Discussion Topics at the 2026 ATCC Conference

Travis Smith shares some of the reoccurring topics discssed during the 2026 ATCC Conference in Houston.

The Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) conference is an international trade conference that focuses on complex topics within the industry. The event provides an opportunity for compliance professionals to gather, network, and learn from each other.

The 2026 ATCC conference was held in Houston and was chalk-full of engaging and informative sessions. This year’s conference was a sold out event and the largest that has been hosted to-date.

Major Topics Discussed During the 2026 ATCC Conference

Tariffs were front and center on every attendee’s mind so sessions that focussed on mitigation tactics and updates around announcements were popular. While ever company’s situation with the tariffs is different, there were a few general pieces of advice that apply to any business:

• Now is the time to get multiple departments involved with your compliance team
  Having people within finance, purchasing, and other departments understand the importance of classification, filing, and bond sizing can strengthen your company’s overall compliance.
• Mentally preparing for the potential overturning of the IEEPA tariffs
  While it is looking more and more certain that the IEEPA tariffs will be overturned, there are already talks about what tools the administration will use to impose new tariffs.
• The importance of joining an international trade group like ATCC
  Compliance can not operate in a bubble, connecting with others that take on the same challenges within their companies can only help strengthen your compliance.

Reflecting on the 2026 Advanced Topics in Customs Compliance (ATCC) Conference

Directly from the TRG booth during the ATCC conference, Travis Smith discusses a few of the reoccurring topics discussed throughout the sessions.

TRG at the 2026 ATCC Conference

For the first time, Trade Risk Guaranty was a sponsor at the 2026 ATCC conference. It was great getting to connect with attendees, discuss U.S. Customs bonds, and showcase what makes TRG different from other bond providers. While bond sufficiency continues to be a concern, TRG continues to provide solutions and information to help importers navigate CBP bond increases.