trade compliance consulting services.

As a professional services firm specializing in customs compliance, import/export classification, and duty optimization, Trade-IQ handles sensitive business and trade information with high confidentiality and security standards.

Users agree to information collection and usage by accessing services or the website.

2. Information We Collect

Business Information

  • Company name, address, and EIN
  • Contact information for authorized representatives
  • Importer of Record numbers and customs bonds
  • Power of Attorney for customs representation
  • Email addresses and phone numbers
  • Billing information and payment details

Trade Compliance Data

  • Import and export transaction records
  • Product descriptions and HTS classifications
  • Customs entry documentation (7501 forms, invoices, packing lists)
  • Country of origin determinations
  • 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

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

3. How We Use Your Information

Information is used to:

  • Provide customs consulting, classification, and compliance services
  • Prepare and file customs entries and documentation
  • Conduct compliance audits and risk assessments
  • Optimize duty payments and identify savings opportunities
  • Assist with customs examinations, audits, and inquiries
  • Maintain records per US Customs regulations (19 CFR)
  • Process transactions and manage billing
  • Respond to 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

Trade-IQ does not sell, trade, or rent business information to third parties. Information may be shared in these circumstances:

Government Agencies: With US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other agencies as required for import/export compliance, including customs entry filings, responses to CBP requests (CF28/29), focused assessments, and voluntary compliance programs.

Authorized Representatives: With customs brokers, freight forwarders, or parties authorized to act on client behalf.

Service Providers: With trusted third-party vendors assisting service delivery (cloud storage providers, payment processors).

Legal Requirements: When required by law, subpoena, or legal process.

Business Protection: To protect rights, enforce agreements, or investigate potential violations.

Business Transfers: In connection with merger, acquisition, or business sale.

Consent: With explicit client consent for other purposes.

5. Third-Party Services

Service categories supporting operations:

  • Cloud Storage Providers: Microsoft Azure for secure document storage and backup
  • Payment Processors: Stripe and PayPal for client payment processing
  • Communication Tools: Email and video conferencing for client communications
  • Customs Software: Trade compliance and classification databases for research and verification
  • Analytics: Google Analytics for website usage understanding and service improvement

Service providers access only necessary information and maintain confidentiality and security obligations contractually.

6. Data Security

Comprehensive security measures protect 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 need-to-know basis
  • Secure backup and disaster recovery procedures
  • Employee training on data security and confidentiality

While industry-standard security measures are implemented, no electronic transmission or storage method is 100% secure. Trade-IQ commits to promptly notifying clients of security breaches affecting their information.

7. Data Retention

Information retention follows US Customs regulations and professional service requirements:

  • Customs Records: Five (5) years from entry date, per 19 CFR 163.4
  • Compliance Audit Records: Five (5) years from completion
  • Financial Records: Seven (7) years for tax purposes
  • Business Communications: Three (3) years unless related to customs entries
  • Power of Attorney: Five (5) years after expiration or revocation

Information may be retained longer when required by law, court order, or legal claim establishment, exercise, or defense.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Clients have rights to:

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

To exercise these rights, clients contact Trade-IQ using provided information.

9. Professional Services and Confidentiality

As a professional customs consulting firm, Trade-IQ maintains strict confidentiality regarding client information:

Trade Secrets: Proprietary information protection, including product formulations, supplier relationships, and pricing strategies.

Competitive Information: Business information is not shared with competitors or used beyond service provision.

Professional Standards: Adherence to professional ethics and confidentiality standards for customs consultants.

Limited Access: Information access is restricted to employees and contractors needing it for service provision.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents and businesses have specific rights under CCPA:

  • The right to know what personal information is collected
  • The right to request personal information deletion
  • The right to opt-out of personal information sale (Trade-IQ does not sell information)
  • The right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Requests are answered within 45 days.

11. Children's Privacy

Trade-IQ services are business-to-business professional services not directed to individuals under 18. The company does not knowingly collect information from children and will delete such information if discovered.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

The Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect practice changes, legal requirements, or customs regulation changes. Material changes are communicated by posting updated policy with new "Last Updated" date and email notification to active clients.

13. Contact Information

For privacy policy questions or concerns:

Trade-IQ, LLC

485 Smokey Lake Road
Iron River, MI 49935
Email: support@trade-iq.com
Phone: 920-286-2684