Adopt the Right Technology Solutions

The software tools for preparing important trade documents can be an answer to many concerns. For example, the probability of human errors reduces significantly. In addition, you don’t need to spend time and efforts in rekeying data again and again. With the help of a software solution, you may automate a lot of processes. In short, you would get the peace of mind and more time to focus on your export business.

However, it is important that you carefully choose the right kind of software. For instance, a cloud solution makes more sense as it allows remote documentation and saves IT infrastructure costs dramatically.

Train Your Staff

Apart from adopting a software tool, you may also think of training your staff to use it effectively. Obviously, your employees are not currently used to such solutions and may take time to adapt to them. If you willingly invest in a training program, it would help your business in the long run. The training may guide your staff about using the right templates, referring to the right resources for the latest updates and contacting different bodies authorized to issue important export certificates.

Hire Documentation Experts

Even if you choose the right software and get your staff trained, you may still face issues in addressing the documentation issues. In that case, it is better to opt for an external team which is experienced in offering international trade documentation service. Many of the service providers these days offer flexible packages that you may choose and customize according to your specific needs.

To summarize, you must bring in some serious changes in your documentation process to make the difference.

The post How to Adopt a Foolproof Export Documentation Practice? appeared first on Exdoc.

There are agencies offering customized documentation services that can be the answer to your concerns. Find out how these service providers may help you.

Expertise in Global Trade Documentation

Your export business may deal with importers from different countries around the world. Each of them might have to adhere to the norms of his or her region and thus, the documentation needs may also differ. To meet these needs, you may think to hire an agency offering international trade documentation service. The experts from these agencies know how to exactly meet the requirements of importing countries in terms of documentation.

Meeting Your Business’s Needs

Does your export business deal in multiple currencies? Do you wish to streamline the documentation process with an existing ERP system? For these and many other individual requirements of your business, you can rely on an expert offering bespoke solutions. These experts can also help you incorporate the branding elements of your business into the process of documentation.

Helping You Save Costs

Another benefit of hiring someone for custom documentation service is the flexibility of using the services as per your own needs. You don’t need to make huge investments or sign any contracts with them. It is possible to hire them just for one-time documentation needs or for many more in the future. In addition, there is no compulsion to buy the entire service package from these agencies. You can demand the services that you require and pay accordingly to save significant amounts of costs.

In short, hiring these experts is like having an extended team of your own. It eliminates the need for recruiting an in-house team or buying documentation software tools.

The post Is It Possible to Hire Services for Customized Export Documentation? appeared first on Exdoc.

As an exporter, you may also register with the department as an AEPI. Or, you may contact an AEPI to apply for the export permits. Here is a small guide about the role of an AEPI and the process to obtain the status.

Get Started As an EDI User

The first step to applying for an AEPI status is to register with the DAWR’s EXDOC system as an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) user. It is a simple process in which you need to submit an EXDOC.com.au registration form and buy or subscribe to software that is compatible to communicate with the EXDOC system. The department has a list of software vendors who are approved to provide such software tools. If you don’t want to register as an EDI user, you must find a registered EDI user to follow the process of AEPI application.

Application for AEPI

You are required to fill an application form to share your details that confirm your eligibility as the right applicant for an AEPI status. Next, you need to fill the declaration of understanding that can be done manually or electronically. Apart from the application and declaration of understanding, you need to confirm your business needs through a checklist. The checklist consists of declarations of compliance for each product category you want to export, compliance with the importing country requirements, product descriptions and more.

The completed application form must either be sent by post or emailed to the DAWR. The department would review and verify the information and issue the AEPI ID if everything is found to be appropriate.

Role of an AEPI

As an export permit issuer, you would be responsible to ensure that the products intended for export:

• Meet all important requirements of export legislation of Australia
• Comply with specific requirements of the importing country
• Undergo the required product tests and inspections
• Are a part of an approved export chain

However, if you don’t wish to register as an AEPI, you may directly reach out to the regional team of the DAWR for export permit requests. It is better to use electronic software for the entire process to apply for the export permit quickly and at less cost. You may also use these tools to apply for the necessary export documents like Phytosanitary Certificates that are mandatory for the consignments containing plants and plant products. Make sure that you consult an export in export documentation to avoid common mistakes in the processes described above.

