Entry is About Compliance, Not Just Price
While a competitive price is important, a successful export journey to the US or EU hinges on compliance. A single misstep can lead to customs holds, costly delays, or even a return of goods. You must prepare:
- Certificate of Origin (COO): This document is essential for proving the origin of your goods.
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Alignment: Ensure your products are classified with the correct HTS codes for the destination country.
- Labeling and Packaging: Adhere to all destination-specific labeling and packaging requirements.
- Product-Level Rules: Be aware of specific regulations for your product category, such as those for food, apparel, or electronics.
Packaging & Routing
Strategic planning of your shipment’s journey is just as critical as its contents:
- Supplier-Proof Packaging: Your products must be packaged to withstand the rigors of long sea voyages, including potential trans-shipment handling.
- Trans-Shipment Hubs: Consider using major trans-shipment hubs to find better schedules and more efficient routes.
- Buffer Time: Build in a realistic buffer for potential delays due to port congestion, which can fluctuate seasonally.
UTradeShipping’s Export Prep
We provide a comprehensive service to ensure your exports are ready for the international market:
- We offer documentation templates and perform pre-checks to catch errors before they become a problem.
- We assist with lane planning, providing realistic Estimated Times of Departure (ETDs) and Estimated Times of Arrival (ETAs).
- We coordinate directly with our trusted destination-side agents to ensure a smooth customs process, especially for first-time entries.
