Custom International Trade Playbook and Compliance Guide

What a good one includes

• Verified HS (Harmonized System) classification codes for your specific products to ensure accurate duty and tax calculations.
• A lane-specific routing guide detailing the exact transit steps, transfer points, and estimated timelines from origin to destination.
• A comprehensive documentation checklist, including commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin tailored to your trade route.
• Clear definitions of the chosen Incoterms that outline the exact transfer of cost, risk, and responsibility between seller and buyer.
• An import/export duty and tax estimate based on current trade agreements and bilateral relationships between your trading countries.
• Contact information and filing protocols for the specific government agencies regulating your product category in both countries.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on generic or outdated HS codes, which leads to miscalculated duties, fines, or customs seizures.
• Failing to clearly define Incoterms in your sales contract, resulting in costly disputes over who pays for freight and unexpected port fees.
• Neglecting to check for product-specific import restrictions or licensing requirements in the destination country before dispatching the cargo.
• Assuming standard cargo insurance automatically covers all international shipping risks without reviewing the specific policy exclusions for your trade lane.

Frequently asked questions