If you have not already established a business: First use the nationwide network of business development centers established by the Small Business Administration to assist beginning entrepreneurs with the fundamentals. To locate the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) near you, call 1-800-U-ASK-SBA. The Small Business Administration also has a web page at http://www.sba.gov This site covers a range of topics including how to get started, developing a business plan, and sources of financing.

There is a list of attorneys in Central and Eastern Europe available on the CEEBIC website at: http://www.mac.doc.gov/ceebic/attorneys.htm. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration International Trade Program sponsors the Export Legal Assistance Network (ELAN) program. Under the ELAN program, international trade attorneys from the Federal Bar Association provide free initial consultations to small businesses interested in starting export operations. For more information about the ELAN program, see the website: http://www.fita.org/elan/ or call the Small Business Answer Desk at 1-800-8-ASK-SBA.

The Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) consists of a nationwide network of manufacturing experts ready to help small manufacturers improve their productivity, strengthen their competitiveness and increase their profits. Please visit MEP's website at http://www.mep.nist.gov/ for more information.

The U.S. Government does not offer import promotion programs such as those available to U.S. exporters. However, there are alternative sources of information:

For information on the procedures to import products into the United States, the publication Importing into the United States: A Guide for Commercial Importers may be ordered from the Government Printing Office (GPO). The publication (stock number 048-002-00132-0) may be ordered by contacting GPO at 202-512-1800 or through the GPO online bookstore: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/sale.html Importing into the United States: A Guide for Commercial Importers, is also located online at: http://www.cbp.gov/nafta/cgov/pdf/iius.pdf.

Foreign governments help their firms export to the United States, so you may want contact the commercial officer or the trade attaché of the country from which you would like to purchase goods. A list of foreign embassies or trade offices in the United States is available from the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center's web site at: http://www.mac.doc.gov/eebic/ceebic.html Follow the link for "Key Contacts " and then the link for "Central and Eastern European Embassies"

To obtain U.S. tariff rates for specific imported products, to check on regulations such as import quotas, or for general import information, contact your local Customs Service office. To locate the Customs office near you, please refer to the U.S. Customs website at: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/cmcs/.

The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) is a universal classification system that is used to provide duty rates for virtually every item that exists. Every item that is exported is assigned a unique 10-digit identification code. Every 10-digit item is part of a series of progressively broader product categories. For example, the harmonized system number for concentrated frozen apple juice is: 2009.70.0010. The concentrated frozen apple juice is assigned a 10-digit identifier that is aggregated into a broader category assigned a 6-digit identifier described as apple juice (2009.70.) The 6-digit identifier described as apple juice is aggregated into a broader category assigned a 4-digit identifier (2009) described as fruit juices and vegetable juices, etc. The 4-digit identifier is further aggregated into a broader category assigned a 2-digit identifier (20) described as Preparations of Vegetables, Fruit, Nuts etc. The first 6-digits of the classification number are universal, the last four may vary from country to country.

All of the imports and export codes used by the United States are based on the Harmonized Tariff System (HTS). The HTS assigns 6-digit codes for general categories. Countries which use the HTS are allowed to define commodities at a more detailed level than 6-digits, but all definitions must be within that 6-digit framework.

The U.S. defines products using 10-digit HTS codes. Exports codes (which the U.S. calls Schedule B) are administered by the U.S. Census Bureau. Import codes are administered by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).

 

In order to determine duty rates for each individual country you must first obtain the Schedule B/Harmonized System number. The Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center (CEEBIC) can provide unofficial tariff rates for non-agricultural products for certain countries as well as contact information for foreign Customs authorities. Certain express carriers may also require you to list the Schedule B number on their airway bill or the commercial invoice.

To obtain your Schedule B number, visit the U.S. Census Bureau's web site at http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html. The Schedule B is published on this website, and you can classify your own product through a keyword search. If you need assistance in classifying your product, call the Bureau of the Census Foreign Trade Division at (301) 763-3259. At the recorded voice prompt, choose option #2 for product classification assistance.

