<b>New on-line forum provides free help for international trade professionals</b>

New on-line forum provides free help for international trade professionals "Eagan, MN—In its continuing efforts to serve the needs of small and mid-sized companies involved in international trade, InterMart, Inc. has created a free on-line forum to provide real-time answers to import-export questions. Forum participants can post specific international trade-related questions and receive replies from other international trade professionals, or participants can simply monitor the discussions and learn from other company’s experiences."
Home New book offers assistance to the growing number of small companies involved in international trade "Eagan, MN—In July 1999, a New York company was fined $900,000 by the U.S. Department of Commerce and denied its export privileges for one year for failing to properly follow U.S. export regulations. And they were not alone. Every year, the U.S. governmen Exporters Can Avoid $100 Filing Fee for SEDs with Shipping Solutions 2000 Export Software "Eagan, MN—As of November 1, 2000, ocean carriers have begun charging $100 for each Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) submitted on paper with an export shipment. Exporters can easily avoid this charge by using Shipping Solutions 2000 export documentatio Companies can now file their export documents electronically using Shipping Solutions 2000 software "Eagan, MN—Due to a major initiative by the U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. companies that export will now be able to file their Shipper’s Export Declarations (SEDs) over the Internet absolutely free using InterMart’s Shipping Solutions 2000 export software." New Software Eases the Burden of Export Paperwork "Eagan, MN—International trade professionals burdened by the mountain of export documents they must prepare can now find relief in a new software program from InterMart, Inc. The company’s Shipping Solutions 2000 export software dramatically reduces the InterMart unveils International Business Training division, web site "Eagan, MN—InterMart, Inc., developer of the popular Shipping Solutions export documentation software, has unveiled a new division concentrating on the educational needs of small and mid-sized U.S. companies involved in import and export. InterMart to introduce Shipping Solutions 3.0 at 1997 International Exporters-Importers Conference "Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today announced the release of version 3.0 of its popular Shipping Solutions export documentation software. The upgrade includes a variety of new export forms and other enhancements designed to make the software even easie InterMart announces version 2.0 of its popular Shipping Solutions export documentation software "Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today announced the release of version 2.0 of its Shipping Solutions™ export documentation software, a company spokesman announced today. The upgrade, which includes a variety of new export forms and other enhancements des InterMart releases a network version of its Shipping Solutions software "Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today released a network version of its Shipping Solutions™ export documentation software that will allow a variety of desktop users to access the Shipping Solutions database, a company spokesman announced today." InterMart introduces Shipping Solutions international export documentation software "Minneapolis, MN—InterMart, Inc. today introduced an export shipping software that reduces the amount of time businesses need to devote to completing the myriad of export documents by up to 80 percent, a company spokesman announced today." Shipping Solutions software adds easy and affordable export compliance through partnership with NextLinx Corporation EAGAN, MN - Small and medium-sized companies will soon have an easy and affordable solution for ensuring that their international shipments comply with U.S. export regulations. Shipping Solutions is teaming up with NextLinx Corporation to offer NextLinx's Understanding the NAFTA Certificate of Origin - Part Two Last month’s article explained when a NAFTA Certificate of Origin is and isn’t required. This month’s article explains how to complete the form. Understanding the NAFTA Certificate of Origin - Part One The Certificate of Origin summarizes the importer’s claim that goods qualify as originating and should receive preferential tariff treatment. You Can Say That Again: Bridging the Language Gap Finalizing Your Sales Contract: Who's Paying for Shipping? The Letter of Credit Triangle Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) Dual-Use Licensing A customer service representative recently approached me at a seminar and told me about a phone conversation she had with one of her U.S. customers who was looking to export a product they sell. Her customer asked if she had an ECCN for her product since The Top 10 Questions About NAFTA Over the past year of writing NAFTA articles, I have received many questions about NAFTA issues. I have compiled a list of the top 10 questions and wanted to share them. Can You Cut Costs By Eliminating Your Letters of Credit? When I first heard this question, I really thought it was a trick question. Kind of like, “Who is buried in Grants tomb?” Isn’t the answer obvious? Of the four main payment options, the letter of credit (LC) is definitely the winner when it comes to high Bye, Bye SED; Hello AES If you haven’t yet made plans to file your Shipper’s Export Declarations (SEDs) electronically, you better start soon. Newly published export regulations and statements made by U.S. Census Bureau