Globalization has made international trade more essential than ever to the health of our economy. If your small business is interested in exporting or importing products or services, learn about the laws, agencies and trade organizations that can help lead to successful ventures in international commerce.

Licenses

The Department of Commerce provides comprehensive information on licensing requirements for participating in international trade. They have an online application process, SNAP (Simplified Network Applications Process), which allows registered users to submit export and reexport license applications, and request commodity classifications, and agricultural license exception notices through a single and secure Web site.

Shipping Documents

Commercial Invoice

This document is required for exporting and includes all the terms of sale. The commercial invoice must conform exactly to letters of credit, including misspellings and foreign languages. Product descriptions, prices, weights and other information must follow requirements specified by the target country.

Bill of Lading

Shipping companies or freight forwarders usually provide a bill of lading.

Insurance Certificates

Exporters need these certificates if the terms of sale include cost, insurance and freight(CIF).

Certificates of Origin

These are official documents that many Arab and Latin American countries require. Consulates generally sell the forms, which are then filled out in the language stipulated. For an additional fee, the consul stamps them to make them legal documents.

Certificates of Origin

Although these usually appear on the invoice, many countries require a separate certificate of origin.

Certificates of inspection

These consist of either an affidavit or a certificate from an official government agency or independent inspection company.

Dock Receipts

These are necessary when the exporter is not directly responsible for transporting goods to a foreign destination or otherwise needs to prove that the goods have been delivered to a port for further disposition by the importer.

Shipper's Export Declaration (SED)

Exporters may be required to file a SED when taking commercial goods out of the United States.