Kerim Allam

The following institutions in UK can provide an advice on international trade matters:

• The Institute of Export & International Trade
• Chambers of Commerce
• International Chambers of Commerce (ICC)
• HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
• British International Freight Association
• Export Control Organisation (ECO)
• Tates Guide
• Government
• Bank
• Department for Business Innovation and Skills(DBIS)

Companies that export out of the United States are required to report shipment information to the Automated Export System (AES), the system that the U.S. government uses to collect data on exports. The U.S. Census Bureau uses this data, which they call electronic export information (EEI), to compile statistics on economic indicators and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses this data to ensure that exporters are following regulations and that exports do not end up in the hands of restricted parties who may pose a threat to the national security of the United States. If the exporting company or the foreign buyer is going to rely on a freight forwarder or other agent to file through AES on their behalf, they must present this agent with a written limited power of attorney or some other written authorization. AES filing information includes: Name and contact information for the USPPI, the ultimate consignee, freight forwarder and, if appropriate, intermediate consignee; Actual date of export; Method of transportation including the carrier information and the port of export; quantity, description; schedule B number, weight and value of goods; ECCN classification and export license or license exemption code; shipment reference number.

Before you go global, make sure there's a demand in other countries for your product or service. Your first step should be to contact the Trade Information Center (TIC) at the Department of Commerce, a comprehensive resource on all federal government export assistance programs. Here you can find all information concerning international trade and information on trade missions to overseas markets where you can meet with potential distributors and buyers. You can also request a package of information that includes sources for market reports and country information, a list of publications to guide you through export transactions, trade leads and information on export financing. Or, call TIC's toll-free number, to speak to an international trade specialist and get advice on sources of general market information, how to locate and use government programs, and basic export counseling.Once you've determined there's a demand for your product overseas, there are two steps most businesses take when going global. First, they establish a relationship with a business or individual in each of their targeted foreign markets, often with help from some of the resources mentioned above. Then they carefully craft a Web site to make their products and services available to their new customers. Once you've identified your target markets, you'll need to create a site that's accessible in the appropriate languages and meets the unique needs of your international customers.

If a product has a great name that you think will help it sell in any country, you may use it as long as no one else currently owns the right to use the name of the product. If the product is branded, make sure that trademark issues don't run afoul of the law, in which prior use can outweigh filing first. For example, even if you file a trademark to use the name "Yummy Tummies" to describe the caramelized tripe you have been importing from Italy, you may be forced to discontinue using the name if another firm can prove that it was openly using "Yummy Tummies" as the name for its novelty round-shaped candies. Use the services of an experienced intellectual property rights law firm to help you.

The USPPI is the person or legal entity in the United States that receives the primary benefit, monetary or otherwise, from the export transaction. Generally, that person or entity is the U.S. seller, manufacturer, order party, customs broker, or the foreign entity if in the United States when purchasing or obtaining the goods for export. In the AES, the USPPI ID Number is the USPPI’s Employer Identification Number (EIN). If a foreign entity meets the criteria to be the USPPI, the foreign entity is identified using their passport number, DUNS number, border crossing number, or any number assigned by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in lieu of an EIN. A social security number cannot be reported in the USPPI identification field.