officials at recent public events make it clear that the pa Verifying NAFTA Origin Canada, Mexico and the United States agreed to establish a uniform Certificate of Origin to certify that goods imported into their territories qualify for preferential tariff treatment accorded by NAFTA. Only importers who possess a valid Certificate of O Shipping Solutions Upgrades Best Selling Software Solution For Export Documentation EAGAN, MN—Shipping Solutions announces the latest version of its best-selling software, Shipping Solutions Professional. The easy-to-use Shipping Solutions Professional guides novice and experienced exporters as they easily complete dozens of standard exp Does Your Product Require An Export License? There are some basic steps you will want to take once you make the commitment to sell your product internationally. You have the responsibility to seriously examine your products and your customers to assure that you comply the Export Administration Regul U.S. Census Bureau Announces New Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) The U.S Census Bureau has quietly announced a new version of the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) that U.S. exporters must begin using on October 18, 2003. That is, of course, unless the exporter is shipping products that are on the Commerce Department’ My Checklist for Reviewing a Letter of Credit I know there are companies out there that never look at their letters of credit (LC) until they are ready to present documents to the bank. Once they’ve received one from their customer, they assume it’s as good as gold and immediately put it away for saf FAST Program Ensures Security Between U.S. and Canada The FAST program is a bilateral initiative between the United States and Canada designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the economic prosperity of both countries. SED and AES: Changes Are Coming Your Way Many U.S. exporters continue to use the paper version of the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED). Some use it as their primary method of filing, and others use it as a Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI). In either case, it is now time to obtain the newe NAFTA Documentation: Commercial Invoice In my next series of articles, I will address what documents are required for NAFTA countries along with some helpful hints to smooth the entry process into Canada and Mexico. I’ll start this series with the commercial invoice. Changes to Export Regs Mean New Fines and Penalties for Errors on the SED I hate reading regulations. They are confusing and easily misinterpreted. But they are important. That’s why I’m paying attention to the changes in the Foreign Trade Statistical Regulations (FTSR) related to penalties. They are straightforward in at least Exporting to Canada: Steps to Smooth the Customs Process When exporting to Canada, Canadian Customs requires specific information. This article will address what information is required to smooth the Canadian Customs Process. Does the New Year Mean New Codes for Your Products? Exporters and importers should do some light housekeeping to make sure they remain in compliance with U.S. export and import regulations. By following a few simple steps at the beginning of every new year, you will ensure that your company meets the best Technology and Global Business: Videoconferencing Trim down the cost of business travel. Lessen the time needed for distant meetings. Conserve wear and tear on your body. Eliminate jet lag. Circumvent exposure to SARS and other perilous diseases. Reduce exposure to terrorist activities. Increase your sta The Canadian Customs Entry Process In 1989, the Canada – U.S. Free Trade Agreement went into effect, phasing out all tariffs and many non-tariff barriers to trade. The benefits of free trade are clear: two-way trade in goods and services between the two countries totaled $440 billion in 20 U.S. and Chile Free Trade Agreement The U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) became effective on January 1, 2004. At that time, more than 85 percent of two-way trade in consumer and industrial goods became duty free. Duties on other products will gradually be phased out over a 12-year peri Negotiating for the Long Term In the international arena, those who are most successful in the long term are those whose negotiating skills consistently produce favorable outcomes for all sides. How to Register for the Automated Export System (AES) One of the most significant changes in U.S. export regulations is the move from the paper version of the Shipper’s Export Declaration (SED) to electronic filing of the information through the Automated Export System. If your company exports products that Delays in Rule-Making Process Push Back Implementation of Mandatory AES At some point in 2004 all U.S. exporters will be required to switch from providing paper copies of the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) to filing the information electronically through the Automated Export System (AES). It's just not going to happen as U.S.—Chile FTA Rules of Origin Exporters familiar with the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between the United States, Canada, and Mexico will recognize some aspects of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement’s (FTA) Rules of Origin. The Chile and U.S. FTA is largely modeled on U.S.—Chile FTA Certificate of Origin U.S. exporters whose products qualify under the new U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Rules of Origin may provide their Chilean customers considerable savings. This article addresses the written declaration necessary for the Chilean buyer to claim fre U.S.