If you are facing similar issues, you may think of hiring an export documentation expert who offers comprehensive services in this direction. Here’s a small guide to help you choose the right expert on the basis of the answers to a few important questions.

Do They Know Prescribed Vs. Non-prescribed Goods?

In order to complete the documentation correctly, the expert you choose must know the difference between prescribed goods and non-prescribed goods. According to the Export Control Act of 1982, the goods that must be inspected and certified by the authorized officers are known as prescribed goods. For example, grains and fresh fruits and vegetables are the goods that belong to this category.

Non-prescribed goods are those which according to the above-mentioned Act don’t essentially require certification. An example of this category is fish oil strictly meant for manufacturing purposes.

Do They Refer to the MICoR?

Whether the goods are prescribed or non-prescribed, different importing countries may set guidelines for certifications of different types of goods. These requirements are compiled in the Manual of Importing Country Requirements (MICoR). The documentation expert you choose must refer to this manual in order to know the exact requirements of the country you plan to export to.

Do They Use EXDOC-compliant Software?

The Export Documentation (EXDOC) system is used by the DAWR to respond to an exporter’s request for permits and other important export documents. When choosing a documentation service provider, you must ensure that the company uses software from a vendor recommended by the DAWR on its official website. It should also be registered with the EXDOC as an EDI user or should help you register as an exporter.

Do They Know what’s SEW?

The Single Electronic Window (SEW) is a facility which helps the exporters to apply for permit with the DAWR and for the export declaration number with Australia’s Customs simultaneously. It is possible to save time and money using this facility. Though, it is not an essential requirement that the documentation expert should fulfil but having it can definitely add to the advantage.

Do They Help in Preparing Other Documents?

If you are planning to hire a documentation service provider, why not choose the one offering complete assistance in preparing all the necessary documents and certificates? For example, you may also require a certificate of origin or letter of credit or a commercial invoice. By choosing an expert meeting each of these requirements, you can actually make the documentation process much more efficient.

While looking for one such expert, you may come across a number of options. Make sure you evaluate them on the basis of their experience and knowledge to enjoy the expected benefits.

The post 5 Questions to Ask an Export Documentation Expert for Export Controlled Goods appeared first on Exdoc.

For electronic submission, the exporters must connect with the Integrated Cargo System (ICS) operated by the Customs and Border Force of Australia using a compliant software tool. It is considered as a more convenient process as it offers a number of benefits. Find out what these benefits are.

Prepare a Declaration Faster

Rather than filing a paper form, filing an electronic export declaration is much faster even if you are doing it for the first time. And once you successfully submit the declaration to the ICS for the first time, the procedure would take even a shorter time the next time. It is because you would just need to copy the previous application, make the required changes and file a new declaration. It saves a lot of time required to fill the paper forms again and again.

Avoid Human Errors

Submitting an accurate export declaration is important to obtain the EDN on time and without any hassles. Any error or inaccurate information in the statement may lead to the Customs’ disapproval or investigation that may cause delays. When you use the electronic medium to submit a declaration, the possibilities of such mistakes are significantly reduced. A lot of repetitive work is eliminated and you get saved from the possible hassles.

Submit It Anytime

With the help of a cloud-based export documentation software, you can add to the convenience promised by the electronic export declaration submission process. These software tools need not be installed in your office computers. You can subscribe to them and access them using a mobile device and internet during any hour of the day. It, therefore, becomes extremely convenient to submit a declaration at any time or from any place.

Track the Status Conveniently

When you use the ICS to submit the declaration for your export goods, you can take advantage of the system’s online tracking system to track the status of your application. The system generates a response in the form of a number of messages Clear and Error that can be interpreted easily and in no time. In case there is an error, you can respond back quickly and resolve the issue in order to prevent delays in getting the approval.

You may also amend or withdraw and resubmit the export declaration faster and conveniently through the ICS. In addition, the software you use to file export customs declaration is most likely to assist you in applying for many other important export documents online which makes the overall process of export documentation easy, fast and convenient. By submitting the declaration electronically, you may also save costs.

The post What Is the Most Convenient Way to Submit Export Declaration? appeared first on Exdoc.

The Australian Government authorizes the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) to issue certificates of origin. For this, the ACCI authorizes a number of commerce chambers in different states and territories to issue these certificates. These chambers include:

• Canberra Commerce Chamber
• New South Wales Commerce Chamber
• Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland
• Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Fremantle Chamber of Commerce
• Business South Australia
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia
• Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry
• Chamber of Commerce Northern Territory
• Australian Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry

How to Apply for a Certificate of Origin?

