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Key Steps to Take When Expanding Your Business to Global Markets

Expanding your business to global markets, especially the US market, offers high potential for growth and revenue. However, this process involves mandatory and detailed procedures that differ from domestic trade. Implementing these procedures accurately prevents customs delays, exorbitant penalties, and reputational damage. To successfully enter the American market, every step of the export process must be managed with clarity and expertise.

This article outlines seven critical export steps that form the foundation of international trade, detailing the legal and logistical aspects you need to consider. As SL7, with our network of contracted brokers, we prevent businesses from getting lost in these complex processes and minimize risks. When you ensure legal and operational compliance, you confidently achieve your goal of establishing a presence in the American market. Get professional guidance and advance quickly and securely in global trade.

SL7, with its network of contracted brokers, is ready to guide you in structuring your export processes according to US regulations.

Legal Steps and Corporate Preparation: Laying the Groundwork for Trade

Before starting the export process, prepare your company's legal framework for international trade. The correct corporate identity and customs recognition accelerate transactions.

1. National and International Recognition: EIN and Importer of Record

International companies exporting to the US generally need to establish a legal entity (LLC or C-Corp) in the US. This legal entity obtains an Employer Identification Number (EIN). This number ensures the company's recognition by the US Federal Government for tax and customs purposes. Additionally, an “Importer of Record” must be designated, who is responsible for the legal entry of the product into the US. This role carries legal responsibility.

2. Product Classification: HTS and Schedule B Codes

Every exported product is subject to a coding system that determines customs duties, restrictions, and trade agreements. In the international system, this is known as the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code. For US customs, Schedule B codes are used. Determine these codes correctly. Incorrect code usage can lead to product delays at customs and incorrect taxation. Manage this complex process with SL7's network of contracted brokers.

Regulation and Compliance: Export Control and Certification Processes

Remember that your exported product is scrutinized not only for commercial purposes but also for safety and strategic compliance. Some products require special licenses.

3. Export License Controls (ECCN)

Dual-use items (products, software, and technologies that can be used for both civilian and military purposes) are regulated by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) under the US Department of Commerce. Determine your product's Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) code. If your product is listed, you will need to obtain a special license for export. This step is vital, especially for companies involved in technology and sensitive manufacturing.

4. Product Compliance and Certifications (FDA/CPSC)

In areas such as food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer products (toys, electronics), full compliance with the standards of relevant US federal agencies (FDA, CPSC) is mandatory before exporting. Your product must have certifications proving this compliance before arriving in the US. Ensuring this compliance determines your product's market entry. For more information on the importance of this compliance,

please refer to our blog post titled

E-commerce Product Safety and Certifications.

Logistics and Financial Assurances in the American Market: Managing Delivery and Payment Risks

Secure transportation of goods and timely receipt of payment guarantee the operational success of exports. These stages must be precisely defined in contract clauses.

5. Incoterms for Logistics Responsibility Distribution

International Commercial Terms (Incoterms) define where and when risks, costs, and responsibilities are transferred between buyer and seller. Use terms like FOB, CIF, DDP clearly in your contracts. Incorrect Incoterm selection can lead to unexpected insurance costs, customs issues, or the wrong party bearing the risk during shipment.

6. Payment Guarantee: Using a Letter of Credit

To reduce payment risk, use a Letter of Credit (L/C). An L/C is a commitment by the buyer's bank to make payment when specific documents are presented by the seller. Especially in high-volume and new trade relationships, an L/C provides payment assurance. It is important to properly manage the legal process in case of contract breaches; for this, please refer to our blog post titled Customs Risk Management: Compliance and Audits.

Documentation and Tracking: Mandatory Customs Documents

Smooth customs clearance depends on complete and accurately prepared documents. A missing document can halt the entire process.

7. Preparing Mandatory Export Documents

Prepare standardized commercial documents completely for each shipment. These documents prove the content, value, and origin of the goods. These mandatory documents include:

Commercial Invoice: Shows the value of the goods, buyer and seller information, and the HTS code.

Packing List: Details the contents, weight, and dimensions of the packages. Required for logistics and customs inspection.

Certificate of Origin (COO): Officially proves where the goods were produced. This is especially important for benefiting from free trade agreements (FTAs).

Bill of Lading / Air Waybill: The primary transport document that shows the goods have been received by the carrier and represents ownership.

Export Procedures Risk and Precaution Table

Step	Main Risk	Precaution/SL7 Support
HTS Classification	Incorrect taxation or penalties.	Correct code determination with customs brokerage.
Export Control	Seizure of goods due to unlicensed export.	ECCN code verification by experts.
Incoterms Selection	Risk transferred to the wrong party during shipment.	Clarification of Incoterms in the contract.
Missing Documents	Long delays and additional costs at customs.	Checking 7 essential documents before shipment.

Skipping these fundamental steps jeopardizes your entry into the American market.

Conclusion: Secure Global Trade with SL7

Success in global trade is directly related to the care you put into export procedures. Establishing a legal framework, accurate product classification, license controls, logistics risk management, and complete documentation—each of these processes requires specialized expertise. Managing these steps on your own is a significant operational burden.

SL7's network of contracted brokers, specializing in international trade and US market entry, simplifies all these processes.

For more information, please contact us.