International Trade Blog

Wood Packaging Certificates for Export and Import

Catherine J. Petersen | March 4, 2019 | Import Basics, Export Basics

“Keeping out the bugs” has become the worldwide mantra for exporters and importers. The bug that gained everyone’s attention in the United States was the Asian Long Horn Beetle, while other countries are concerned with the Pine Worm Nematode plus many other.

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, according to the Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB). The regulation applies to wood packaging materials (WPM) made from softwood or hardwood.

Everything Has a Value—to U.S. Customs

Hank Selby | February 25, 2019 | Import Basics

In my last article I discussed the importance of properly classifying products imported into the United States. As I stated, the Harmonized Tariff number determines the duty rate that U.S. Customs applies to imported products.

Import-Export Compliance: The Black Magic of International Trade

Michael Laden | January 28, 2019 | Import Basics, Export Basics

In many companies the art of moving goods across international borders is viewed as black magic. In fact, I have a colleague who keeps a magic wand in his desk just for such emergencies.

When someone from the inventory or shipping department begins screaming about back orders and delays at customs, he simply produces the potent wand, whisks it mindlessly through the air, and presto-chango the consignment appears… sometimes.

Tools for Classifying Your Products for Export and Import

Catherine J. Petersen | November 26, 2018 | Import Basics, Export Basics

Dear Cathy:

I have a question regarding the use of Schedule B Codes relating to spare parts.

4 International Marketing Strategies for New Exporters

Becky DeStigter | November 19, 2018 | Import Basics

We live in uncertain economic times. But I believe that we learn far more about how to grow stronger companies in lean times than in times of plenty.

That said, this month I am sharing some of my hard-won marketing advice that I often give to internationalizing clients in B2B markets.

What Is an Authorized Economic Operator?

David Noah | October 10, 2018 | Import Basics, Export Basics

I sometimes get calls from exporters who have been asked by their international customers for their AEO number for import customs clearance.

The calls are all very similar:

What is an AEO code, and how do I find out what ours is?

My short answer:

When Classifying Parts Using HTS Codes, Read the Notes!

John Goodrich | September 10, 2018 | Import Basics

We all know intuitively what a part is. Nearly every company has a parts department. These are the areas of the company staffed by those magical people who never throw anything away and always seem to be able to find that one widget or what is needed to repair a product and satisfy a customer.

It comes as a surprise to some that the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) uses the word part with a much narrower and precise definition. What we call a part in industry is rarely what the HTS code refers to as a “part” or “parts thereof.” As examples, it is not uncommon to find headings in the tariff such as:

Classifying Your Goods for Import and Export Requires Expertise

John Goodrich | August 13, 2018 | Import Basics, Export Basics

Following is a bit of light fiction blended with, I’m afraid, a heavy dose of truth:

“Even a trained squirrel could do classification, John!” a product engineer at a manufacturing firm told me the other day when we were discussing the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification process at his company.

“What’s that you’re saying?” I had to restrain myself from reaching across the table and throttling him.

Doing It by the Book: Classifying Your Goods for International Trade

Hank Selby | July 23, 2018 | Import Basics, Export Basics

In the first article I wrote for the International Trade Blog, I examined the importance of proper product classification for the importer. Accurate classification is a reasonable care requirement of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and non-compliance can result in substantial cost, both in back duties and penalties for the importer.

I noted in that initial article that proper classification requires an understanding of the rules and the process. What follows are my recommendations to anyone who has to classify product.

Freight Forwarder vs Customs Broker: What's the Difference?

David Noah | July 18, 2018 | Import Basics, Export Basics

Many exporters, especially beginners, assume that freight forwarders and customs brokers are two names for the same thing. This couldn't be further from the truth.

With that in mind, I asked Jay Devers, managing partner of Bestway International in Kansas City, Missouri, to share his knowledge on the topic. Devers, who has been involved in the logistics business since 2009, provides an explanation of the differences between freight forwarders and customs brokers as well as use cases for hiring both.

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