—Chile Free Trade Agreement: Frequently Asked Questions Since the signing of the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA), I have received questions from exporters asking how to qualify their products for preferential duty treatment. I have compiled a list of the top 10 questions and wanted to share them with you The U.S. Export Enforcement Program If you are exporting from the United States, you need to familiarize yourself with and understand the U. S. Bureau of Industry and Security. Known simply as the BIS, their primary mission is the accurate, consistent and timely evaluation and processing of Terms of Trade: Uniform Commercial Code and INOCOTERMS 2000—Part 1 The goal of this series of articles is to provide a basic understanding and working knowledge of what are known as terms of sale. Perhaps the most familiar of these terms is FOB; however, there are several others. Such terms are also known as trade terms Ocean Shipping Problems for Cargo Owners Shipping goods in ocean vessels invokes special problems for importers and exporters that must be addressed through education and training in transportation laws. Failure to understand the intricate terms and conditions of ocean bills of lading and tariff Shipping Solutions Upgrades Best-Selling Export Documentation and Compliance Software EAGAN, MN – Shipping Solutions announces version 7.1 of its best-selling software, Shipping Solutions Professional. This easy-to-use export software guides novice and experienced exporters as they complete and print export forms, file their shipments elec Terms of Trade: Uniform Commercial Codes and INCOTERMS 2000—Part 2 The goal of this series of articles is to provide a basic understanding and working knowledge of what are known as terms of sale for international transactions. The Uniform Commercial Code, Article 2 defines the terms that have been adopted for use in the New Regulations for Transporting Hazardous Goods Affect IATA Dangerous Goods Form Recent changes to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations include revisions to the IATA Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods. COGSA’s Gotcha's Every law governing the carriage of goods contains many exculpatory clauses and “traps for the unwary.” The Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) is no exception. Nextlinx Launches New Restricted Party Screening Service ROCKVILLE, MD - Cost-efficient Service Affords Small Businesses Opportunity to Screen Customers, Suppliers Against Restricted Party Lists New release of Shipping Solutions adds new forms and compliance features to best-selling export software EAGAN, MN —Shipping Solutions is releasing version 7.2 of its Shipping Solutions Professional export documentation and compliance software. The software automates the process of creating the documents required for U.S. exports by up to 80% by eliminating Shipping Solutions Customers Give High Marks to Top-Selling Export Software According to a recent survey of Shipping Solutions export documentation and compliance software customers, the typical Shipping Solutions user works for a U.S. manufacturing company that exports to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Mexico and uses Shipping Shipping Solutions Launches Affordable Compliance Tools for Small and Medium-Sized Export Companies Small and medium-sized businesses that have found it difficult to meet their export compliance responsibilities now have an affordable online solution at their disposal. Shipping Solutions has just officially launched its collection of international trad Shipping Solutions® to Present Export Solutions Along with Google, eBay and Others at “Web Revolution for Business” Conference David M. Noah, president and founder of InterMart, Inc., will be presenting his company’s Shipping Solutions export documentation and compliance software at the “Web Revolution for Business” conference in San Diego on August 14-15, 2007, at the Eleanor Ro Export Professional David Noah Joins SBTV.com with Exclusive Money-Saving Tips When it comes to exporting, small firms lead the way in the United States. Founder and president of Shipping Solutions, David Noah, joins SBTV.com in an exclusive podcast series to provide tips on keeping up in the fast-paced world of exporting. India: The Big Emerging Market—Part 3 In this third in a series of articles on India I discuss the challenges international marketers face when investing and marketing in India. The multiple challenges include unemployment and lack of infrastructure, piracy and counterfeiting, tariff and non- Socks First, Then Shoes When I get dressed in the morning, I put on my pants first, then socks and then my shoes. Some days I live on the wild side and put my socks on first then pants then shoes. I’ve learned through experience, however, never to put my shoes on first. These ar Chambers of Commerce: Your Local Resource for Certificates of Origin and More Exporters often think of chambers of commerce only in terms of signing Certificates of Origin. But are there other services and programs that chambers of commerce provide to assist you in your export process? The answer is a big “Yes.” Business savvy m International Letters of Credit: Best Practices for Exporters—Part 2 An international letter of credit (L/C) is a method of payment that is particularly suited to high value/high risk transactions. Part 1 in this series of two articles on letters of credit gave some background information and introduced the transaction fl India: The Big Emerging Market—Part 4 India’s economy remains beset by stubborn inefficiencies that have hindered progress and prosperity for decades. It has a decrepit transportation system, inadequate