13 Useful Websites for Export Documentation & Promotion Help

In a previous article, I discussed seven valuable resources you should be using to complete your export documentation. That article got me thinking: there’s an understated, incredibly valuable resource that’s available to all exporters in the United States—for free!

In fact, it’s not just one single place; the U.S. government has a wealth of knowledge packed in its various trade and export-related websites. Here are several websites that can help you get a better understanding of various topics of interest to exporters.

Export Basics

International Trade Administration (ITA)

The ITA website is a trove of information for everything from export assistance centers to free trade agreements. It provides tools and resources from across the U.S. government to improve the global business environment and help U.S. companies and exporters plan their international sales strategies. It can help you find ways to promote your exports or get help with export documentation.

The ITA is divided into three units. According to the ITA website:

• The Global Markets unit combines ITA’s country and regional experts, overseas and domestic field staff, and specific trade promotion programs to provide U.S. firms with the full suite of country-specific export promotion services and market access advocacy while promoting the United States as an investment destination.
• The Industry and Analysis (I&A) unit brings together ITA’s industry, trade and economic experts to advance the competitiveness of U.S. industries through the development and execution of international trade, investment policies and promotion strategies. I&A will leverage ITA’s relationships with manufacturing and services industries to increase U.S. exports.
• The Enforcement and Compliance unit enhances ITA’s responsibilities to enforce U.S. trade laws and ensure compliance with trade agreements negotiated on behalf of U.S. industry.

Some of the export-related topics you can find information about include:

• HS codes and Schedule B numbers
• Government-sponsored training and seminars
• Free Trade Agreements

Export Assistance

U.S. Commercial Service

The U.S. Commercial Service (a part of ITA) can help you identify markets, promote your products for trade and answer questions about compliance, documentation and training. You can find your local Export Assistance Center or search international locations using their search tool. If you are an active exporter or serious about becoming an exporter and you haven't yet talked to someone from your local Export Assistance Center, you are ignoring one of the most cost-effective tools in your export tool belt.

U.S. Small Business Association (SBA)

The SBA provides counseling, training and financing to support small business export opportunities. An entire section of the website is dedicated to export issues facing small businesses.

Export Compliance & Enforcement

Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS)

The BIS is charged with protecting the security of the United States through national security, economic security, cyber security and homeland security, as well as ensuring the economy and protecting U.S. industry. The BIS website is loaded with helpful information regarding export regulations and compliance.

• Regulations: Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the Commerce Control List (CCL) are both accessible through the BIS website.
• Licensing: Certain products require export licenses before they can be shipped to certain countries, and the Simplified Network Application Process - Redesign (SNAP-R) section of the BIS website helps exporters through the export licensing process and provides information they need to know before exporting.
• Enforcement: Export Enforcement consists of the Office of Export Enforcement, the Office of Enforcement Analysis, and the Office of Antiboycott Compliance. These employees “apply law enforcement and export control expertise to prevent and deter exports of the most sensitive items to illicit end users and uses, to embargoed destinations, and to ensure that parties involved in U.S. commercial transactions do not engage in prohibited boycott activities.”
• Compliance and training: The BIS website has a thorough section on compliance and training, complete with seminar information and very helpful publications exporters should read and review. My personal favorite: Don't Let This Happen to You!

Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

The DDTC “is charged with controlling the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services covered by the United States Munitions List.” The DDTC website provides information on export compliance and licensing as they relate to Department of State regulations.

Federal Register

The Federal Register website is the only official online source of published rules and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents. Exporters should consult the federal register daily to make sure they are in compliance with export regulations.

Automated Export System, HS Numbers and Schedule B Codes

U.S. Census Bureau

The foreign trade section of the U.S. Census Bureau website is the main site exporters should reference for U.S. trade statistics as well as up-to-date information regarding the Automated Export System (AES) and Schedule B codes as they pertain to your export documentation.

• There is a lot of information about AES filing—what it is, who can participate, how to get started, resources and training information.
• The Census Bureau website hosts the Schedule B search function, which allows you to search for proper classifications of your goods. You can also read through the current versions of the Schedule B book.
• The Global Reach blog is written by experts who share tips on AES, explain regulations in plain language and provide data on trending commodities.

U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)

The U.S. ITC website lists the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. by chapter.

Free Trade Agreements

The ITA website and Office of the Trade Representative website both define and list the 20 Free Trade Agreements the U.S. participates in and their related topics. ITA also has a tarrif tool exporters can use to calculate duties and tariffs.

Financing

Export-Import Bank of the United States

The EXIM Bank is an independent, self-sustaining agency that supports U.S. jobs by financing the export of American goods and services. The EXIM website can help you learn more about financing options and then get financing, help you protect your business against risk, and assist with foreign buyer financing. The EXIM bank has special tools available for small businesses interested in taking advantage of the promise of global markets.

ITA

The Trade.gov website has a section on finance that may be helpful to exporters.

Intellectual Property

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

The USPTO website is an excellent way to find out more about the various types of intellectual property, including:

• How to protect your intellectual property.
• How to file for patents and trademark protection.
• What to do if you think you’ve received a letter about or have been sued over intellectual property.
• Resources you can seek out if you have questions.

USPTO’s leadership also answers questions and addresses intellectual property-related topics in the Director’s Forum blog.

Minnesota District Export Council

Finally, although it’s not a government website, the Minnesota District Export Council’s Export Assistance website is a valuable tool. There, exporters can find helpful links to tools and articles for filling out export documentation and export forms, complying with export regulations, seeking counseling, finding export resources and trade partners, and networking with other businesses.

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