Resources

Standards provide consistency for characteristics, guidelines, and specifications for products, services, and processes. International standards organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are examples of standards development bodies that develop guidelines and specifications for products, services, and processes.

A trade barrier is a government-imposed restriction on the international exchange of goods or services. Barriers to trade are often called “protection” because their stated purpose is to shield or advance particular industries or segments of an economy.

Even if your company already has a domestic marketing plan in place, it is essential to develop an international marketing plan to help reach target markets abroad and ensure that your products or services are relatable to your audience.

When traveling for business overseas, there are visa and health requirements to consider, national holidays to avoid, trade events to schedule, and troubled areas to avoid. When planning a business trip abroad, the best place to start is with the local embassy or consulate of your destination country. Officials who work in embassies and consulates can provide you with essential requirements for entry and information regarding the local economy, holidays, and more.

Shipping your product to a foreign country requires an understanding of packing, labeling, insurance, Incoterms, and documentation.

Learn how to determine your HS Code and Schedule B numbers. Harmonized System (HS) codes are a standardized numerical method of classifying traded products. Exporters need to know their product’s Schedule B and HS numbers to determine import tariff rates, complete export and shipping documents, and view export and import data for specific products.