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International Trade Office Consulting and Education

March 29, 2021
International Trade Office Consulting and Education

The International Trade Office (ITO) offers a wide range of international trade and export compliance education to Iowa companies through a variety of avenues. The ITO is a go-to resource to guide companies to the right answers when it comes to international trade and exporting.

One-on-One Training (virtual/in-person): The ITO staff has extensive real-world experience in international trade and can guide your day-to-day business needs in exporting. Individual consultation provides Iowa businesses with tools to identify issues such as product suitability, best markets, appropriate trade shows, qualified contacts, distribution channels, trade barriers, export requirements, logistics, documentation assistance and more. Topics fielded on a regular basis include: 
  • Introduction to IEDA’s International Trade Office
    Example: “Does IEDA offer grants to help with International Trade Shows?”
    After learning a company’s specific needs, the ITO can outline relevant resources including global marketing assistance, trade shows, trade missions, financial assistance programs, training and trade resources.
  • International Documentation and Compliance
    Example: “I’ve never shipped to Saudi Arabia before – do I need an export license?”
    An introduction to basic “need to know” information for international shipments includes introductions to the U.S. agencies that govern U.S. imports and exports, required documentation, filing and license requirements, and how to achieve successful shipments.
  • Schedule B/Harmonized Tariff System
    Example: “What is my HTS code, and why do I need to know this?”
    The Harmonized Tariff System is an international product classification used by customs officials for levying tariffs and controlling quotas on goods. It is vital for companies to accurately assign these numbers to their products when shipping internationally, especially if they want to utilize the benefits of Free Trade Agreements. The ITO can provide resources to determine your tariff codes and obtain confirmation that they are correct.
  • USMCA Free Trade Agreement
    Example: “Our products always qualified under NAFTA – do they automatically qualify for USMCA?”
    The USMCA took effect July 1, 2020 and allows preferential tariff treatment for goods that meet the Rules of Origin. NAFTA is no longer valid, and the NAFTA Certificate of Origin can no longer be used. The ITO can provide an overview on the agreement and guide your review of the Certificate of Origin requirements.
International Education Calendar
The ITO frequently hosts or co-sponsors webinars or in-person classroom training on topics, including export compliance, international documentation, specific target markets, and much more. Presenters include nationally known speakers and trainers. Find details and registration for upcoming events on the International Education Calendar.

If you have questions about export education or would like additional resources, materials or to schedule a virtual or in-person training session with your staff, please contact Andrea Smith at andrea.smith@iowaeda.com or 515.348.6240.

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