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1. Do Your Goods Qualify?

Not every export good qualifies for reduced or eliminated tariffs. You must refer to the good assessment guides to know whether your goods are in the list prescribed by the TAFTA. There are situations when you might fail to identify the origin of your good and you may end up learning that the good actually has its origin from some other country and not Australia. Make sure you assess the origin before applying for a certificate of origin.

2. Which Chamber of Commerce to Contact?

Certificates of origin are prepared by the exporters (of their agents) and then submitted to one of the chambers of commerce for stamping. It is important to know which chamber of commerce you need to approach based on your business location for this purpose.

3. How to Submit the Certificate for Stamping?

There are a number of ways in which you may submit the certificate for stamping. Apart from submitting it by post or courier, you may also visit the chamber’s office personally to submit it. However, the fastest way is to submit it electronically using the right kind of software.

4. How to Prepare the Certificate?

Most of the chambers of commerce prescribe a typed certificate of origin. So, avoid submitting a handwritten certificate. Correct HS codes and origin criterion must be quoted on it.

5. How Many Copies of the Certificate Must be Prepared?

Depending on to how many parties you need to send the certificate to, you may decide the number of copies. It must be noted that each copy of the certificate needs to be original and not photocopied. Also, one copy would be retained by the chamber for its records.

The post 5 Things to Keep in Mind When Preparing TAFTA Certificate of Origin appeared first on Exdoc.

If you are facing similar issues, you may think of hiring an export documentation expert who offers comprehensive services in this direction. Here’s a small guide to help you choose the right expert on the basis of the answers to a few important questions.

Do They Know Prescribed Vs. Non-prescribed Goods?

In order to complete the documentation correctly, the expert you choose must know the difference between prescribed goods and non-prescribed goods. According to the Export Control Act of 1982, the goods that must be inspected and certified by the authorized officers are known as prescribed goods. For example, grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are the goods that belong to this category.

Non-prescribed goods are those which according to the above-mentioned Act don’t essentially require certification. An example of this category is fish oil strictly meant for manufacturing purposes.

Do They Refer to the MICoR?

Whether the goods are prescribed or non-prescribed, different importing countries may set guidelines for certifications of different types of goods. These requirements are compiled in the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR). The documentation expert you choose must refer to this manual in order to know the exact requirements of the country you plan to export to.

Do They Use EXDOC-compliant Software?

The Export Documentation (EXDOC) system is used by the DAWR to respond to an exporter’s request for permits and other important export documents. When choosing a documentation service provider, you must ensure that the company uses software from a vendor recommended by the DAWR on its official website. It should also be registered with the EXDOC as an EDI user or should help you register as an exporter.

Do They Know what’s SEW?

The Single Electronic Window (SEW) is a facility which helps the exporters to apply for permit with the DAWR and for the export declaration number with Australia’s Customs simultaneously. It is possible to save time and money using this facility. Though, it is not an essential requirement that the documentation expert should fulfil but having it can definitely add to the advantage.

Do They Help in Preparing Other Documents?

If you are planning to hire a documentation service provider, why not choose the one offering complete assistance in preparing all the necessary documents and certificates? For example, you may also require a certificate of origin or letter of credit or a commercial invoice. By choosing an expert meeting each of these requirements, you can actually make the documentation process much more efficient.

While looking for one such expert, you may come across a number of options. Make sure you evaluate them on the basis of their experience and knowledge to enjoy the expected benefits.

The post 5 Questions to Ask an Export Documentation Expert for Export Controlled Goods appeared first on Exdoc.

For electronic submission, the exporters must connect with the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) operated by the Customs and Border Force of Australia using a compliant software tool. It is considered as a more convenient process as it offers a number of benefits. Find out what these benefits are.