You can apply with the right Chamber of Commerce authorized to issue the certificate in your region or area. The procedure followed by each of the above-mentioned chambers is almost the same and includes the following steps:

• Get registered as an exporter under an FTA by filling the Exporter Information Form CO4. For example, if you are exporting to China, you must get registered under the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). The chamber you apply to would issue a registration number.
• Next, you would receive a certificate of origin template which you would need to complete and submit it back to the chamber.
• The certificate would be processed and stamped and delivered to you via post or email (as selected by you). If you receive it by email, you can print it at your office.It is advised to prefer the online procedure to get the certificate of origin stamped. It not only saves a lot of time but may also cost less.

The post Who Is Authorized to Issue the Certificates of Origin? appeared first on Exdoc.

• JAEPA with Japan
• ChAFTA with China
• KAFTA with Korea
• AANZFTA with New Zealand and ASEAN countries

As an exporter from Australia, you need to follow 4 important steps to obtain a certificate of origin from one of the Chambers of Commerce in the country. These steps are common for every FTA that Australia has signed with other countries and include:

Step 1: Understanding Tariff Classification

The first step is to identify the customs tariff code for the category of goods you wish to export from Australia. These codes are prescribed by the globally-accepted Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, also known as HS Coding System. To learn about these classification codes, you can directly consult the Customs Services of the destination country. For example, you can search for the tariff classification code of your goods intended for export to Japan by reaching out to the Japanese Customs Service.

Step 2: Know How Your Goods Are Treated under FTAs

Once you know the classification code for your goods, the next thing is to learn how your goods will be treated under specific free trade agreements. In other words, you need to find out whether your goods would be completely exempted from the tariffs or would enjoy preferential rates. For this, you need to read the tariff schedule which presents in the form of tables the information like base duty rate, tariff staging category and more for each product category.

Step 3: Decide the Eligibility of Your Goods Based on Origin

The goods usually qualify for the reduced tariffs under FTAs if they wholly originate (are grown/produced/obtained) in Australia. In addition, there are other categories like whether the good was manufactured from materials originating in Australia. Refer to these guidelines carefully.

Step 4: Prepare the Certificate of Origin

Finally, you need to prepare a certificate of origin according to the formats prescribed under the FTAs and by the Chambers of Commerce. Using a software, you can submit these documents electronically to a chamber for quick stamping and approval.

The post 4 Important Steps of Obtaining the Certificates of Origin appeared first on Exdoc.

However, the manual process was replaced by the electronic procedure. Rather than submitting the Notice of Intention, the exporters now need to raise a request for permits with the DAWR electronically. Though, the manual process is applicable in case the electronic request can’t be made due to technical issues.

Now, the question is how filing a request for a permit is better than the traditional process. There are many benefits of doing so and you can earn them below.

Reduced Paperwork

Conventionally, the exporters needed to fill in the paper-based forms to file the notice. With the advent of the internet and electronic platforms, the process has become extremely convenient as it reduces the efforts of filling forms manually again and again. Now, you just need to feed the information in a software once and use it for filing the permit request whenever there is a new export consignment.

Reduced Errors

One of the major drawbacks of the manual notice submission was the number of repeated human errors that would lead to delays. In many cases, the errors would prove to be costly, forcing the exporters to face penalties and waste a lot of money. With the advanced electronic procedures, the chances of errors are dramatically reduced and the whole process can be completed efficiently.

Flexibility

First of all, let’s understand how the request for permit works? The DAWR operates an electronic platform called EXDOC.com.au to accept permit requests from the exporters. An exporter must buy or subscribe to a compatible software that would interact with the EXDOC.com.au to request for permit. After successful verification, the DAWR would respond with export permits as well as other important documents like heath/phytosanitary certificates.

If you choose a cloud-based software solution for this task, you would enjoy flexibility. How? These solutions allow the exporters to fie permit requests from anywhere and at any time and also through different mobile devices. In other words, you don’t need to be available at your office in front of your computer during office hours to start the procedure.

Additional Documentation Needs

When you plan to use a software to interact with the EXDOC.com.au system, it is obviously better to choose the one which fulfils other documentation needs as well. For example, you are most likely to apply for the export documentation number with the Customs and for the certificates of origin with the Chambers of Commerce. A single software solution can help you obtain these documents electronically as well.