Useful websites for U.S. import and export HTS codes:

Export (Schedule B, administered by U.S. Census: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html)
Import (HTS, administered by USITC: http://www.usitc.gov/taffairs.htm)

A commercial invoice is a bill for the goods from the seller to the buyer. Commercial invoices are utilized by customs officials to determine the value of the goods in order to assess customs duties and taxes.

In general there is no standard form for a commercial invoice although they tend to contain many of the following features:

• seller's contact information
• buyer's contact information
• consignee's contact information (if it is different from the buyers)
• invoice date
• a unique invoice number
• sales terms (usually in incoterm format)
• payment terms
• currency of sale
• full quantities and description of merchandise (Generally this includes unit price and total price. Product descriptions should be consistent with the buyer's purchase order. Including the Harmonized System commodity codes can be helpful, especially in countries that are WTO members.)
• certification that the invoice is correct (Standard language is "We certify that this invoice is true and correct."

For country specific requirements, please visit CEEBIC's website at: http://www.mac.doc.gov/eebic/ceebic.html and review the "How to Export Guide" for the relevant country.

Duties and taxes need to be paid at customs to clear the goods into a country. Duties vary by the good that is exported. Customs valuation is based on the negotiated purchase price denominated in the foreign currency. The dutiable value is assessed on cost, insurance and freight (CIF). CEEBIC can provide unofficial tariff rates for non-agricultural products for certain countries as well as contact information for foreign Customs authorities. Please call or e-mail the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center with a specific Harmonized System number, please call (202) 482-2645 or e-mail ceebic@ita.doc.gov

Note: The U.S. Government cannot provide tariff rates for products shipped from one foreign country to another.

The Value Added Tax (VAT) is similar to a U.S. sales tax. VAT is assessed on all goods sold by domestic and foreign manufacturers. VAT is assessed on the cost, insurance, freight, and duty. Additionally, some countries assess an import tax and/or a customs handling fee. The rates for the Value Added Taxes and additional fees for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe can be found here.

Most goods do not need a license, and can be cleared by entering "NLR" (no license required) on the Shipper's Export Declaration. Licenses are generally required for high tech or strategic goods or goods shipped to certain countries where national security or foreign policy controls are important. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) administers export licenses and regulations. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) require a license for certain activities and items, e.g. commodities, software, and technology, if one of ten general prohibitions applies and the export or re-export is not eligible for a license exception.

An exporter can call BIS to determine if he/she needs a license. BIS holds numerous seminars each year on export licensing requirements and documentation. BIS can be reached at (202) 482-4811 (Fax: 202-482-3617) on the East Coast, or (714) 660-0144 on the West Coast. BIS also maintains a home page which provides information on their regulations and procedures, at http://www.bis.doc.gov

A Certificate of Origin is a document, required by foreign governments, declaring that goods in a particular international shipment are of a certain origin. Even though the commercial invoice usually includes a statement of origin, some countries require that a separate certificate be completed. Customs offices will use this document to determine whether or not a preferential duty rate applies on the products being imported and whether a shipment may be legally imported during a specific quota period.

A Certificate of Origin is a signed statement as to the country of origin of the exported products for a particular shipment. The country of origin is NOT the country from where the product is shipped. The country of origin is the country where the product was manufactured or last underwent a substantial change or modification, for WTO members, goods can be considered originating if there is a shift of at least two chapters in the harmonized code.

The certificate of origin must be signed by the exporter and be certified by a local chamber of commerce. The chamber must have access to the commercial invoice in order to verify that the exporter claims the goods originated in the U.S. Local chambers of commerce can only certify goods that originate in the United States. Goods from other countries will need to be certified in their country of origin.

You can obtain a single copy of the Certificate of Origin form from a local Chamber of Commerce. General certificates of origin forms can be obtained in bulk from the Government Printing Office (202-512-1800); freight forwarders; trade document companies, such as UNZ & Company (800-631-3098), Export Forms Co. (800-251-4083) or Sha Bach Supplies (888-742-2224); and, some local chambers of commerce.

