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Export Compliance Made Simple
The Global Exporter Checklist

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing for International Trade

Confidently navigate export compliance, shipping, and financing. Whether you're launching your first international shipment or scaling up cross-border operations.

1.
Verify Product Eligibility and Export Controls
Confirm your goods are allowed for export to the destination country.
Check if your product is classified as restricted, controlled, or dual-use
Review any sanctions, embargoes, or licensing requirements

Examples by Region:

UK

Italy

Many industrial products and electronics require licences via the Export Control Joint Unit
Exporters may need clearance through the Agenzia delle Dogane, especially for technology, medical, or defence-related goods

France

The Service des Biens à Double Usage governs dual-use goods and export restrictions
2.
Register as an Exporter
Most countries require an exporter registration number to submit customs declarations and trade legally.
This may be referred to as an EORI (UK/EU), TIN, or other identifier depending on jurisdiction

Examples by Region:

UK

Exporters need an EORI number issued via HMRC

Italy

Based exporters require an EORI registered with their national customs authority

France

Often use tax identification or exporter licence numbers through local customs agencies
3.
Prepare Core Export Documentation
Essential documents required for international trade compliance.
Commercial Invoice: Includes buyer and seller details, product descriptions, HS codes, Incoterms, values, and currency
Packing List: Shows quantities, dimensions, and handling information
Certificates: May include origin certificates, compliance certificates, or inspection reports
Export Licence: If your goods fall under controlled categories
Incoterms: Clearly define who is responsible for insurance, shipping, and risk
4.
Submit Your Customs Declaration
Essential documents required for international trade compliance.
Double-check commodity codes, valuation, and licence details

​Work with a customs broker or agent if needed to ensure accuracy and compliance

Track all submitted documents and responses from customs in case of inspection or audit

5.
Arrange Trade Finance (Optional But Recommended)
International trade introduces payment risk. Trade finance instruments can reduce that risk.

​Letters of Credit (LCs): Secure payment when delivery conditions are met

​Standby LCs: Protect against contract default or non-payment

​Invoice Financing: Access cash tied up in invoices while awaiting payment

Guarantees & Bonds: Provide buyers with financial assurance before or after delivery

6.
Confirm Logistics, Freight & Insurance
International trade introduces payment risk. Trade finance instruments can reduce that risk.

​Arrange cargo insurance to protect against damage, loss, or delay

​Verify tracking options and document handoff processes

Ensure compliance with customs deadlines and financing requirements

7.
Maintain Export Records and Audit Trail
Retain all export documentation for regulatory and financial compliance.

​Keep records for at least 5–7 years, depending on your region

​Maintain physical and digital copies of all documentation

Use a secure system to manage records for compliance

Need Trade Finance Support?
Want to discuss which financing instrument fits your trade deal? Our advisors specialize in complex exports and fast-growing cross-border businesses.
1.
Verify Product Eligibility and Export Controls
Confirm your goods are allowed for export to the destination country.
Check if your product is classified as restricted, controlled, or dual-use
Review any sanctions, embargoes, or licensing requirements

Examples by Region:

UK

Italy

Many industrial products and electronics require licences via the Export Control Joint Unit
Exporters may need clearance through the Agenzia delle Dogane, especially for technology, medical, or defence-related goods

France

The Service des Biens à Double Usage governs dual-use goods and export restrictions
2.
Register as an Exporter
Most countries require an exporter registration number to submit customs declarations and trade legally.
This may be referred to as an EORI (UK/EU), TIN, or other identifier depending on jurisdiction

Examples by Region:

UK

Exporters need an EORI number issued via HMRC

Italy

Based exporters require an EORI registered with their national customs authority

France

Often use tax identification or exporter licence numbers through local customs agencies
3.
Prepare Core Export Documentation
Essential documents required for international trade compliance.
Commercial Invoice: Includes buyer and seller details, product descriptions, HS codes, Incoterms, values, and currency
Packing List: Shows quantities, dimensions, and handling information
Certificates: May include origin certificates, compliance certificates, or inspection reports
Export Licence: If your goods fall under controlled categories
Incoterms: Clearly define who is responsible for insurance, shipping, and risk
4.
Submit Your Customs Declaration
Essential documents required for international trade compliance.
Double-check commodity codes, valuation, and licence details

​Work with a customs broker or agent if needed to ensure accuracy and compliance

Track all submitted documents and responses from customs in case of inspection or audit

5.
Arrange Trade Finance (Optional But Recommended)
International trade introduces payment risk. Trade finance instruments can reduce that risk.

​Letters of Credit (LCs): Secure payment when delivery conditions are met

​Standby LCs: Protect against contract default or non-payment

​Invoice Financing: Access cash tied up in invoices while awaiting payment

Guarantees & Bonds: Provide buyers with financial assurance before or after delivery

6.
Confirm Logistics, Freight & Insurance
International trade introduces payment risk. Trade finance instruments can reduce that risk.

​Arrange cargo insurance to protect against damage, loss, or delay

​Verify tracking options and document handoff processes

Ensure compliance with customs deadlines and financing requirements

7.
Maintain Export Records and Audit Trail
Retain all export documentation for regulatory and financial compliance.

​Keep records for at least 5–7 years, depending on your region

​Maintain physical and digital copies of all documentation

Use a secure system to manage records for compliance

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