communication and electrical infrastructure, and an obstructionist bureaucracy. To succee Visitor Control Program Tips for Exporters First impressions are very important. The manner in which you receive visitors into your company can create positive images of a quality organization and a favorable attitude about doing business with you. It can also directly impact whether or not your c Upcoming Export Control System Reform If you are involved in the exportation of merchandise from the United States, then you will want to be more vigilant than ever as the export control reform initiative, which was announced by President Obama last August, begins to unfold in front of us. The Black Magic of International Trade 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 Inventory or Shipping begin screaming about backorders and de Export Encryption Rule Revisions The Obama Administration has pledged to conduct an extensive review of our current export control system and to implement changes as necessary to streamline the entire export process. One of the first changes came to light in June. It has just become a li The Compliant Organization—Part 1: Where Does Trade Compliance Belong? I am frequently asked where the trade compliance office should be placed within an importing or exporting organization. Should it be part of sales, accounting, shipping, legal, purchasing, supply chain? My answer may seem flippant, and among readers of th AmChams Advance the Interests of American Businesses Overseas American Chambers of Commerce, traditionally referred to as AmChams, are formed to advance the interests of American overseas businesses through advocacy, information, networking and business support services. Currently, there are 94 AmChams in 82 countri The Ship's Rail is Dead: Incoterms 2010 After much fanfare, the text of the Incoterms 2010 has been recently released. The International Chamber of Commerce has done quite a good job of marketing the new rules before they take effect on 1 January, 2011. There are some considerable changes that New Release of Shipping Solutions Professional Export Software Adds New Incoterms 2010; Currency Options for Invoices EAGAN, MN—Shipping Solutions is releasing version 7.50 of its Shipping Solutions Professional export documentation and compliance software. The software automates the process of creating the documents required for U.S. exports by up to 80% by eliminating Planning Ahead: The US Importer Security Filing and the EU Entry Summary Declaration Since the earliest days of Christopher Columbus and shipping goods around the globe, customs authorities at destination first learned of a shipment’s existence as it arrived within the port limits and customs territory. Times have changed. Today customs a The Compliant Organization—Part 2: The Centralized vs. Decentralized Supply Chain When deciding where to place a trade compliance office within a corporation, we must consider the structure of that organization. Some companies are centralized with a headquarters that manages all activities within the firm. Other companies are decent International Logistics: Four Critical Elements The transport of cargo is one of the most critical aspects of international trade. As essential as transport is, however, it is only a means to an end—goods are transported from origin to destination to meet demand. Demand is driven by what individuals w Export Enforcement Coordination Center We have heard quite a bit of news this year regarding the efforts to reform our current export control system. The Obama Administration announced earlier this month the establishment of an Export Enforcement Coordination Center. In order to effectively e Do What You Say! Say What You Do! The Policy & Procedure Manual Importers and exporters have an obligation to exercise due diligence in conforming to the myriad of trade regulations. On the import side of trade the regulations describe a heightened level of due diligence called "reasonable care." What does this mean? U.S. Government Export Assistance—Part 1: Worldwide Export Potential Ninety-five percent of the world's customers and more than 70% of the world's purchasing power is outside the U.S. borders. This reality presents tremendous opportunities for U.S. businesses of all sizes that are savvy enough to utilize assistance from U. If You Export, You Probably Import Too While we might be loathe to admit it, a certain number of the goods we export are returned to us. When those goods are returned they are subject to duties and user fees upon importation into the U.S. As long as we can prove those goods are of U.S. origin, U.S. Government Export Assistance—Part 2: Sales and Marketing Help I have said it before, and I say it again: The U.S. Department of Commerce is one of the best bargains around and one of the best kept secrets in the business of exporting. Incoterms® 2010 Freight and Associated Charges—Part 1: Just who is Responsible? A fundamental aspect of any sale of goods transaction is costing the product accurately. This equally applies to both the seller and the buyer. This article will discuss the responsibilities of the seller and buyer in relation to freight and associated ch U.S. Government Export Assistance—Part 3: The U.S. Commercial Service Whether you intend to export for the first time or have exported over a thousand times, the successful and popular go-to-market programs provided by the U.S. Commercial Service will benefit your sales growth and expansion plans, help you become more effic Are CBP Regions Making a Comeback? The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs & Border Protection have announced the implementation of a regional command center in Arizona. For