Goods
View ResourceRules of Origin Facilitator
To support SMEs and MSMEs as they navigate the various interlocking rules of origin (ROOs) in place across export markets, with users able to determine which ROOs are in place depending on HS code or the name of the product.
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The International Chamber of Commerce, Online training and certificates
To provide short, accessible training courses on various trade topics, from trade finance to Incoterms, along with recognized professional certificates
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OECD SMEs and Entrepreneurship
To provide the information policymakers need as they consider national and international policy options to support MSMEs
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ePing alert
To provide regular updates on new measures related to food safety, plant and animal health, labelling, standards, searchable by product and export market. It also includes information on enquiry points, notification authorities, and more.
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SME Finance Forum
To foster a small business network to address the challenges and possibilities for improved access to finance
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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 GuideTariffs and Taxes at the Border
What are tariffs? Tariffs are a tax or duty that is applied to goods upon import or export. Import tariffs are paid by the importer, or buyer, and export tariffs...
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AI Tools for Trade
What Should I Know Before Exporting My Service? Several trends, including digital innovations, have resulted in the rapid growth in the export of services.
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Basics of Exporting
What are exports? Exports are defined as both the action of sending goods to another country or customs territory, and the goods themselves.
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Where Can I Find Trade Resources and Get Started?
Where do I start? An essential first step in the export process is ensuring your products are classified correctly. Identifying your product’s Harmonized System (HS) code also helps to find the information most useful to your business needs as you look to trade. The Trade4MSME guide on How Do I Determine My Product’s HS Code, provides detailed information on how to find the right classification. Once you know your HS Code, the internet offers a variety of online tools, platforms, and interfaces that provide relevant trade information. One of these online resources is the Global Trade Helpdesk (GTH) The GTH is a multi-agency initiative that facilitates market research for companies, by integrating trade and business information into a single online portal. It builds on existing trade information services being offered by several international organizations, enabling businesses to access a wealth of global trade resources. What types of information does the Global Trade Helpdesk offer? The GTH allows businesses to explore markets, assess requirements, navigate procedures, and identify partners through its four modules: The first module offers an insight into the target market attractiveness and a snapshot of this market performance and access conditions. The second module helps businesses to assess market access conditions, including tariffs, regulations, and private standards. The third module offers overall guidance on domestic procedures, including time and cost to export, step-by-step procedures, and information related to intellectual property rights. Finally, the fourth module provides relevant contact details for both potential buyers and trade support institutions. Full details are at the GTH site. What trade information tools are integrated into the GTH? Trade Map: analyses global trade flows, export/import performance, international demand, alternative markets, and the role of competitors. Market Access Map: identifies customs tariffs, tariff rate quotas, trade remedies, regulatory requirements, and preferential regimes. UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) TRAINS: provides data on non-tariff measures at the HS 6-digit product classification across more than 90 countries. Export Potential Map: highlights markets, products, and suppliers with export potential, as well as opportunities for diversification in international markets. Trade Information Portals: Ten countries have their trade information portals linked to the GTH. These portals visualize step-by-step guides to trade procedures. Trade Facilitation Database: analyses the implementation status of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and provides information about trade procedures, enquiry points, customs brokers, and single windows. Sustainability Map: highlights business strengths and sustainability credentials to access new markets and preferential credits. ePing Alert notifies businesses about product requirements and facilitates dialogues on potential trade problems at earlier stages. Regional Network Hubs: Business social networks can help businesses reach regional and global clients, suppliers, and investors. For example: ConnectAmericas or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) MSME Marketplace Rules of Origin Facilitator: enables businesses to find import duties in foreign markets appropriate to their products, as well as identifying detailed rules of origin, potential duty savings and certification procedures. Links to Supporting Information Trade4MSMEs guide How Do I Determine My Product’s HS Code? Global Trade Helpdesk Global Trade Helpdesk Trade map Trade Map – Trade statistics for international business development Market Access Map Market Access Map (macmap.org) UNCTAD TRAINS TRAINS Online (unctad.org) Export potential map Export Potential Map (intracen.org) Trade information portals Global Trade Helpdesk Trade Facilitation database Traders | TFAD – Trade Facilitation Agreement Database Sustainability Map Sustainability Map ePing alert Home – ePing SPS&TBT platform (epingalert.org) Connect Americas About ConnectAmericas | ConnectAmericas Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) MSME Marketplace APEC MSME Marketplace Rules of Origin Facilitator Rules of Origin Facilitator ITC ITC Benchmarking for Trade | ITC Benchmarking for Trade
