Beyond the Box: TecEx and the Hidden Risks of Cross-Border IT Shipping, Podcast

Telecom Reseller / Technology Reseller News

In this inaugural episode of a special ASCDI and Technology Reseller News podcast series, Doug Green, Publisher of Technology Reseller News, interviews Noa Sussman of TecEx—a global IT compliance and logistics specialist and ASCDI member—on a deceptively complex topic: cross-border IT shipments.

Shipping tech equipment globally isn’t as simple as handing it over to FedEx or DHL. As Sussman explains, once equipment crosses a border, it enters a maze of tariffs, taxes, permits, and regulations—many of which can lead to multimillion-dollar fines or even trade bans if mishandled. “People think they can just stick something in a box and ship it overseas. But that’s just the beginning of what needs to happen,” said Sussman.

TecEx, a part of VAT IT Group, has become a trusted partner for global IT deployments by offering a critical service: acting as the Importer and Exporter of Record in over 200 jurisdictions. This enables clients—including hyperscalers, OEMs, and resellers—to enter new markets without establishing a legal entity in every country.

Sussman shares harrowing stories of companies that ignored compliance—one fined $1 million and nearly shut out of China; another whose shipments to Mexico were destroyed outright. These cautionary tales highlight why logistics is no longer just an administrative issue, but a boardroom-level concern tied directly to go-to-market success.

“When you’re trying to break into a new region—especially in fast-moving sectors like AI—you can’t afford delays at the border,” Sussman said. “The right logistics partner isn’t just about shipping—it’s about growth, speed, and risk mitigation.”

This episode kicks off a fortnightly series exploring how to “drain the complexity” from global shipping. Upcoming episodes will delve into selecting the right logistics partner, managing shifting tariffs, and understanding evolving international trade rules.

Learn more about TecEx at https://tecex.com/solutions/global-capabilities//?bc=TX0019.

Noa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noasussman/