A Shipper's Export Declaration is required for all shipments which require an export license

The Shippers Export Declaration (SED or Form 7525-V) is used to compile trade statistics and help in interdicting illegal exports. The SED must be filled out for any shipment valued at $2,500 or above (If the shipment is valued at over $2,500 but is made up of various commodities falling under several Schedule B numbers none of which is valued at $2,500 or higher, no SED is required.) Anytime an ECCN number is required, a SED must be filled out.

Shipments valued at less than $2,500 do not require an SED. However, the exporter must include one of the following statements on the bill of landing, air waybill, or other loading document he/she provides to the carrier: "No SED Required--Section 30.55 (h) FTSR." or, "No SED Required--Valued $2,500 or Less."

-Exceptions

If the shipment is valued at over $2,500 but is made up of various commodities falling under several Schedule B numbers none of which is valued at $2,500 or higher, no SED is required. However, the exporter must include the following statement on the bill of lading, air waybill, or other loading document the exporter provides to the carrier: "No SED Required-No Individual Schedule B Number Valued $2,500 or Higher."

For merchandise after importation for repairs or alterations where the value of such repairs is $2,500 or less, no SED is required. However, the exporter must include the following statement on the bill of lading, air waybill, or other loading document: "No SED Required--Value of Repairs $2,500 or Less."

No Shipper's Export Declaration is required when shipping electronically.

The Automated Export System (AES) is the electronic filing of the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED). AES can be used by U.S. Principal Parties in Interest (USPPIs), forwarders, or anyone else responsible for export reporting. For information on the Automated Export Service and other items visit: http://www.aesdirect.gov/

Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) forms are available for online review and downloading. You can fill out the form using your browser and/or Adobe Acrobat and then print it on your local printer. If you download and print the SED to use it to complete your documentation requirements for exporting, the following guidelines must be followed:

1. The complete document MUST be printed on standard weight 8 1/2" by 11" paper.
2. All information on the form must be included on the printed copy in the exact location and must be readable.
3. The document should be printed on buff or goldenrod colored paper.

The SED may be downloaded from the internet at: http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/regulations/forms/index.html

Generally a freight forwarder has the SED forms or can tell the exporter where to get one. Copies of this form may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402 or from a local U.S. Customs office.

The SED and instructions on how to fill it out are available from the U.S. Census Bureau's home page (http://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/www).

Commercial News USA: a catalog-magazine published 10 times a year to promote U.S. products and services in overseas markets. It is disseminated to business readers worldwide via U.S. embassies and consulates and international electronic bulletin boards, and selected portions are also reprinted in certain newsletters. Exporters can advertise U.S.-made products or services in Commercial News USA by calling ABP International at (212) 490-3999, visiting the Internet web site http://www.cnewsusa.com or contacting your local Department of Commerce District Office. Advertisement fees are based on the size of the listing.

International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB): U.S. exporters can also advertise through the International Broadcasting Bureau (IBB), which is part of the United States Information Agency. IBB is the umbrella organization which includes Voice of America (VOA), Worldnet TV, and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Voice of America broadcasts almost 700 hours of programming to an estimated audience of 86 million each week. They can peg a company's ads to different language broadcasts about a particular subject, eg., science and technology, health and medicine, or target the ads to a specific region or country. For additional information, contact IBB at (202) 260-9052.

 

MyExports is a public-private partnership of the U.S. Department of Commerce and Global Publishers LLC. Their goal is to give U.S. exporters and service providers a simple, fast and convenient way to establish contacts and conduct business. On their website, you can create a business profile to add to the U.S. Exporters' Yellow Pages, in addition to exploring the U.S. Trade Assistance Directory, where you can find export service providers that will help develop your global business. Please visit their website at http://www.myexports.com/ for more information.

 

The Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center does not have comprehensive lists such as these, but can direct callers to helpful resources:

On the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center's website companies can find Market Research information for a variety of industry sectors. The Market Research Reports also contain some foreign company information as well as foreign trade associations, which you can contact to obtain a list of their members.

