Customs Procedures and Incoterms in International Trade
Customs Procedures in International Trade
Customs play a crucial role in exercising control over international commercial exchanges. It is a government office responsible for collecting customs duties and taxes, and enforcing rules and regulations regarding what can enter a country. They also fight against smuggling activity.
European Union (EU): No customs duties are applied to goods traveling within the EU territory (Customs Union). A common external tariff is applied on goods entering the EU. The
Read MoreExport Readiness: Company, Product, and Documentation
Company and Product Readiness
Company Readiness
- Established domestically
- Have sales grown for 3 years?
- Covers all domestic market
- Price-competitive in the domestic market
- Has conducted market research
- Payment terms you can offer
- If there is foreign demand
- Transport costs manageable?
- Has knowledge to export
- Adaptation in new market
Documentation
Internal Documentation
External Documentation
- Proforma Invoice (contractual offer)
- Transport document
- Purchase order (client order nº)
- Consular invoice (additional proof)
Understanding Sales Contracts: Key Elements & Obligations
The contract of sale involves one party, the seller, undertaking to deliver a specific item to another party, the purchaser, who agrees to pay a price in money or its equivalent (CC Article 1445).
Key Characteristics of Sales Contracts
- Bilateral: Obligations arise for both parties, encompassing both buying and selling.
- Consensual: Completion of the contract requires agreement on the item and the price.
- Required: Duplication of obligations; the seller conveys the item, and the buyer pays the agreed price.
Understanding Commercial Documents in Accounting
Commercial Documents
Accounting transactions reflect changes experienced by the assets of a business. These variations cannot be arbitrary, but must be based on documents supporting each transaction. These are called commercial documents.
Companies receive documentation from those persons or entities with which they do business. These vouchers are called external documents.
When the company issues such documentation, these are referred to as internal documents.
The main documents that relate to accounting
Read MoreCommercial Documents and Payment Methods
Minutes
Minutes: A draft is written before a contract is finalized. It’s an annotated document outlining the main points that will be used in the final draft.
Invoice
Invoice: A document issued by the seller, and agreed upon by the buyer, detailing a transaction involving the sale of goods or services. Entrepreneurs and professionals are required to issue invoices for transactions carried out in the course of their activities. Invoices are typically created in duplicate, with both the buyer and seller
Understanding Incoterms: A Clear Explanation
Understanding Incoterms
Incoterms are rules for any mode or modes of transport.
Rules for Any Mode of Transport
- EXW (Ex Works): The seller delivers when it places the goods at the disposal of the buyer at the seller’s premises or at another named place. The seller does not need to load the goods on any collecting vehicle, nor does it need to clear the goods for export, where such clearance is applicable.
- FCA (Free Carrier): The seller delivers the goods to the carrier or another person nominated by