How Exporters Can Identify Import Country Requirements

Posted by Smita bornare on October 18th, 2019

How Exporters Can Identify Import Country Requirements

One of the most costly mishaps an exporter can face is to get their goods to the destination and realize that something was overlooked. Either they made a mistake, the deal was structured incorrectly, or responsibility was overlooked.

Often, this happens because sellers get seduced by the thought of a sale and put on blinders for the realities of it. Unfortunately, they end up in a difficult and costly situation because they didn’t think about what steps needed to be taken.

A Look at Import Country Requirements

Import country regulations vary widely from country to country. Just as exporters in the U.S. are subject to the nuance of U.S. regulations, countries across the world have varying requirements for importing—many of which begin on the originating side. Requirements extend to shipping (hazmat, dangerous goods, routing, etc.), customs, and beyond, and at customs, different agencies require different things.

And while some of these requirements are harmonized, many are not. So how do you identify import country requirements for nearly 200 countries around the world?

How to Identify Import Country Requirements

Fortunately there are a number of different resources exporters can use to identify import requirements in the countries to which they ship. We identify several of these below:

Export.gov :-

The Export.gov website is an amazing resource for finding people who can help you with import country requirements. It’s also a virtual home base for resources from across the U.S. government that assists American businesses and exporters in planning their international sales strategies.

The U.S. Commercial Service:-

The U.S. Commercial Service and Export Assistance Centers are priceless resources for companies of every size. They offer a lot of no-cost information and advice and can stand behind you as you begin exporting. The Commercial Service also has offices overseas that can help you find information about destination countries. You can find your local Export Assistance Center or search for international locations using their search tool.

State Export Trade Offices:-

Your state may also have trade offices that can help you identify specific requirements for the countries you’re interested in exporting to.

Your Freight Forwarder:-

After you review the resources listed above, a good freight forwarding partner will have their offices overseas contact the seller’s client and vet them out. Freight forwarders are “boots on the ground” across the world. They offer a line of communication and local experts who know the culture, language, and process and can get your information quickly.

A trusted freight forwarder can also confirm what you may or may not know about the client and country and make sure details about the shipment are not overlooked.

Chambers of Commerce and Trade Mission Websites:-

Chambers of commerce and foreign trade mission websites in partner countries can direct you to official channels for import requirements and be excellent sources for networking.

The Consequences of Ignoring Import Country Requirements

Not Getting Paid:-

If a transaction can’t be completed, a sale can’t be completed, and the seller won’t get paid.

Being Out of Compliance:-

If you ignore and are out of compliance with U.S. regulations, you may face harsh fines and penalties from the U.S. government. This is the same for your destination country. You could subject your own company or clients to fees or liabilities with their own government. By following import country requirements, you reduce your risk profile altogether.

By knowing where to look for information about import country requirements, you can be proactive about making sure your exports arrive on time—and you’ll get paid more quickly.

B2B Export Import Academy in Pune is the most genuine export-import management course in Pune institute having its presence in the various metro cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune.etc.An ideal import export training in Pune is one that is imparted at the center or the field without compromising with the practical import-export techniques.