Prepare a Declaration Faster

Rather than filing a paper form, filing an electronic export declaration is much faster even if you are doing it for the first time. And once you successfully submit the declaration to the ICS for the first time, the procedure would take even a shorter time the next time. It is because you would just need to copy the previous application, make the required changes and file a new declaration. It saves a lot of time required to fill the paper forms again and again.

Avoid Human Errors

Submitting an accurate export declaration is important to obtain the EDN on time and without any hassles. Any error or inaccurate information in the statement may lead to the Customs’ disapproval or investigation that may cause delays. When you use the electronic medium to submit a declaration, the possibilities of such mistakes are significantly reduced. A lot of repetitive work is eliminated and you get saved from the possible hassles.

Submit It Anytime

With the help of a cloud-based export documentation software, you can add to the convenience promised by the electronic export declaration submission process. These software tools need not be installed in your office computers. You can subscribe to them and access them using a mobile device and internet during any hour of the day. It, therefore, becomes extremely convenient to submit a declaration at any time or from any place.

Track the Status Conveniently

When you use the ICS to submit the declaration for your export goods, you can take advantage of the system’s online tracking system to track the status of your application. The system generates a response in the form of a number of messages Clear and Error that can be interpreted easily and in no time. In case there is an error, you can respond back quickly and resolve the issue in order to prevent delays in getting the approval.

You may also amend or withdraw and resubmit the export declaration faster and conveniently through the ICS. In addition, the software you use to file export customs declaration is most likely to assist you in applying for many other important export documents online which makes the overall process of export documentation easy, fast and convenient. By submitting the declaration electronically, you may also save costs.

The post What Is the Most Convenient Way to Submit Export Declaration? appeared first on Exdoc.

The Australian Government authorizes the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to issue certificates of origin. For this, the ACCI authorizes a number of commerce chambers in different states and territories to issue these certificates. These chambers include:

• Canberra Commerce Chamber
• New South Wales Commerce Chamber
• Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
• Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
• Business South Australia
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia
• Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory
• Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry

How to Apply for a Certificate of Origin?

You can apply with the right Chamber of Commerce authorized to issue the certificate in your region or area. The procedure followed by each of the above-mentioned chambers is almost the same and includes the following steps:

• Get registered as an exporter under an FTA by filling the Exporter Information Form CO4. For example, if you are exporting to China, you must get registered under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). The chamber you apply to would issue a registration number.
• Next, you would receive a certificate of origin template which you would need to complete and submit it back to the chamber.
• The certificate would be processed and stamped and delivered to you via post or email (as selected by you). If you receive it by email, you can print it at your office.It is advised to prefer the online procedure to get the certificate of origin stamped. It not only saves a lot of time but may also cost less.

The post Who Is Authorized to Issue the Certificates of Origin? appeared first on Exdoc.

• JAEPA with Japan
• ChAFTA with China
• KAFTA with Korea
• AANZFTA with New Zealand and ASEAN countries

As an exporter from Australia, you need to follow 4 important steps to obtain a certificate of origin from one of the Chambers of Commerce in the country. These steps are common for every FTA that Australia has signed with other countries and include:

Step 1: Understanding Tariff Classification

The first step is to identify the customs tariff code for the category of goods you wish to export from Australia. These codes are prescribed by the globally-accepted Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as HS Coding System. To learn about these classification codes, you can directly consult the Customs Services of the destination country. For example, you can search for the tariff classification code of your goods intended for export to Japan by reaching out to the Japanese Customs Service.

Step 2: Know How Your Goods Are Treated under FTAs

Once you know the classification code for your goods, the next thing is to learn how your goods will be treated under specific free trade agreements. In other words, you need to find out whether your goods would be completely exempted from the tariffs or would enjoy preferential rates. For this, you need to read the tariff schedule which presents in the form of tables the information like base duty rate, tariff staging category and more for each product category.

Step 3: Decide the Eligibility of Your Goods Based on Origin

The goods usually qualify for the reduced tariffs under FTAs if they wholly originate (are grown/produced/obtained) in Australia. In addition, there are other categories like whether the good was manufactured from materials originating in Australia. Refer to these guidelines carefully.