The International Partner Search is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce, which is a customized search on behalf of U.S. companies seeking foreign representation. U.S. commercial officers abroad conduct the agent/distributor search based on requirements specified by the requesting firm. The search for agents and distributors takes 60-90 days and costs $600 per market. You can place an order for this service through your local Export Assistance Center (EAC). You can locate the nearest EAC on the CEEBIC website at: http://www.mac.doc.gov/eebic/ceebic.html. Then, under the drop-down menu "Other Resources", click on "Key Contacts" and you will find a listing under "U.S. Department of Commerce Programs."

Foreign Trade Associations can also provide valuable information on industries and companies within your country of interest. This information can be found in the Appendix of the Country Commercial Guides (CCG's) and in the Market Research reports for various industry sectors. Also the Central and Eastern Europe Business Information Center's website at: http://www.mac.doc.gov/eebic/ceebic.html may have links to the Chambers of Commerce and Industry for the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Click on the country of your choice and then, under the drop down menu on "Country Information", select "Useful Resources" and then "WWW Related Links."

Private corporations which maintain information on overseas companies include:

The Warsaw Business Journal and Budapest Business Journal maintain lists of companies for each of their respective countries. For a list of companies in Hungary visit: the Budapest Business Journal at: http://www.bbj.hu/ and click on "Companies." For a list of companies in Poland visit: the Warsaw Business Journal at: http://www.wbj.pl/ and click on "Companies."

The Directory of Major Companies published by World Publications Service, provides listings of the major companies around the world. They can be reached at 1-800-507-4383 or (202) 531-0760.

Foreign Trade Register published by Thomas Register, provides listings of foreign manufacturers worldwide. They can be reached at phone 1-800-699-9822 or at http://www.thomasregister.com

Kompass International Trade Directories provide references to a country's industry, and contain product and service classifications. They provide directories for individual countries, product references, and executives names in over 60 Countries. They can be reached at 034-233-5862, or at http://www.kompass.com.

Thomas Register of European Manufacturers produces a CD-ROM with directories for Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Morocco, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, and United Arab Emirates. The CD-ROM costs $345.00 and can be ordered at 1-800-699-9822.

Note: This document does not include all private sector sources of trade information nor does it represent an endorsement of any particular service or source by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Unfortunately, we do not have a list of all American manufacturers and companies. However, you may want to try an online database, such as Thomas Register at http://www.thomasregister.com/ or Kompass at http://www.kompass.com/.

The American Chambers of Commerce in the region might be a useful source of information. The mission of the AmChams is to be the leading representative for U.S. and international business in its respective country, and to promote the global competitiveness of the country. For each AmCham's contact information, go to the CEEBIC website at http://www.mac.doc.gov/ceebic/. Select a country page from the column on the left-hand side. Then under the drop-down menu "Country Information", select "Useful Resources", then "WWW Related Links". You will find a link to that country's AmCham under business contacts. Also on each country page under "Country Information" and then "Useful Resources", you can find a list of "U.S. Companies operating in…". Finally, to access a directory of American firms operating in foreign countries, please visit http://www.uniworldbp.com/.

Various public and private resources have services designed to help U.S. exporters find information about overseas companies:

International Company Profile (ICP) is a program offered by the U.S. Department of Commerce for some countries, which portrays the reliability of prospective trading partners. Information provided includes type of organization, year established, size, general reputation, territory covered, sales, product lines, principal owners, financial information, and trade references, with recommendations from on-site U.S.-commercial officers as to suitability as a trading partner. The results of your request will take 30-45 days and costs $100 per report. You can place an order for this service through your local Export Assistance Center (EAC). You can locate the nearest EAC on the CEEBIC website at: http://www.mac.doc.gov/eebic/ceebic.html. Then, under the drop-down menu "Other Resources", click on "Key Contacts" and you will find a listing under "U.S. Department of Commerce Programs."

Private corporations which maintain information on overseas companies include:

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services provides country profiles, risk analysis, lists and publications such as America's Corporate Families and International Affiliates. They also compile Economic Risk and Payment Review reports available by country, region, or globally. They can be reached at 1-800-932-0025, or on the internet at http://www.dnb.com.

