Problems will not go away unless they are addressed by a solution, the quality of which will be determined by the amount of money saved or lost - problems can cost money."
We offer immediate response to operational staff within exporting and importing companies seeking solutions to international transaction issues.
Such problems can have their origin in many required activities, and until resolved they will consume time and potentially introduce frustration that can spill over into other activities, increasing the risk of creating a problem that previously did not exist.
We offer technical support encompasses the following common issues:
Calculating an Export Price
There is often the danger that some very relevant cost element can be overlooked, jeopardising any inherent competitive advantage.
Calculating Freight Charges
Global logistics have become very sophisticated over recent years and a whole new range of competitive rate structures has emerged which can confuse the trader and again potentially erode a competitive advantage.
Classifying the Subject Goods
An important aspect towards maintaining corporate compliance and frequently a difficult task for the trader. It is the trader's responsibility to classify the goods but assistance is available.
Understanding Terms of the Supply Contract
Can be confusing particularly if the supply Contract has omitted to consider and rule on an important issue.
Export/Import Licence Requirements
A regulatory provision that must be considered with the most serious of intent. Failure to conform could result in a negative outcome for the subject transaction.
The Correct Document to Use
Common request, mostly derived from unclear instructions either on the part of the buyer or as evidenced via the supply Contract. Can be costly if wrong document used.
How to Complete the Required Document(s)
The entry to the document of the correct data content is absolute in qualifying the document 'fit- for-purpose'. Errors can cause delays and potentially result in loss of any competitive advantage.
Understanding the requirements of a Delivery Term
Fundamental to the proper discharge of an International transaction. These terms outline the areas of responsibility and liability for both the supplier and the buyer.
Dealing with Documentary Letter of Credit
Very common as those bank documents can be very complex and confusing and of course money turns on them and any discrepancy has the potential of creating a very negative financial position.
Dealing with uncommon Payment Methods
Certain financial instruments are now becoming more popular in International markets such as the use of Bills of Exchange and trader can have difficulty in understanding the level of security that they offer.
Understanding a Buyer's Specific Request
Buyers do have the right to express their own preference in respect of certain requirements and whilst such requests should have been incorporated into the supply contract, traders can find themselves confronted with a late request from the buyer. Furthermore the relevance of a buyer's request often escapes the trader and can lead to misunderstanding and a potential breach of goodwill.
Issues Surrounding Export/Import VAT
Never the easiest of subject to understand, VAT issues frequently bemuse traders and given the changing practices in international trade in respect of cross-border location and trading, the issue is further complicated.
Product Labelling
Essential in most overseas markets and particularly for certain types of products. Some countries have stringent labelling rules and any breach of such rules can inhibit the product from occupying its intended position of sale.
Buyer Country Controls
Standards, regulations and dictated procedures are sometime to be negotiated as part of the market entry activity. Information on specific country requirements is not always easily available. Traders can have difficulty in identifying certain control measures that they are obliged to consider and conform with by the production of specific documentation.
Problems With Agents
Normally centred around the payment of commission and the structuring of an agreement. There also arises the need to understand the legal difference between an agent and a distributor and frequently traders find that by virtue of the dictates of the agreement that is in place, the role of the agent appears to be more akin to that of a distributor.
Deciding What Constitutes a Complaint
Very common and understandable as to why The issue of compliance in international trade is now becoming an integral part of corporate governance and companies are right in taking all measures to ensure that they are within the compliance criteria.
Packing Regulations
Certain countries have introduced regulations that impact on the type of materials that can be used to protect the goods from physical damage whilst in transit. Carriers also concern themselves with the adequacy of the packing. Regulations exist to guide traders in respect of approved packing materials and also pack types for certain products.
Packaging Regulations
This addresses the same subject as above but at the point-of-sale. Similarly to packing regulations, packaging is also subject to regulation but normally at point-of-sale only and only for certain products.
Buyer Country Duty Rates
Access to buyer country customs tariff is not always available to traders and awareness of the duty to be paid by the buyer, assists in determining the overall cost to the buyer, particularly if there are local suppliers available to the buyer.
Buyer Country Tax Rates
Similar reasoning as attributed to buyer country duty rates.
This list is not exhaustive, but illustrates the most common issues.
