Question 1

What documentation is required from U.S. exporters for exporting goods?

Accepted Answer

The specific documentation or identification numbers required from U.S. exporters can vary depending on the goods being exported and the destination country. However, common documents and numbers that U.S. exporters may be required to provide include: Commercial invoice, Harmonized System (HS) code, Packing list, Bill of lading/air waybill (BOL/AWB), Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), Export license, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration, Freight forwarder's cargo receipt, Insurance certificate, Certificate of origin, Employer Identification Number (EIN), Internal Transaction Number (ITN), Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS).

Question 2

What is a Commercial invoice and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A commercial invoice is a document that provides details of the goods being exported, including a description of the goods, quantity, unit value, and the total value of the shipment. It is required for all commodity exports and is needed for customs clearance. It serves as a receipt of sale and a contract between the buyer and seller.

Question 3

What is a Harmonized System (HS) code and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A Harmonized System (HS) code is a number used to classify goods for customs purposes based on the internationally recognized HS. The U.S. uses a classification system specific to U.S. exports known as Schedule B codes. Schedule B codes are required for all U.S. exports. The basic HS code contains six digits, known as a subheading. The Schedule B is a 10-digit code built upon the first six digits of the HS code.

Question 4

What is a Packing list and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A packing list is a document that provides a detailed list of the shipment's contents, including the quantity, weight, and dimensions of each item. It may be required for U.S. exporters when shipping goods to another country, but it is not always needed.

Question 5

What is a Bill of lading/air waybill (BOL/AWB) and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A Bill of lading/air waybill (BOL/AWB) is a document that serves as a contract between the exporter and the carrier, providing shipment details, including the names of the consignor and consignee, the origin and destination of the shipment, and the terms of the shipment. U.S. exporters typically need a BOL or AWB when shipping goods internationally.

Question 6

What is an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) is a five-character alphanumeric code used to classify certain goods and technologies for export-control purposes. U.S. exporters are generally required to have an ECCN. An ECCN must be obtained prior to export for most goods, as it is required for obtaining the necessary export licenses and documents.

Question 7

What is an Export license and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

An Export license is a document issued by the U.S. government that authorizes the export of certain controlled goods, services, or technologies. The U.S. government requires export licenses for the export of certain goods and technologies that are deemed sensitive or have national security implications.

Question 8

What is International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Registration is a registration required for U.S. companies that manufacture or export defense articles or services covered by the ITAR. U.S. exporters may be required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) if they are exporting defense articles or services.

Question 9

What is a Freight forwarder's cargo receipt and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A Freight forwarder's cargo receipt is a document issued by a freight forwarder that acknowledges receipt of the shipment and provides details of the shipment. U.S. exporters typically need a freight forwarder's cargo receipt for their exports when the goods are shipped by sea.

Question 10

What is an Insurance certificate and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

An Insurance certificate is a document that provides details of the insurance coverage for the shipment. It is needed when a letter of credit is involved in the purchase of the goods. This document provides proof of insurance coverage for the goods in the event of loss or damage. Insurance certificates are also required in order to obtain financing for the shipment.

Question 11

What is a Certificate of origin and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A Certificate of origin is a document that certifies the exported goods' country of origin. It is typically only needed to acquire preferential treatment, and they are usually requested by customs, banks, private stakeholders, and importers. This document is used to identify the good's country of origin, which is often required to take advantage of certain trade agreements and to receive preferential tariffs.

Question 12

What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a unique number assigned to businesses by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax purposes. U.S. exporters are generally required to have an EIN if they are a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company (LLC). Additionally, some exporters may need an EIN in order to open a bank account to process transactions or to obtain a business license.

Question 13

What is an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

An Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is a unique identification number assigned by the Automated Export System (AES) to track export shipments from the United States. The ITN is required when a U.S. exporter (also known as the U.S. Principal Party in Interest, or USPPI) files Electronic Export Information (EEI) with the U.S. Census Bureau.

Question 14

What is a Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS) and when is it required?

Accepted Answer

A Dun & Bradstreet Number (DUNS) is a unique nine-digit identification number that tracks business credit and financial information. U.S. exporters may be required to have a DUNS when engaging in business with the U.S. government or when applying for certain grants and loans. Additionally, some exporters may need a DUNS in order to open a bank account to process transactions.