Step 4: Prepare the Certificate of Origin

Finally, you need to prepare a certificate of origin according to the formats prescribed under the FTAs and by the Chambers of Commerce. Using a software, you can submit these documents electronically to a chamber for quick stamping and approval.

The post 4 Important Steps of Obtaining the Certificates of Origin appeared first on Exdoc.

However, the manual process was replaced by the electronic procedure. Rather than submitting the Notice of Intention, the exporters now need to raise a request for permits with the DAWR electronically. Though, the manual process is applicable in case the electronic request can’t be made due to technical issues.

Now, the question is how filing a request for a permit is better than the traditional process. There are many benefits of doing so and you can earn them below.

Reduced Paperwork

Conventionally, the exporters needed to fill in the paper-based forms to file the notice. With the advent of the internet and electronic platforms, the process has become extremely convenient as it reduces the efforts of filling forms manually again and again. Now, you just need to feed the information in a software once and use it for filing the permit request whenever there is a new export consignment.

Reduced Errors

One of the major drawbacks of the manual notice submission was the number of repeated human errors that would lead to delays. In many cases, the errors would prove to be costly, forcing the exporters to face penalties and waste a lot of money. With the advanced electronic procedures, the chances of errors are dramatically reduced and the whole process can be completed efficiently.

Flexibility

First of all, let’s understand how the request for permit works? The DAWR operates an electronic platform called EXDOC.com.au to accept permit requests from the exporters. An exporter must buy or subscribe to a compatible software that would interact with the EXDOC.com.au to request for permit. After successful verification, the DAWR would respond with export permits as well as other important documents like heath/phytosanitary certificates.

If you choose a cloud-based software solution for this task, you would enjoy flexibility. How? These solutions allow the exporters to fie permit requests from anywhere and at any time and also through different mobile devices. In other words, you don’t need to be available at your office in front of your computer during office hours to start the procedure.

Additional Documentation Needs

When you plan to use a software to interact with the EXDOC.com.au system, it is obviously better to choose the one which fulfils other documentation needs as well. For example, you are most likely to apply for the export documentation number with the Customs and for the certificates of origin with the Chambers of Commerce. A single software solution can help you obtain these documents electronically as well.

The electronic documentation also saves a lot of time and money and improves the reputation of the export business. As you can see, filing requests for permit addresses all the drawbacks of the Notice of Intention.

The post How Request for Permit Is a Better Option over Notice of Intention? appeared first on Exdoc.

Experience

The companies offering export documentation are expert in following the right procedures and avoiding the possible mistakes. They have exposure to preparing all types of documents for the export of different commodities and are familiar with all legal requirements and keep up-to-date with the recent changes in export laws.

Technology

These service providers usually have world-class electronic export documentation software tools required for fast and efficient document preparation. If you don’t have technical background and knowhow, you might find it difficult to use these tools and that may prove to be a drawback for the overall export process.

Access

There are firms offering export documentation assistance that are registered as authentic users with the document and certificate issuing authorities. For example, you can find a company registered as an EDI user with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources which issues export permits and important export documents for the export of plants and animal products (including dairy, meat, poultry and more). It can apply for these export documents on your behalf and save you a lot of efforts.

Fast Turnaround

Because they have knowledge and experience, these service providers can help you save a lot of time. For example, it is good to rely on a firm that can help you avail a certificate of origin from a chamber of commerce in time as less as 2-3 hours. Moreover, the documentation experts working with these companies know how to avoid common errors which otherwise require exporters to refill the forms and repeat the entire process. This can further save you time and ensure that you export your goods without delays.

Cost Saving

One of the major highlights of export documentation services is that the companies offering them understand the individual needs of different exporters. As a result, they are flexible in offering their services in a customized manner and not as a fixed package. So, you end up paying only for the services you require to prepare different export documents.

Moreover, by opting for these service providers, you avoid the need to buy, upgrade and maintain expensive export software tools. You just need to subscribe to these services and save a great deal of money while availing the best documentation support.

In order to enjoy each of these advantages, it is important that you research well and choose the right service provider. You must know that a company using cloud-based export documentation procedures is an even better choice. It would further lower down the fees you pay for the availed services.

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