SAP&DC’s International Trade Program seeks to create and retain
jobs by helping businesses increase sales of exported goods and
services.
Our staff provides assistance to small- and medium-sized companies,
usually at no charge. We help businesses evaluate potential
international markets and develop strategies to export goods and
services successfully.
Participating businesses can access a network of state-sponsored
overseas representatives, providers from the private and public
sectors, and experienced Commission staff.
SAP&DC’s International Trade Program has provided consulting
services for international exporting since 1985. SAP&DC also
serves as the regional coordinator for Southern Alleghenies Export
Network, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s economic development
program for international business. SAP&DC has access to more
than 15 overseas offices and 10 regional networks throughout the state.
Acting as an export diagnostician, SAP&DC coordinates activities
with the U.S. Commercial Service, banking firms, law firms,
universities, and government service providers. These affiliates
offer their combined expertise to help regional businesses develop an
export strategy. The Network opens the gateway for
state-sponsored overseas programs, global contacts and inquiries about
foreign investments.
The SAP&DC staff can help answer your exporting questions,
whether your company is new to exporting or you wish to expand your
existing international business.
What is an export?
An export is any item sent from the United States to a foreign
destination. Exports can include either physical commodities or
non-physical technology, such as: clothing, building materials, circuit
boards, automotive parts, blueprints, design plans, retail software
packages and technical information.
Consider the following points before exporting goods and services:
Is your company ready to export?
Determine if your company is ready to export to an international market. Take our Export Readiness Assessment.
Does my item require a license to export?
A
small percentage of items exported or re-exported from the U.S. require
a license. You must determine if your item requires a
license. License requirements depend on the product’s technical
characteristics, the ultimate end-user and end-usage of the goods, and
the destination of the goods. To determine if your product
requires a license, find its classification in the Commerce Control
List (CCL). Reference: (Supplement No. 1 to Part 774 of the
EAR) http://www.gpo.gov/bis/index.html.
Where are you exporting?
After
classifying the item(s), determine if you need an export license based
on the “reason for control” and the country of ultimate destination.
Who will receive your item?
Certain
individuals and organizations are prohibited from receiving exports
from the U.S. Others may require a license to receive goods, even
if the item is not normally designated as a licensable item on the CCL
or EAR 99. To determine if an individual or organization is able
to receive your export, check the following lists:
What is the end-use of your item?
Depending on the end-use of the item, your product may require a license. Some end-uses are prohibited.
Select a Freight Forwarder.
A
freight forwarder is one of your most important allies in international
sales. Fast and efficient delivery can set you apart from the
competition. Evaluate several freight forwarders and choose one
that provides the best combination of service and price. A
freight forwarder may act as your agent and have power of attorney to
prepare, examine and distribute your shipping documents, as well as the
authority to submit documents directly to your bank for collection and
deposit. You must have confidence in the forwarder’s
recordkeeping methods and staff training.
Incoterms.
When
negotiating an international sales contract, both parties must pay
attention to the terms of sale as well as the sales price. Most
countries have adopted INCOTERMS, an international set of trade terms,
to define the responsibilities and risks for both buyer and seller
during shipment, transit and final delivery.
Documents.
Verify
document requirements for the country before exporting your goods and
services. Documents such as Commercial Invoices, Shipper’s Export
Declarations, and Certificates of Origin are required. Although a
freight forwarder may prepare these documents, the exporter is
ultimately responsible for their content and accuracy.
