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It doesn't matter whether it's as close as Windsor or as far as Hong Kong or Zimbabwe, the Michigan District Export Council has someone who's been there and done that.  We encourage you to give us a try.

Export Documentation

• Canada - Mandatory HS Requirement - Effective May 1, 2002, there will be new Mandatory HS Requirements (Customs Notice, CN-410) on certain commercial shipments entering Canada.

• Canada - The FAST Program - Expedited Customs clearance between the US and Canada is vital to both countries.  Learn more at this site.

• Carnet   - The Carnet has been called a passport for your equipment, samples, trade show booth and more.

• Classifying Your Products for Export - On a daily basis, millions of products from the United States and elsewhere enter markets around the world. A crucial aspect of this constant stream of goods is the proper identification and documentation of those products for customs purposes. For every item, there is a customs classification number that ensures that customs authorities recognize the product and that the appropriate customs fees are assessed. These numbers are also used to obtain tariff rates, complete export documentation, and conduct market research.

• EEC Wood Packaging Requirements  - The European Commission has adopted emergency measures requiring the treatment and marking of all new and used coniferous (e.g. pine, spruce, fir) non-manufactured wood packing material (NMWP) originating in the United States, Canada, China or Japan beginning October 1, 2001.

• Fundamentals of Export Documentation  - The basics of U.S. export documentation include but are not limited to a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, shipper's letter of instructions, shipper's export declaration, and ocean bill of lading or air waybill. Depending upon the ultimate destination, further documentation may be required in order to fulfill the terms of sale as well as to adhere to the particular customs regulations of a given nation. 

• Hazardous Materials Exports - Exporters who do business in hazardous materials or products composed of or packaged with hazardous material must be aware of the steps required to ship these items.

• How Merchandise Passports can Unlock Customs - Have you ever faced long delays at customs when going abroad to make sales calls, attend a trade fair or otherwise demonstrate how terrific your products are? Have you ever thought: "There must be a better way?"  There is. It's called the ATA Carnet, or 'merchandise passport," and it unlocks customs for a wide variety of purposes intended for temporary export.

• NAFTA Certificate of Origin  - Learn how to complete the basic document for trade with Canada and Mexico and where to download copies of the form.

• Pre-Shipment Inspection   - Firms providing this service are exofficio Customs Officials of the countries they represent.  Learn why it's in your interest to cooperate.

• Repair and Warranty Re-Exports  - Companies use merchandise and machinery from all over the world. Sometimes goods must be returned to their country of origin for repair and maintenance. In international trade and shipping logistics, there are two scenarios for U.S. companies dealing with repairs. 

• Shippers Export Declaration - The Shippers Export Declaration (Form 7525-V) will change April 1, 2001 with mandatory use of the new form.

• Temporary Entry Made Easy - Temporary entry of your product or equipment into a foreign country can take many forms.  The purpose of this article is discuss each topic, provide the alternatives available and give you the easiest alternative (although not the least expensive).

• Temporary Entry Requirements for Canada - Every day in Canada, innumerable commercial items enter the country on a temporary basis. Canadian Customs officers are very familiar with temporary entries, and U.S. exporters, as well as Canadian importers, should be prepared with some basic background knowledge of what to expect when goods are being brought into Canada but will be returned to the United States at a later date.

• Unofficial USEAC BIS Guide - As a US Export Assistance Center we can provide guidance only, and “official determinations” can only be made by BIS or other appropriate export regulating authority.  Here's an overview that can be useful.

Date Updated: March 27, 2007