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Export Readiness Assessment Guide
Is my business export ready? One of the first questions to consider is why Export? What are the benefits? Research shows companies that export are more profitable, more productive and more innovative than those that do not. Research has shown that businesses are 11% more likely to survive if they export. The reasons for this range from spreading export risk amongst different country markets, to increasing turnover and improving innovation by developing specific services for specific overseas markets. Increased Sales – If you are selling well in your own home market, and your service is in demand, exporting is a way to develop new additional sales in other countries. If your services are in demand at home, then there is likely to be significant demand in foreign markets. Higher profits result from increased sales – If you can cover fixed costs through domestic operations or other types of financing, your export profits can grow very quickly. Economies of scale – You can benefit from the cost savings when you produce and sell more services. The benefits from the economies of scale can be very advantageous. Global competitiveness – The experience your company gains internationally will help keep you competitive in both your home market and in the global marketplace. Domestic competitiveness – Successful exporting companies are often more resilient to potential foreign competition. Reduced risk – If you can sell into several different countries, you are spreading the risk. If you diversify into international markets, you avoid depending on a single marketplace and suffering from any domestic instability. New knowledge & experience leads to innovation – The global marketplace abounds with new ideas, approaches and marketing techniques that could also prove successful in your home market. Adaptations to your service for example leads to new innovations and new service development. Trading internationally not only helps with all of the above, in addition trading globally can boost your company’s profile, reputation and credibility. Is my business export ready? We live in an increasingly interconnected world, which means that businesses of all sizes might receive enquiries from buyers in other countries. An export-ready business is one that has the capacity, resources and management to deliver a marketable service on a global scale at a competitive price. To determine if your business is ready to export internationally you can do your own export readiness assessment. Here is a check list of areas to consider Set clear and achievable export objectives. Develop an Export Plan. Understand your service USPs (unique selling points) in export markets. Formulate a realistic idea of what exporting entails and create a timetable for results. Understand what is required to succeed in the international marketplace. Confirm you have staff in place with the knowledge and skills to trade internationally or are willing to learn Is finance in place to help scale up for export? Undertake market research and decided on the best international target markets. These could be neighbour countries who are part of a trading bloc or developed countries with large populations and large purchasing power. Understand international marketing requirements. Research your competitors – both international competitors but also competitors based in the country which you want to export to. Considered any adaptations that may be required. Understand any cultural and language needs. Research your market entry strategy how, and to whom you will sell to in the export markets: Direct sales to a business or consumer / Intermediary representatives / licensing / foreign direct Investment through establishing a company in your target export market Understand destination country regulations, export and import documentation, customs requirements and procedures. You can also use export readiness assessment tools. A typical export readiness assessment will involve answering questions to determine a final score. This score is then used to help guide businesses through the necessary steps to become fully export ready. See the links for more information. Links to Supporting Information The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting(tradecommissioner.gc.ca) Official Website of the International Trade Administration USA Exporter Assessments (trade.gov) Government of Canada Export quiz Are you ready? (international.gc.ca) Caribbean Export Development Agency 10 Steps to Exporting | Caribbean Export (carib-export.com) Kenya Export Promotion & Branding Agency BrandKE – Guide to Exporting
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Export Potential Guide for Goods
What is export potential and why is it important for my business? Export potential refers to the likelihood that a company's product or service can be successfully sold abroad.
