The Export Process

As an exporter, you’re probably used to thinking of export as a destination rather than as a process. However, the way your goods are shipped, and the documentation involved in getting them there is just as important as where they’re going. The export process is the set of activities that your products go through when being exported from one country to another. It includes all the necessary measures for exporting goods from one country to another, whether it be by air, land or sea. Once you have decided which markets you want to start exporting your products to and set up your initial plans and procedures, it is time to put those ideas into practice by undertaking the export process. This will involve several procedures that you should be aware of and take note of so that you can avoid any pitfalls later on down the road. This post will help you to understand all the parts of the export process.

Export Licensing
First and foremost, you need to check the licensing requirements of your product to make sure that you can actually export it in the first place. This includes not only the item itself, but also its packaging, labelling and documentation. For instance, if your product requires a license to be exported to certain countries due to its hazardous nature, you’ll need to check first before completing the rest of the export process. There are a few different products that may require licensing before being exported. Products of agricultural origin or those with a certain percentage of agricultural content may require a phytosanitary certificate. Medicines and chemicals may be subject to licensing. Some products, such as alcohol, firearms, and tobacco, may need government permission before being exported, depending on which country you’re shipping them to. All of the above are part of the process of getting your company export ready. This is a service we specialize in. So if this sound like a giant burden, leave it to us.

Customs Clearance
If you’re shipping by sea, you’ll need to clear your shipments with customs before they can be unloaded into the country. For most sea imports, you’ll need to submit a copy of the commercial invoice, packing list and shipment description to the customs department of the port of entry. You may also need to submit a declaration of the value, quantity and nature of the goods. Once your shipment arrives at the port of destination, it will be inspected by the local customs department to make sure that the contents match the documentation that was submitted earlier. If your shipment qualifies for a “release under customs bond,” you can request the customs officer in charge to accept the shipment, under an official bond, without the payment of duties and/or taxes. We play a very import role in custom clearance. We have agents whom we have been working with for many years. With the relationship we have with them, we are able to easily manage the clearing process on your behalf.

Shipping and Import Documents
There’s a wide variety of shipping methods available to exporters, and the main factor that determines which method you choose is cost. Depending on the type of product being shipped and where it is going, you may be able to save time and money by choosing a quicker shipping method. If you’re shipping by air, make sure to consult your airline’s documentation requirements and have everything ready to go before booking your flight. As with shipping by sea, you’ll need to make sure your documentation is in order and fits the standards required by the destination authority. You’ll also need to present a valid health certificate from the country of origin if you’re shipping live livestock or certain perishable food products.

Warehousing and Storage
If you’re shipping by sea, your goods will probably arrive at a port of entry and be stored in a warehouse or customs bonded warehouse until they’re ready to be shipped to the final destination. If your shipment is moving by land, your goods may be stored in a warehouse if you’re unable to clear them through customs immediately upon arrival at your destination. Warehouses are places of storage used for importing and exporting goods. They usually charge a fee based on the size of the shipment. Storage is a service used to store imported goods.

Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when completing the export process. From choosing the best shipping method to preparing the required documents, there’s a lot to think about. What’s more, each country has its own set of rules, regulations, and documentation requirements that your goods must meet before they can be imported. With the right planning and knowledge of the export process, you can succeed in exporting your products to new destinations around the world.