Logistics
View ResourceGlobal Express Association
The Global Express Association is the global trade association of the express delivery industry. - View Resource
A Guide to Reverse Logistics
This guide introduces reverse logistics, including the types of logistics, the process involved, steps, benefits, challenges.
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SME Policy Index
The Index identifies strengths and weaknesses in policy design and implementation, allows for comparison across countries and measures convergence towards good practices and relevant policy standards.
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Online Resource Centre for Asia-Pacific MSME Policy
The Resource Centre collects knowledge about MSME policy across the Asia-Pacific region, for the information and interest of the region's policymakers.
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Global Trade Helpdesk
This site provides market intelligence for MSMEs looking to trade abroad, both for importing and for exporting. It includes a host of integrated tools, tutorials, product finders by Harmonized System (HS) codes, data sources, and much more.
View GuideShipping
Shipping: It is important to choose the right international shipping strategy for your business. The shipping strategy should...
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Reverse logistics
What is reverse logistics? Once trading for a while you will find that customers may need or want to return products to you either because they are damaged, faulty, or are no longer required. Companies must manage costs, inventory and customer relationships during this returned product process. One solution is reverse logistics which is a supply management practice for moving products from customers back to the sellers or suppliers. Using reverse logistics enables businesses to regain value from returned goods by recycling, refurbishing or reselling them. Unlike traditional logistics that transports products from suppliers to distributors to consumers, reverse logistics starts with the consumer and moves in the opposite direction along the supply chain. Examples and types of reverse logistics Retailers like Home Depot, Levi Strauss and Kohl use reverse logistics to repurpose returned goods into new items or product lines while enhancing customer relationships in the process. Manufacturing and healthcare companies also adopt reverse logistics practices to refurbish, repair and remanufacture goods consumers find defective or outdated. There are different types of reverse logistics that businesses can explore. These are also known as reverse logistics components which focus on policies, procedures and management strategies for reusing products that are returned, unsold, damaged or reached end of life or contractual terms. Why do reverse logistics matter for my business? Managing returned items by customers can often lead to additional unplanned costs, hiring extra staff, return shipping costs, possible additional duties and increased overhead. To offset costs involved in returns, reverse logistics can help generate value companies can use to recoup losses. Reverse logistics can offer a way for your business to maintain an efficient flow of goods while reducing supply chain management costs and building consumer trust. By adopting reverse logistics, you can generate additional benefits to your business such as improved customer satisfaction and retention, enhanced brand sentiment, waste reduction and greater sustainability. How can I get started with reverse logistics? Business support organizations such as chambers of commerce and industry associations may have relevant resources to help you get started with using reverse logistics as part of your business practices. By searching on the internet, you can also find guides, training manuals and materials on reverse logistics. Links to Supporting Information Oracle NetSuite A Guide to Reverse Logistics: How It Works, Types and Strategies | NetSuite information on how reverse logistics works The International Trade Centre (ITC) ITC SME Trade Academy – Summary of Introduction to Supply Chain Management (intracen.org) Online Training Course on Introduction to Supply Chain Management
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Bills of Lading
What are bills of lading? A bill of lading (BL, B/L or BOL) is a legal document showing the ownership of the goods in a trade transaction (document of title). A bill of lading is also a receipt issued by the shipper that the specified goods have been received by the transporter and are on the transportation vehicle. Finally, it also serves as a contract for how the goods will be shipped. When shipping your cargo, one of the most important things to ensure is that the cargo arrives safely and without mix-ups. This is why the bill of lading is so relevant. Not only are the items being shipped listed, the BOL also includes specific shipping instructions so that your cargo arrives complete and at the correct destination. What information is included in a BOL? The BOL describes the essential details of a goods shipment. Depending on the type of BOL that is being filled, it is important to have information including: shipper (seller), consignee (buyer), point of origin, place of delivery, contents of shipment, and payment terms. What are the different types of BOLs? Bills of lading are issued by a carrier, or transporter, for a consignor (seller) to detail the transportation of the goods to the consignee (buyers). There are two main types of BOLs: Straight bill of lading: This type of BOL is used when the buyer has already paid for the shipment and the transporter is delivering the item directly to the consignee or other appropriate party. This is very similar to a waybill. Straight bills of lading and waybills are generally used for intra-firm transactions or between two trusted parties using an open account payment rather than trade finance(see the Trade4MSMEs guide Trade Finance). Order bill of lading: This type of BOL is used when the shipment will be paid for at a later time. Importantly, an order bill of lading is also a transferable document of title and can be used to access credit by the holder. BOLs that are “to order” mean that the goods can be delivered to any added consignee following transfer of the document if all endorsements are in place. The document can therefore be used to access finance given its inherent value, represented by the goods. Links to Supporting Information International Trade Centre (ITC) Cotton Exporter’s Guide This guide has detailed definitions and descriptions of different types of BOLs, and how they are used. Trade Finance Global What Is Bill of Lading? BoL Example 2023 | Trade Finance Global Trade4MSME guide Trade Finance Introduction Trade Finance Global Trade Finance Global | Trade Finance Without Barriers
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Logistics
What are logistics? Logistics are the processes needed to get your goods or services from their origin to their destination. Logistics goes beyond the mode of transportation. It also includes the legal arrangements, insurance, border requirements, and delivery. What are the main steps and considerations for goods logistics? Arrange the sale: The first step for international trade is to agree the terms of the sale. Contracts need to be drawn up. Various trade documents will apply including commercial invoices, getting Incoterms agreed, trade finance may be needed, and the mode of transport or shipping needs to be decided on too. Prepare for export: After the terms of the sale are agreed the shipment needs to be packed, labelled, and documented appropriately. There may be additional requirements to be considered. Other requirements need to also be considered, Bills of Lading, Rules of Origin, selecting the right HS (Harmonized System) Codes, Tariff & Non-Tariff measures, Sanitary & Phytosanitary Measures, Technical Barriers to Trade. Warehousing costs at the port before and after shipping, container types, and potential restrictions for the shipment should be considered. Prepare for import: Once a shipment has reached its destination, it will need to clear customs before it can be released either to the recipient or for further transportation. Customs clearance can depend significantly on where the goods are being shipped and the type of transportation chosen. Deliver to buyer: Finally, once the item has cleared customs and been released from storage, the last step requires delivery to the buyer. What are freight forwarders and other intermediaries and how can they help my business? Freight forwarders and other intermediaries can significantly reduce the required work for an international transaction. Types of intermediaries include: Customs brokers and clearing agents: These are specialists in customs rules and procedures. They can help ensure import documents are correct and may assist with forwarding arrangements. To find a licensed customs broker, the first step is to search the national customs agency where the import will take place, as they frequently list registered brokers that can be contacted. Freight brokers: They match shipments with land transportation, helping you find a way to get a delivery to its destination on schedule, usually by truck or rail. Ship brokers: They match ship owners with importers or exporters that want to charter a vessel to transport their product. Freight forwarders: They help with all the above, assuming the entire logistical, legal, and financial responsibility of a shipment. Freight forwarders generally arrange everything from transportation and shipment consolidation to tracking or monitoring and delivery to the final destination. Most countries will have a trade association for Freight Forwarders to help you select the right provider. Links to Supporting Information Trade4MSME Guide Shipping Trade4MSME Guide Trade Finance Introduction Trade4MSME Guide Incoterms Trade4MSME Guide Bills of Lading Trade4MSME Guide Rules of Origin Trade4MSME Guide How Do I Determine My Product’s HS Code? Trade4MSME Guide Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Trade4MSME Guide Customs and Border Procedures The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SME Academy Introduction to International Transport and Logistics. An online training course. ITC ITC SME Trade Academy – Summary of Introduction to International Transport and Logistics (intracen.org)
