How to become an International Trader

Exporting is a journey, but not one that you would ever want to take alone. That's why we've identified more than 15 different resources you can utilize as you guide your company through this journey.

1. Determine the Mode of Transportation, Packaging and Labeling Requirements

Depending on the destination and goods, there are many options for shipping your goods internationally including ocean, air, rail or truck. The method you opt is based on how quickly you need your goods to arrive, the amount of shipping costs you are willing to pay, and the type of goods you need to ship among several other factors.

Moreover, you need to be aware of the demands that international shipping puts on your goods. Depending on the mode of transportation, your goods and their packaging can face extreme stress,  can be exposed to water, and can also be subject to pilfering.

Your international shipments may need special markings on your shipping cartons and containers to meet shipping regulations in order to ensure proper handling. And many products require additional labeling including the country of origin.

·         A Basic Guide to Exporting

Whether you purchase a hard copy of BASIC GUIDE TO EXPORTING or read it online, A Basic Guide to Exporting is useful when time to determine everything, specifically shipping-related for your business. Sections of this book cover labeling, cargo insurance, major shippers, packing, shipping basics, and more.

·         Introduction to Shipping Dangerous Goods Webinar

If you have intention to ship dangerous goods and hazardous materials, this webinar featuring hazmat specialist Rob Smith is essential viewing. In it, he explains the basics of shipping dangerous goods, including how to classify, packages and pack them; and how to correct complete dangerous goods forms.

2. Understand Export Documentation Requirements

As a new exporter you need to understand the various forms and documents you need to create for each export transaction. It is important to do this correctly because any mistakes you make could jeopardize the speed with which your goods move through customs and towards their final destination; this ultimate could delay your payday.

The Beginner’s Guide to Export Forms

Our comprehensive guide to more than two dozen export forms you need to know is one of the very best places to start with understanding export documentation requirements. It is a thorough, completely free white paper you can download. It includes a description of each form, use cases, and a template you can use for each form. It is a must-read for anyone who deals with exporting.

3. Develop an Export Compliance Strategy

Quite a few different federal agencies regulate U.S. exports in order to protect the interests and people of the United States. If that is not enough reason to abide by these regulations, companies can face substantial fines, restrictions on exporting, and even jail time for violations.

Here are several resources to learn more about those compliance responsibilities.

·         Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

The U.S. Department of Commerce has jurisdiction over most goods exported from the United States. BIS is the agency within Commerce that is specifically charged with advancing U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interest through enforcement of the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

If you are an exporter, you must be familiar with the BIS regulations. A good start is through BIS seminars and events you can attend. I highly recommend their two-day seminar on complying with U.S. export controls for anyone serious about exporting.

Some of the most useful tools BIS offers can be found for free, online. Here are six we recommend:

Commerce Control List (CCL) Order of Review Tool

Specially Designed Decision Tool

Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) Compliance Tool

De minimis and Direct Product Rules Decision Tool

Consolidated Screening List Tool

Export Management and Compliance Program (EMCP) Audit Module: Self-Assessment Tool

Your Company’s Export Compliance Program :

Knowing the export forms you need to complete and creating them correctly is just part of becoming a successful exporter. Documenting the process you and your colleagues take for each transaction is the other part, which is why you need to familiarize yourself with how to create and implement an Export Compliance Program (ECP). Successful companies of all sizes use a formal ECP to help ensure no regulation or detail is left unaddressed for each of their exports.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) :

Along with the Department of Justice, the SEC is responsible for enforcing the FCPA. You can access educational resources and FCPA cases from the SEC website; you can also report tips from the SEC website.

Additional Export Assistance :

While this is just a high-level look at the back end of becoming an exporter, we know there are many more things successful exporters need to know and a plethora of additional resources exporters can find helpful. There is also training available for all levels of exporters—from those just getting started to successful, experienced professionals.

Government agencies like the U.S. Commercial Service, BIS, and DDTC offer free and paid training in the form of webinars, seminars and more can help you in any area of interest. Their websites offer details to these resources.

Private organizations like International Business Training (IBT) offer a variety of import-export seminars, webinars and reference books that will help you conduct your international business in smartest, fastest and more profitable manner.

Consultants can be an excellent resource for beginning exporters who want help. (In fact, we’re working on putting together a list of consultants. If that is what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Send me an email telling me about yourself and the services you provide for exporters.)