The electronic documentation also saves a lot of time and money and improves the reputation of the export business. As you can see, filing requests for permit addresses all the drawbacks of the Notice of Intention.

The post How Request for Permit Is a Better Option over Notice of Intention? appeared first on Exdoc.

Experience

The companies offering export documentation are expert in following the right procedures and avoiding the possible mistakes. They have exposure to preparing all types of documents for the export of different commodities and are familiar with all legal requirements and keep up-to-date with the recent changes in export laws.

Technology

These service providers usually have world-class electronic export documentation software tools required for fast and efficient document preparation. If you don’t have technical background and knowhow, you might find it difficult to use these tools and that may prove to be a drawback for the overall export process.

Access

There are firms offering export documentation assistance that are registered as authentic users with the document and certificate issuing authorities. For example, you can find a company registered as an EDI user with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources which issues export permits and important export documents for the export of plants and animal products (including dairy, meat, poultry and more). It can apply for these export documents on your behalf and save you a lot of efforts.

Fast Turnaround

Because they have knowledge and experience, these service providers can help you save a lot of time. For example, it is good to rely on a firm that can help you avail a certificate of origin from a chamber of commerce in time as less as 2-3 hours. Moreover, the documentation experts working with these companies know how to avoid common errors which otherwise require exporters to refill the forms and repeat the entire process. This can further save you time and ensure that you export your goods without delays.

Cost Saving

One of the major highlights of export documentation services is that the companies offering them understand the individual needs of different exporters. As a result, they are flexible in offering their services in a customized manner and not as a fixed package. So, you end up paying only for the services you require to prepare different export documents.

Moreover, by opting for these service providers, you avoid the need to buy, upgrade and maintain expensive export software tools. You just need to subscribe to these services and save a great deal of money while availing the best documentation support.

In order to enjoy each of these advantages, it is important that you research well and choose the right service provider. You must know that a company using cloud-based export documentation procedures is an even better choice. It would further lower down the fees you pay for the availed services.

The post 5 Reasons to Outsource Export Documentation to Experts appeared first on Exdoc.

Step 1: Get Familiar

Get every minute detail that would be useful at different stages of documentation process. For example, find out:

• What is the exact purpose of each and every document and certificate?
• Which documents are specifically required for your export consignment and those not required?
• Whom to contact for each and every document?
• Which forms you need to fill and where to get those forms from?
• How much time does it take for every document or certificate to get issued?
• What are the costs associated with document preparation?

Step 2: Install a Software

The process of documentation for export activities lacks efficiency without the use of modern technology-based tools. You need to find a tool that would help you to electronically apply for:

• Export permits and health and phytosanitary certificates if you are exporting plants and animals based products
• Certificates of origin if you wish to avail the benefits of Free Trade Agreements
• Export declaration number from the Customs and so on.

By opting for a software, you not only reduce the occurrence of human errors, but can also save time and money. It is recommended to choose a cloud-based software which further adds to the benefits.

Step 3: Avail Training

Even if you gain knowledge and install an export documentation software tool, you may still lack the practical experience to apply for various documents. In such a situation, don’t hesitate in getting trained. If export documents related activities are managed by your staff, you can avail the training for them too. After training, you would be able to use the software in the right way, handle the delays and rejections and prevent the possible business losses.

Step 4: Organize the Process

Once you have the right knowledge, tools and expertise in hand, failing in organizing the process can still cause a roadblock to success. Here are some tips:

• When you feed business data to the software for the first time, make sure there are no errors.
• Avoid adding duplicate data and inconsistencies in information can make the documentation procedures complex and time-consuming.
• Authorize only the reliable people to access the software.

Step 5: Track and Improve

After the first and a couple of more export consignments, you can prepare reports about how the experiences have been. It would help you know the loopholes that still exist. You would also analyse which procedure consume unnecessary time. All this would help you make improvements for the future documentations.

Rather than learning from your mistakes, which may be extremely damaging, it is better to follow these steps from the very start and become an expert in export documentation.

The post 5 Steps to Make Export Documentation Simpler appeared first on Exdoc.

