International Documentation
Incoterms: International Shipping Terms
Here is a look at the most commonly used foreign trade terms provided by the International Chamber of Commerce’s Incoterms rules.
Export Shipping Documentation: Export Sale
This article outlines the basic international shipping documents required to complete an export sale.
Commercial Invoice: How to Prepare a Commercial Export Invoice
This article outlines what is a commercial export invoice, why it is important and how to prepare it.
Hiring a Customs Broker: How to Ensure the Importing Process Runs Smoothly
Here’s a look at what a customs broker is, what they do and how to find one.
Import and Export Packing List: Packing List
This section describes what a packing list is and what it includes as it accompanies the commercial invoice on an international shipment.
How to Prepare a Proforma Invoice
This article details how to put together a proforma invoice on an export sale.
Bills of Lading: Ocean Bill of Lading and Airway Bill
This article covers the two types of bills of lading for an import-export shipment, the ocean bill of lading and the airway bill.
A Guide to Working With a Sales Agent
This article examines what an international sales agent does and what you need to know before appointing one.
Country of Origin Certificate
This article discusses the meaning of a country of origin certificate and why it's important on import/export shipments.
Inspection Certification: What Is An Inspection Certificate?
Country governments as well as importers and exporters oftentimes require inspection certificates. This article outlines how inspection certificates protect importers and exporters against fraud, mistakes and poor quality performance. Companies who conduct inspection certifications is also covered.
Health Inspection and Certification
This article examines health inspection and certification issues as it relates to importing and exporting agricultural products.
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism: C-TPAT 101
This article covers the ins and outs of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT).
Insurance Coverage For Export Shipments
Insurance coverage for export shipments is as vital to your product delivery plans as safe vehicles and good sturdy cartons. In this article, we look at four points to consider when securing air or marine export insurance.
Export License: How to Determine Whether a Product Requires an Export License
This article helps you determine whether a product requires an export license.
Manage & Grow Your Import and Export Business
After you map out your import and export journey, developing sales and distribution is critical. Here we cover finding customers, locating overseas suppliers, determining routes to importing and exporting, shipping logistics, service and product pricing, financing options, booking an order, documentation, customer service, strategic...
Six Things to Know About Becoming a Licensed Customs Broker
What you need to know to become a licensed customs broker.
International Trade Credit Insurance
In this article, I ask David Barrett, sales agent for Euler Hermes North America, a leading provider of trade-related insurance solutions, a range of questions about international trade credit insurance. The first question: What is trade credit insurance?