Doing business internationally requires meeting various regulatory and compliance standards through valid export shipping documents. For example, U.S. export documents may involve a commercial invoice, an export license for military items, or ingredient certifications for agricultural products. Foreign requirements also vary and can include in-country or region-specific standards such as CCC certification to sell goods in China, or CE mark certification to sell goods in Europe. Start by determining the documents and steps required for exporting your product. To ensure compliance with the export documentation process, reach out to your local U.S. Commercial Service office or freight forwarder. Your shipper or foreign partner may also be able to assist. To learn more, view Export Documentation, the fifth of five videos in the Make the Export Sale set. Then read through our web pages below.
A pro forma invoice is prepared by the exporter before shipping the goods, informing the buyer of the goods to be sent, their value, and other key specifications. It also can be used as an offering of sale or price quotation.
U.S. exporters may electronically Register and file for an exporter account with U.S. Customs and Border Protection through the ACE AESDirect on the Census website. On the site, view a series of educational videos, articles and webinars.
EEI Reporting Requirements (Section 30.2(a) for United States to foreign countries and U.S. territories.
As noted in the above video, many countries require proof that imports of regulated products (examples, cosmetics, medical devices, agricultural goods) meet U.S. regulatory requirements. These requirements which protect human health, safety, and the environment often vary from country-to-country.
In some cases, countries will recognize imported products as meeting their regulatory requirements if they can be legally sold in the U.S. or if they are made using standards developed by U.S.-domiciled standards development organizations. In such instances, this may eliminate the need for additional testing and certification before the product can be placed on the foreign market. For more details, see our web page and video on Foreign Regulations.
A list of selected U.S.-issued documents for meeting foreign product requirements is available, as well as information on EU regulatory requirements.
An application to transact bonded carrier and forwarding operation, Form E370, is required to bring goods over the border to Canada, when not already cleared through Customs at the border.
Export.gov, the U.S. federal government’s export assistance portal, links businesses to many resources, including the following:
Locate a trade expert and learn about the services of the U.S. Commercial Service’s global office network.
National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America, and other shippers’ associations can recommend brokers in your area who can assist with shipping specialized product.
Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.