Jasmine Gladstone

Trade in Value Added (TiVA) is a statistical method used to estimate the sources of value added when producing goods and services for export and import.
The Trade in Value Added (TiVA) statistical method considers the value added by each country in the production of goods and services that are consumed worldwide.
The TiVA method eliminates the double or multiple counting problem prevalent in traditional trade statistics.
The OECD analyzes trade policy, investment policy, and a host of other policy measures to assist countries in accounting for global supply chain value systems.

Forfaiting is a means of financing that enables exporters to receive immediate cash by selling their medium and long-term receivables—the amount an importer owes the exporter—at a discount through an intermediary. The exporter eliminates risk by making the sale without recourse. It has no liability regarding the importer's possible default on the receivables.
The forfaiter is the individual or entity that purchases the receivables. The importer then pays the amount of the receivables to the forfaiter. A forfaiter is typically a bank or a financial firm that specializes in export financing.

A forward exchange contract against an export is an agreement between the importer and exporter to exchange a specified amount of the importer's currency for the exporter's currency. This is done on the date payment for an export is due, using the existing currency exchange rate at the time the contract for sale is made. The exchange rate is composed of the currency's spot price, the bank transaction fee, and an adjustment for the difference between the currencies' interest rates.

A clean bill of lading is issued by a carrier declaring that goods have been received in the appropriate condition, without defects. The product carrier issues a clean bill of lading after inspecting the goods. If the bill of lading is "claused" or "fouled" when it notes that the products or goods are damaged or defective. A uniform bill of lading or straight bill of lading was first adopted in 1909 and spelled out how a carrier can limit its liability. It may not be transferred and is only deliverable to the named consignee (recipient). Like any bill of lading, the uniform bill of lading also lists the goods being transported and serves as a contract of the terms of the shipment.

If you are using a customs broker, you will need to sign a Power of Attorney in order for them to work on your behalf as an importer.

For formal entries and all containerized ocean imports, importers are required to issue surety bonds against the duties owed.

A Single Bond is taken out on each individual shipment. This can be time consuming if you are importing more frequently. In this case it is simpler to have a continuous bond.
A Continuous Bond is automatically renewed and covers bonds on all shipments for a calendar year.
Customs clearance will entail other forms and documents. In fact, there is such a wide and varied range of required documents to prepare when you are importing that it is well worth taking some time to find out what you need and ask your freight forwarder or customs broker any questions that you might have.

Here are some of the required documents you will likely need to prepare when importing goods into the US:

Shipping documentation (Bill of Lading)
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Arrival notice
Special documentation
Missing or incomplete documentation is a major source of delay and added cost, so keep on top of your documentation and customs requirements to streamline the process even before goods reach the US. This is really where customs brokers can help you. With their expertise, brokers can help you do customs clearance right and therefore reduce overall times and costs when sourcing goods.