Standard & Poor's Rating Service provides country profile reports, risk analysis, credit reports. They also compile Economic Risk and Payment Review reports available by country, region, or globally. They can be reached at (212) 208-1146. Graydon America, Inc. provides business services in the fields of credit management and marketing information on overseas companies. They can be reached at (212) 385-3490.

Other private corporations which provide credit reporting services include: J. I. International can be contacted at phone (860) 589-1698,
or e-mail at jiintl@connix.com.
Piguet International, Inc. can be reached at phone (800)
766-9922 or (203) 584-8088.
LIDA Credit Agency, Inc. can be reached at phone (800)
423-0026 or (516) 678-4600.
Veritas can be contacted at phone (800) 929-8374 or (203)
328-7918, and online at www.veritas-usa.com.

Note: This document does not include all private sector sources of trade information nor does it represent an endorsement of any particular service or source by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Incoterms are a collection of 13 internationally used terms of sale that standardize the terminology used in international trade to identify who is responsible for different activities in the delivery process. The scope of Incoterms is limited to matters relating to the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract of sale with respect to the delivery of goods sold, but excluding "intangibles" like computer software. Incoterms should be listed on your commercial invoice and in your contract. Every Incoterm has its own unique three character abbreviation, Every Incoterm must be accompanied by the name of a geographic place or range of places. The Incoterms are maintained by the International Chamber of Commerce.

Further information on Incoterms can be found on the International Chamber of Commerce website: http://www.iccwbo.org/index.asp

Air Waybills & Bills of Lading are the documents, which are usually prepared by the freight forwarder, to ship the merchandise. Air Waybills are used for shipments being shipped by air and bills of lading are used for shipments being shipped by ocean. A copy of these documents is needed in order to clear the shipments through customs at the port of entry.

Air Waybills & Bills of Lading will contain the contact information for the shipper and consignee, the carrier information, port of entry and departure, handling information, number of pieces, weight and shipping costs.

For travel warnings and consular information sheets, please see this website from the State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html. For information on foreign entry requirements, please see: http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html.

 

There is no funding available from the USG for private sector businesses to travel to CEE. However, NGOs and trade associations might be able to locate travel funds. Also, firms within the private sector have numerous opportunities for funding to assist with the financing of deals that have already been located.

 

The Market Development Cooperator Program (MDCP) is a competitive matching grants program that builds public/private partnerships by providing federal assistance to non-profit export multipliers such as states, trade associations, chambers of commerce, world trade centers and other non-profit industry groups that are particularly effective in reaching small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For more information, please see their website at http://www.export.gov/mdcp.

 

There are some trade and investment statistics on the CEEBIC website under each country's homepage (located in the bar on the left-hand side), as well as in the Country Commercial Guides for each country (located under 'Country Information'). Try visiting the websites of the Trade and Investment Agencies in the respective countries, which are listed at http://www.mac.doc.gov/ceebic/Trade and Investment Agencies.pdf. Statistics are also available for the EU accession countries on the Eurostat website http://europa.eu.int/comm/eurostat/Public/datashop/print-catalogue/EN?catalogue=Eurostat. In addition, the TradeStats Express website has a very efficient database at http://tse.export.gov/.

 

Please visit the website of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. More specifically, see 'Sanctions Program and Country Summaries' and 'SDN and Blocked Persons' on the main OFAC website at http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/eotffc/ofac/.

 

In the Czech Republic, according to CzechInvest, the average monthly gross wages in 2002 were $480 or CZK 15,707.
In Romania, the average monthly earnings in manufacturing in April 2003 were $168 or ROL 5,733,790 (Source: ILO Database).
In Slovenia, the gross wage per manufacturing employee in February 2003 was $926.75 or SIT 197,457 (Source: Slovenian Economic Mirror).
In Slovakia, the average monthly wages in manufacturing in the first quarter of 2003 was $360.45 or SKK 13,576 (Source: Slovak government, www.statistics.sk).
In Poland, monthly earnings in manufacturing as of November 2002 were $531.17 or PLN 2099.2 (Source: ILO Database).
In Hungary, monthly earnings in manufacturing as of August 2001 were $425.85 or HUF 98,370 (Source: ILO Database).