International Trade

TRADING THROUGH CORONAVIRUS

  

Importers and Exporters

Ana Christie, Chief Executive of Sussex Chamber of Commerce, said: “The outbreak is already affecting businesses all around the world. With some factories on extended shutdown, we anticipate interruptions to shipments of goods. As we enter the 'delay' phase, there is a risk of staff sickness, self-isolation or travel disruption. This could affect our ability to deliver documentation services. Click here for Export Documentation guidance

 

What Does Certification Mean?

Certification for all documents, except for Arab documents requiring legalisation, is performed by us at Sussex Chamber of Commerce. We certify that information or a signature is correct by stamping and signing the documentation that you have provided.

 

Certification of Arab documentation that requires legalisation is performed by the Arab-British Chamber of Commerce who stamp the document, after verification by ourselves.

 

We can help you with:

• Certificates of Origin
• Certificates of Conformity
• Electronic Export documentation
• Certification, Legalisation & Notarisation of Export Documentation
• EUR1 & ATR customs authentication
• Letter of Credit processing service
• ATA Carnet

 

What Does Legalisation Mean?

Legalisation of a document is performed by an embassy, after the documentation has been certified by ourselves. The embassy will normally show the document has been legalised by adding postage style stamps to the documentation.

 

Do My Documents Need Certifying Or Legalising?

The main guideline for most Arab Countries is that Certificates of Origin and Invoices need legalising together as a set. This is only a guideline and you should refer to your specific customers instructions or Letter of Credit specification if you have one.

 

For all other Countries in the majority of cases you would have required documents certified but Legalisation can be arranged if necessary.

 

Best practice is to refer to your customers instructions first whilst liasing with the Croners Reference Book for Exporters.

 

What Documents Do I Need For Exporting To X Country?

Every Country and every customer normally requires different documentation at different times. Every export office should have an up-to-date copy of the Croners reference book for Exporters (link). This book provides specific Country advice on documentary requirements.

 

However if you are new to exporting and do not have this book please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

 

What Are Incoterms?

The purpose of Incoterms is to provide a set of international rules for the interpretation of the most commonly used trade terms in foreign trade. This means that the uncertainties of different interpretations of such terms in different countries can be avoided or at least reduced to a considerable degree.

 

They are governed by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and they come in the form of 3 letter abbreviations i.e. FOB Free on Board, CFR Cost Insurance and Freight. The Incoterm should be agreed at the time you finalise your sales order, as it specifies which party is responsible for which part of the shipment.

 

The ICC publish a book, which is updated every ten years, the current version is Incoterms 2000. This provides more in-depth information in the Incoterms.

 

What Is My Tariff Code?

Every product has a code, which customs specify. Ideally this should be mentioned on your export documentation. If you do not know your code, please contact the 'customs classification helpline' on the following number: 0845 010 9000.

 

Our Latest Export Documents To Download

• To download our latest Export Documentation Price List, click here.
• To download our latest Standard Rules and Regulations, click here.
• To download our latest Formal Undertaking and Signatory List Application Form, click here.
• To download our latest Authority Letter, click here.