1. Using an EDN Software
   You can easily find a popular electronic software specifically designed to interact with the Integrated Cargo System of the Australian Customs Service. It is a good alternative to the traditional manual documentation process that requires a lot of time and is prone to errors. The best part is that you won’t need to buy a digital certificate to apply for EDN. Your software vendor would authenticate the communication with the Customs using their own digital certificates.
2. Using an RFP Software
   If you also want to request for permit (RFP) with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources for exporting commodities like plants, animals, plants products, Animals products etc., you don’t need to buy a separate software for EDN. You may apply for both RFP and EDN simultaneously using the single electronic window. For this, you would need an EXDOC.com.au RFP software.
3. Using a Complete Export Documentation Solution
   If you also need to prepare other important documents like Health/Phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, packing lists, commercial invoices, letter of credit and others, it is recommended that you invest in a complete export documentation package. It would not only make your documentation process fast and efficient, but would also save a lot of money.
4. Using Export Documentation Services
   The last option is to outsource the task of obtaining EDN to a company offering export documentation services. In fact, you can use these services for the entire documentation process. It would save you from the efforts of installing a software and learning its usage. Also, these services can be customized according to you specific needs.

Many exporters in Australia are already using these tools and services and benefitting from the accurate documentation process. Don’t be late to be one of them.

The post 4 Ways to Obtain Export Declaration Number Fast appeared first on Exdoc.

Knowledge
You may interview and hire knowledgeable people who are already familiar with how these systems work. It may take a lot of time and efforts and the staff you hire may not prove to be beneficial. On the other hand, an expert service provider would already have the expert teams with the right knowledge and experience that would not only help to eliminate the usual errors, but also save a lot of precious time.

These specialists have years of expertise in preparing, for example, various documents under the letter of credit. They also coordinate with various parties like shippers, freight forwarders, warehouse owners, banks etc. like professionals on the behalf of the exporters.

Costs
Whenever one hires staff, there is need to invest in the infrastructural requirements apart from the salaries. If you choose a service provider instead, you might enjoy the benefits of what is called the flexible pricing.

For example, you can hire these services purely on the basis of your needs. If you want assistance only in obtaining the export declaration number (EDN), you won’t need to pay for the entire documentation services. In other words, you would enjoy a personalized service tailored to meet your specific requirements and in your budget.

Productivity
You may get fortunate to hire people who are productive enough to speed up the process of export documentation. Still, you may need to keep a watch on their activities and performances and provide inputs specific to your export needs. When you choose a service provider, the whole responsibility of preparing documents lies with the experienced team and you can divert your focus towards your business.

Support
The export documentation service providers offer great support if different types of issues arise in the process. For example, the IT or technical support is very crucial when you use a software solution for business activities. In case you have in-house team members, they might not be capable of handling the situations and you would then need to hire external help. It may lead to waste of time and money.

On the other hand, a service provider acts as a single point where you can get all your issues resolved. These teams extend their support to understand, for example, the requirements to lodge request for permits and prepare Health/Phytosanitary certificates.

The Third Option
You may choose the middle path and get your existing staff trained to use export documentation systems. For this, you can contact a reputed service provider who not only offers training, but also the long-term support to the exporters.

The post Hiring Staff for Export Documentation vs. Choosing Export Documentation Service appeared first on Exdoc.

Phytosanitary Certificate E16

It approves that the products being exported have undergone inspection against the pests and are free from the quarantine and injurious pests. The certificate is prepared adhering to the international templates and to fulfil the specific phytosanitary requirements of the destination country.

Phytosanitary Certificate EX25

It is the Australian re-export phytosanitary certificate which is required if you wish to export the prescribed products imported from some other country. For this, you must be able to produce the phytosanitary certificate obtained from the original country along with the goods. Also, the products will be inspected to ensure that they have not been infested while in Australia before the certificate for re-export is issued.

Other Certificates

A phytosanitary certificate for export mentions important things like the details about the exporter and consignee, place of origin, country of final destination, point of entry, container number, consignment details, disinfestation treatment details and so on. However, there are certain matters like quality statements that are not mentioned on these certificates. For this, you need to obtain other certificates, some of which include:

• Declaration and Certificate as to Condition EX188 which is issued for the non-prescribed plant products.
• Export Clearance Declaration EX222 which complies with the 1982’s Export Control Act. By providing this declaration, the exporter takes the responsibility to ensure that the goods continue to adhere to the mentioned condition or restriction until exported.

An important part of preparing Phytosanitary Certificates is to thoroughly read and understand the importing country’s regulations and requirements. For this, you can consult the industry experts like the Exdoc.com.au team which specializes in export documentation services like Health/Phytosanitary Certificates, Certificate of Origin, EDN and more.

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