Catherine J. Petersen

Catherine J. Petersen

In 1992, Catherine Petersen founded C J Petersen & Associates, LLC, a research, instruction and consulting firm located in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. She has designed documentation and procedure manuals for exporters and has authored/co-authored five books.

Ms. Petersen has had day-to-day practical experience at a freight forwarder, a trading company, and an ocean carrier; she has been active in international business since 1980. Her background led her to develop C J Petersen & Associates, LLC, which is a collaborative consultancy that works with clients to identify compliance gaps and to resolve them. Ms. Petersen retired in 2022.

On: February 17, 2020     By: Catherine J. Petersen

Defining and Using a Manufacturer’s Affidavit

A Manufacturer’s Affidavit may be required for your exports and imports. For exports, it may be used in lieu of a certificate of origin or to satisfy a letter of credit. For imports, it may help verify goods being returned are of US-origin, have not been altered, and are duty-free.

On: January 20, 2020     By: Catherine J. Petersen

Export Invoices: How to Properly Value Free Samples

When completing your commercial invoice for your export of free samples, you need to include a value. If the products being shipped are indeed samples, then have the packaging and the packing marked with an indication that the goods are for testing and sample purposes, not intended for resale.

On: March 4, 2019     By: Catherine J. Petersen

Wood Packaging Certificates for Export and Import

Keeping out the bugs has become the worldwide mantra for exporters and importers. There are more than 85 countries that have adopted the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) regulation for wood packaging since its inception in 2001. Here's how to comply.

On: February 11, 2019     By: Catherine J. Petersen

Exporters: Review the ACE Reports of Your AESDirect Filings

Even if your company isn’t doing its own Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing through AESDirect, you should set up an ACE account so you can obtain and examine the ACE reports for your exports. Too many exporters have discovered problems with EEI filings that use their company's tax ID number.

On: January 14, 2019     By: Catherine J. Petersen

How to Correct Errors in Your Export Paperwork

Accurate export documents are essential. They help ensure your goods clear customs, arrive at the right destination, and you get paid on time. Unfortunately, export paperwork sometimes gets issued with wrong information. Here's what you need to do if you discover errors in your export paperwork.

On: November 26, 2018     By: Catherine J. Petersen

Tools for Classifying Your Products for Export and Import

In order to correctly import or export your products, you need to properly classify your goods.There are some great tools for you to use to help determine the correct classification. These will help you make decisions based on the General Rules of Interpretation of the Schedule B codes.

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