F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a License to export ?

The answer is usually “no” because 95 percent of all items exported from the United States to a foreign buyer don’t require an export license, even though the items are subject to U.S. government export control laws and regulations. These laws and regulations determine whether you can sell your product to an international buyer, which countries you can export it to, and to which buyers you can sell. However, just because your product is among the 95 percent that don’t require a license doesn’t mean that you can sell it anywhere and to anyone.

To determine whether your item is subject to the EAR, you will need to refer to the EAR’s Commerce Control List (CCL) to see if your item has an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). Every item specifically listed in the EAR has an assigned ECCN. If your item falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Commerce and is not listed on the CCL, it is designated as EAR99. Most EAR99 commercial products will not require a license to be exported. Depending on the destination, end user, or end use of the item, even an EAR99 item may require a BIS export license

Although relatively few items subject to the EAR require export licenses, licenses are required in certain situations involving national security, foreign policy, short supply, nuclear nonproliferation, missile technology, chemical and biological weapons, regional stability, crime control, or anti-terrorism.

How to determine my products’ export potential ?

There are several ways to evaluate the export potential of your products and services in international markets. The most common approach is to examine the domestic sales of your products. If your company is successful in the U.S. market, there is a good chance that it will also sell in markets abroad, at least in those markets where similar needs and conditions exist. If you are a wholesaler in the United States or if you want to be a manufacturer’s representative, you’ll have the means of assessing domestic sales. If you have a startup but haven’t sold anything yet, you’ll at least have a good sense of future prospects. You can join our coaching and training program to learn more.

How can I assess my company’s export readiness ?

Export-ready companies possess certain qualities that increase the likelihood that their exporting efforts will be successful. Qualities of an Export-Ready Company:

• Have commitment from ownership and are prepared to fund exporting activities.

• Understand the added demands international business can place on key resources.

• Have realistic expectations regarding return on investment from international activities.

• Are prepared to modify products and services by market as well as provide training

and after-sales service.

Exporting is too risky ?

Exporting to some markets, such as Canada, is no more risky than selling in the United States. Different international markets have different levels of risks. Almost any perceived risk can be identified and reduced by using our export assistance services.

Getting paid is cumbersome, and I’ll lose my shirt ?

Worrying about buyer payments is now a thing of the past. Trade finance and global banking have evolved to the point where buying and selling things internationally is routine, safe, and efficient. Reliable payment collection methods are numerous and include letters of credit through banks, credit cards, and online payments. We can take on your buyer’s payment and collection risk so you can offer your buyers better terms, and focus on growing your business.

Exporting is too complicated ?

Most exporting requires minimal paperwork. Researching markets and finding buyers can in many instances be done from your computer. We can help you remove much of the complexity and risk, real or assumed.

My domestic market is secure. Do I need to export ?

Globalization has made it easier to buy and sell goods in multiple markets. Few markets remain static, and new markets are constantly opening to competition. Most U.S. businesses are involved in or affected by international business, whether they realize it or not. More small and medium-size U.S. companies need an international strategy that includes diversifying markets. It turns out that exporting is often a tremendous learning experience for those who are open to the lessons, resulting in better prod

I’m too small to go global ?

No company is too small to go global. We can get you working capital including financing we can finance your buyer to buy from you.

My product or service probably won’t sell outside the United States ?

If your product or service sells well in the United States, there’s a good chance an overseas market can be found for it. What’s more, help is available to test acceptance of your service or product in more than 100 countries around the globe. In some markets, you may have to make some modifications because of cultural or regulatory differences, but by learning how to sell into another market, you will become a better marketer, and your company will be more successful in all markets in which it competes.

Can I be successful because if I don’t speak another language and have never been abroad ?

Cultural knowledge and business etiquette are always helpful, but you can pick these things up as you go. The English language will take you a very long way, and help is readily available for situations in which interpreters and translators are necessary. A level of introspection and culturally specific knowledge can help prevent potentially deal breaking faux pas, but a friendly disposition and willingness to learn can make up for a multitude of unintended mistakes.

iExportAmerican.com