Getting started with Importing

Businesses in general do not need a special license to import products, but in some cases many require a license, permit or other registration to possess, transport or sell the product in the United States, in their particular state or in a local jurisdiction.

This section covers how to import products into the United States.

Getting started with Exporting

Exporting is similar to doing business in the US, but there are some important differences you must be aware of and take steps to deal with.

What you need to know about Compliance

Export Compliance probably has sneaked up on most exporters, and many exporters and potential exporters we talk to don't know what it is, what it means or why it's important. Yes, this is big and messy but also very necessary since 9/11, not only to prevent terrorist activities but also to keep exporters out of trouble.

Simplified bottom line is that exporters must know and carefully document:

What they are selling? (does it require an export license?)

Where they are shipping? (is the buyer or end user location in a prohibited or restricted country?)

To Whom are they shipping? (is the buyer or the end user on a US government Denied Parties List?)

What is the end users intended use for the product? (Probably don't know for sure must do due diligence to confirm use is legitimate).

Okay, many of you use commercial carriers and they do all of the shipping documents as a service, but you must know that they do that to protect themselves and not you. They do keep the archive records as long as they legally need to, but that doesn't necessarily protect you, the exporter, if there is ever a problem, because the shipper doesn't necessarily give you a complete copy of their compliance due diligence AND YOU need to keep a copy for 5 years.