Strategic Compliance in the Pet Food Sector

Meet Susan Nicholson, International Trade & Compliance Specialist at Irish Dog Foods, a company dedicated to producing high-quality, nutritious pet food for global markets. Susan plays a pivotal role in ensuring every shipment, whether imported raw materials or exported finished goods, complies with complex international regulations.

Keeping Pet Food Moving - Smoothly and Legally
"Pet food is a regulated product, so maintaining compliance is critical at every stage of the supply chain," Susan explains. "It’s a complex but rewarding role. Ensuring products are cleared efficiently without delays or compliance risks has a real impact on the business."

With pet food subject to strict controls, Susan must constantly monitor changing rules and work closely with customs authorities to keep the supply chain running without disruption.

The Challenge of Constant Change
"One of the biggest challenges in the pet food sector is keeping pace with ever-changing regulations across different countries," she says. "Each market has its own requirements, and those can shift rapidly."

In addition to sector-specific complexity, Susan must navigate wider global challenges: Brexit, trade disputes, geopolitical shifts, and new tariffs  all of which require an agile and informed compliance function.

Why She Chose the Diploma in International Trade Compliance
Susan joined the programme to build on her existing experience and gain a deeper, more strategic understanding of global trade frameworks.
"It aligned perfectly with the work I do and gave me a more strategic perspective on global trade operations," she says. "It was a personal investment in my professional development, and in supporting the business’s international expansion."

Bringing Strategy into Compliance
Since completing the diploma, Susan’s role has evolved.
"Before, my focus was primarily on making sure shipments moved from A to B. Now, I take a more strategic view of compliance to add value, reduce risk, and support the business’s long-term goals."

She’s strengthened risk management processes, helped reduce delays, and positioned Irish Dog Foods to respond more effectively to international trade shifts.

Key Takeaways from the Course
Susan highlights the value of learning alongside peers from other industries, as well as the clarity the course brought to areas like tariff classification, customs valuation, rules of origin, and trade agreements.
"It helped me connect the dots between different aspects of trade. The course goes beyond the theory—it’s rooted in real-world operations. It’s also a great confidence builder when dealing with customs authorities or making strategic decisions."

Would She Recommend It?
Absolutely.
"It equips you with the knowledge and tools to manage risk more effectively and improve compliance operations. It’s a strong foundation for anyone working in international trade."

‍