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1. Do I need a license to export from the United States?

Most goods do not need a license, and can be cleared by entering "NLR" (no license required) on the Shipper's Export Declaration. Licenses are generally required for high tech or strategic goods or goods shipped to certain countries where national security or foreign policy controls are important. The U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers export licenses and regulations. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) requires a license for certain activities and items, e.g. commodities, software, and technology, if one of ten general prohibitions applies and the export or re-export is not eligible for a license exception. USDOC - Bureau of Industry and Security

2. What is a Certificate of Origin?

A certificate of origin is a document signed by the exporter and witnessed by a semi-official agency, like a Chamber of Commerce, and required by certain foreign countries for tariff purposes. It indicates that the country originating the specified goods is indeed the exporter’s country.
Export.gov - Common Export Documents

3. What is a Certificate of Free Sale?

Document required in certain countries or for certain commodities (such as food products, ingredients), certifying that the specified imported goods are normally and freely sold in the exporting country's open markets and are approved for export. We can assist you with providing your customer with this certificate. Please contact us at (785) 296-4027 or ksintl@kansascommerce.com.

4. What is a Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practices?

The GMP ensures that all elements of the manufacturing process are reviewed to provide assurance that safety and quality is built into products during manufacture. Companies that have regular inspections of their facilities from outside sources are usually eligible for certification. If you have further questions on how to obtain one, please contact us a (785) 296-4027 or ksintl@kansascommerce.com.

5. What is the Denied Persons List?

It is a list of individuals and entities that have been denied export privileges. It also prohibits any dealings with a party on this list that would violate the terms of its denial order.
USDOC - Bureau of Industry and Security

6. What are Incoterms and how are they used in exporting?

Incoterms is a codification of the terms used worldwide in foreign trade quotations and contracts. They clarify the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in international commerce. Examples are EX works and CIF.
Export.gov - Incoterms

7. What are Schedule B codes?

Schedule B is a U.S. adaptation of the international Harmonized System. Schedule B codes are used to classify products for export, and are administered by the U.S. Census Bureau.
US Census, foreign trade

8. What are Harmonized System Codes?

The Harmonized System is an international method of classifying products for trading purposes. This classification is used by customs officials around the world to determine the duties, taxes and regulations that apply to the product.
Export.gov - The Harmonized System

9. What is a Carnet?

Carnets are “Merchandise Passports.” They are international customs documents that simplify customs procedures for the temporary importation of various types of goods. In the U.S., two types are issued: ATA and TECRO/AIT Carnets.

ATA Carnets ease the temporary importation of commercial samples (CS), professional equipment (PE), and goods for exhibitions and fairs (EF). They facilitate international business by avoiding extensive customs procedures, eliminating payment of duties and value-added taxes (minimum 20% in Europe, 27% in China), and replacing the purchase of temporary import bonds.

TECRO/AIT Carnets, used between the U.S. and Taiwan only, appear similar to, and serve the same function as the ATA Carnet. TECRO/AIT Carnets result from a bilateral agreement between the US and Taiwan, covering only commercial samples (CS), and professional equipment (PE). Merchandise entering countries in addition to Taiwan may also be accompanied by an ATA Carnet.
US Council for International Business - Carnets

10. Where can I get information on country specific tariffs or duties?

Various websites provide country specific information. We suggest that you start with export.gov.

Export.gov - Specific Tariff and Tax Information