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A guide to exporting to the United States

The following information has been compiled by Dr Charles Toftoy from The Business School of George Washington University.

This guide seeks to offer some advice for the small foreign exporter. The target audience is a small producer of environmentally friendly products that is seeking to export its goods to the US, preferably via a pre-identified US buyer.

Section 1: Preparing to export to the US

This section offers suggestions on identifying US buyers and outlines some of the essentials that a foreign firm should consider before embarking on the path to exporting to the US. A special self-test, ‘Are you ready to export?’ is included in this section.

• Establishing your export potential
• Identifying markets
• Essential requirements for exporters to the US
• Assessment: are you ready to export?

Section 2: Making the deal

This section lists the key steps in the sales process, including the steps in setting up and finalising the deal.

• Steps in the sales process

Section 3: Arranging the shipment

This section deals with the marking, packaging, and labeling of goods to ensure they are not delayed in US Customs.

• Producing the order
• Preparing the order for shipment

Section 4: Importing into the US

This section details the US Customs procedures, various other regulatory issues related to getting goods into the US, and addresses such issues as customs brokers.

• Shipping to the US
• Markings and customs fees
• Prohibitions, restrictions and other requirements
• Quotas and assessment of duties
• Entry of goods to the United States
• Complying with the 2003 Bioterrorism Act
• Customs brokers
• Final export checklist

Section 5: Getting paid

This section explains the different methods for exporters to the US to collect their payments.

• Payment terms

Alternatively, you can download the guide as the PDF document Exporting to the United States.

Page last updated: Wednesday, 3 August 2005