THE CONVOLUTED WORLD OF IMPORT/EXPORT SHIPPING: A Primer
Transporting products domestically is hard enough, but as anyone who has moved cargo internationally can attest, that process grows even more complex when it comes importing and exporting. The various rules, regulations, security concerns, documentation, and paperwork that are required can be overwhelming, and that’s before you take into account the timely delivery, safety, and security of the cargo being handled. A single error can undo weeks and months of hard work, and end up costing into the thousands.
That’s why any logistics provider offering import/export services has to be an expert in international shipping. One that is simply familiar with the process simply will not do. “From clearing Customs, to ensuring that a service provider can adequately and legally represent your product abroad, international shipping procedure requires the kind of know-how that you can’t find on the spot,” says David Gibson, Senior Vice President of International Business for Aeronet Worldwide. “It needs to be second nature.”
There are strict protocols that need to be followed every step of the way — even within North America — to ensure compliance for AES (Automate Export System) filing, as well as PARS (Pre-Arrival Review System) and PAPS (Pre-Arrival Processing System), that logistics providers and shippers need be familiar with. A truly good one should be able to help shippers obtain these with no hassle.
Those same service providers are often required to have their own set of capabilities in other countries — namely, Importer of Record capabilities (IOR). By taking on IOR status in place of the shipper, they can maintain full responsibility for the legal transportation of lawful goods throughout the process, as well as the filing of all required documentation.
Logistics providers absolutely must be able to handle Customs brokerage services, and be familiar with the various requirements it comes with, including Transit-In-Bond (TIBS), Temporary Imports, and Carnets. Mistakes made at Customs are all too prevalent, so even if they can’t be avoided, the service provider should be able represent the product while issues are being fixed. For particularly difficult product procurements, that company should be able to find trading companies to act as Exporter of Record.
When it comes to imports, it is just as important that a logistics provider have up-to-date knowledge of the various regulations on products entering the U.S. All imports monitored by the FDA require special clearance, and even those that are not may be subject to environmental regulation, such as those related to Fish, Game, and Wildlife.
These are but a sample of some of the expertise that a good logistics provider should be able to provide. This isn’t even a question of premium service, but basic service. When it comes to import and export services, too many companies act up to the task, when in truth they underestimate the full scope of it.
That’s not the case with Aeronet Worldwide. Aeronet offers a range of flexible options for any-and-all of import/export and Customs brokerage needs. For over 35 years, Aeronet has built its reputation on ensuring that its Clients can rest easy knowing that when they partner with them, their product is in good hands, no matter where in the world it may be.