the commercial trade community this a giant red flag and most likely means big trouble ahead. Wh Introducing the Export-Import Bank of the United States The Export-Import Bank of the United States has programs that help small businesses begin or expand their export efforts by helping manage the commercial risk factors. The Ex-Im Bank provides a service left void by commercial insurers and lenders to suppo Yes, Virginia, You Really Do Have to Do Your Own Classification A request is coming down from corporate. I need to provide them supporting evidence as to why we, as a manufacturer and distributor, should be responsible for providing the HTS codes for importing and exporting. On the import side they think we should jus Getting Started with the Export-Import Bank of the United States In my last article I introduced you to the resources available through the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank). So, now that I’ve convinced you to look into their services, you may be wondering: “How do I begin?” The Ex-Im Bank knows y The Harmonized System Is Changing in 2012. Don’t Quote Me But… Perhaps you’ve heard? The Harmonized System Convention (HS) is to be revised yet again! It seems as if it were only yesterday when the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the HS 2007 edition. As importers and exporters it means we need to update our Doing Business in South Africa—Part 1: An Introduction Located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, South Africa is a middle-income emerging market with an abundant supply of natural and labor resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transportation sectors; a stock ex Incoterms® 2010 Freight and Associated Charges—Part 2: Variations In Usage and Practice In the first article of this three-part series, I discussed the responsibilities of the seller and buyer in relation to freight and associated charges depending on the Incoterms® 2010 rule chosen in the contract of sale. In this article I will focus on so Doing Business in South Africa—Part 2: The Value Proposition Located at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, South Africa is a middle-income emerging market with an abundant supply of natural and labor resources; well-developed financial, legal, communications, energy, and transportation sectors; a stock ex Incoterms® 2010 Freight and Associated Charges—Part 3: Best Practices One of the critical factors for sellers and buyers is undoubtedly cost. The seller needs to carefully gather all necessary information to be able to set an appropriate cost that, whilst producing the highest profit possible, will still make the price attr Doing Business in South Africa—Part 3: Who’s Doing Business There Now Given South Africa’s value proposition outlined in my last article, there are numerous opportunities for marketing and selling consumer and business-to-business products in multiple sectors and in multiple industries. Let us review the global players that Determining the Commercial Invoice Value of Samples Many times we ship items to customers free of charge as an incentive for a bulk order or just as samples for them to try out. I've always thought that their actual value must be listed on the Commercial Invoice whether we charge the customer or not. Usual Doing Business in South Africa—Part 4: Operational and Marketing Challenges Since the end of apartheid and its first democratic elections in 1994, South Africa has liberalized the economy, enacted economic reforms to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and performed consistently well on various surveys of competitiveness and When to Use Six Versus 10 Digits of Your Schedule B Codes During the past year, we have been working diligently to ensure that our documents clearly reflect all the details and information needed for export and import clearance. This has included a project to ensure that our classifications for export are accura	For Immediate Release Contact: David Noah, President Eagan, MN—In its continuing efforts to serve the needs of small and mid-sized companies involved in international trade, InterMart,^® Inc. has created a free on-line forum to provide real-time answers to import-export questions. Forum participants can post specific international trade-related questions and receive replies from other international trade professionals, or participants can simply monitor the discussions and learn from other company’s experiences. International trade professionals can join the list by signing up at one of InterMart’s web pages: Shipping Solutions^® export documentation software (www.shipsolutions.com) or International Business Training (www.i-b-t.net). Once participants sign up for the Import-Export Mailing List, they will automatically receive all postings by e-mail. They can also view an archive of past discussions. Hundreds of international trade professionals from more than two dozen countries are already participating in the Import-Export Mailing List. In addition, staffs from the U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Centers and U.S. Customs Office contribute to the forum. Forum participants have discussed a variety of international trade issues such as properly completing letters of credit, calculating export costs, and understanding specific trade practices found in other countries. The mailing list does not allow participants to clutter the forum with specific buy/sell postings since numerous web sites already offer this service. Web site owners who want to add a link to the mailing list from their web page can contact InterMart for more information toll-free at 888-890-7447.
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