Navigating a new international market could be a part of your business strategy, whether you are sourcing new products, or entering a new market to sell your products or services.

With connectivity a driving force of the technological century, it seems so easy right? Nope!

There is a ton of things to consider, and a lot of work to do before you can make any connections, but don’t let that discourage you. Expanding your business into new markets can be profitable, eye opening and full of great experiences.

In this article we will cover something you may not consider important – but it could mean the difference between closing a sale or losing out on a lucrative partnership.

When a gift is an import

The relationships and bonds that are created across land and oceans through technology are powerful, and sometimes we feel like saying “thank you”. Sometimes we want to go beyond saying thank you through e-mail or Skype, so we send gifts to our partners who are often in different countries.

One of the most common questions a customs broker is asked is about receiving gifts from another country:

I had a gift sent to my company, what is my obligation to declare?

Although each country is different with their own set of rules and regulations on importation, it is imperative to be proactive and compliant when receiving any goods within your shipment that were not listed on the commercial or packing list.

First, reach out to your customs broker to let them know. This will ensure that everyone is working together to stay compliant.

I do declare!

There are a few factors to consider if you are a Canadian (individual or company):

1. Any goods sent by courier or postal with a value of less then CAD $20, has to be declared and are exempt from duties and taxes.
2. “Gifts” sent person to person under $60 in value will also be exempt, if the gift value is over $60, you would pay the difference over the $60.00. For example, if the value is $100.00, you would be subject to pay duties and taxes on $40. The “gift” MUST include a card saying the “gift” is in fact a gift.
3. A “gift” included in a shipment sent from a supplier or other company will have to be declared as a part of that shipment and will be subject to duties and taxes no matter the value.

Keep an eye on changing policies and regulations

One of the subjects being discussed in the NAFTA negotiations is the de minimis. There is currently a huge gap between what the USA (USD $800.00) allows and what Canada (CAD $20) allows, so it will be interesting to see the changes that come from the talks.

The lesson here is that sending a token of appreciation to a distributor, partner, customer or an agent is a very nice gesture. But –  you may want to do some research and let the recipient know it is coming, so that they can stay ahead and complaint by keeping their customs broker in the know.

Now sit back and enjoy your thank you card.

The post Sending your international partners a gift is lovely – but beware of customs appeared first on Trade Ready.

Have you ever considered that everything you buy and use daily is all the result of a supply chain?

If the sourcing, buying, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and delivery of that product didn’t happen, you wouldn’t be able to buy it or use it. It wouldn’t exist. How would you live without these things?

Think of the food you eat, your toothbrush, the computer you work on, or the TV that plays your favorite shows – none of it would be possible without supply chains.

No one really thinks about all the tasks and people involved in even getting the socks into your sock drawer! Even you are part of this incredible process , whether you are aware of it or not.

Now, imagine if you were one of the millions of people in the countless roles that make it possible for you to enjoy that product. Rarely does anyone think twice about these efforts, or the sheer number of people involved.

Tune on, tune in and don’t drop out!

Because supply chain touches every part of your business, we should hear more from the innovators across global brands and industries. Supply chain executives from all over the world are kicking butt and taking names, and you need to be at the forefront of these discussions or risk being left behind in the supply chain dust.

That is the very reason why the 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain podcast was started. The podcast is a venue where the people that make a supply chain work can share their knowledge. They can be highlighted for who they are and what they do to take something from an idea to a product in your hand.

The podcast is a place to go and listen to these stories and share in the knowledge these professionals have about their place in the supply chain. But what kind of stories are we talking about, and who are these rock stars, bringing your favourite products and services to your doorstep from all over the world? Here are a couple of my favourites from recent episodes:

Shayne Cannon, a senior customs compliance specialist, is passionate about how essential staying compliant is to avoid bankrupting your company. He gets a bit sidetracked talking customs jargon, but always comes back around to explain the main benefit to staying on top of compliance – peace of mind and being able to sleep at night.

Sheena and Monique from MSH District say it like it is when it comes to a widely debated topic – local vs offshore manufacturing. Plus one of these talented supply chain pros also has a “big hairy audacious goal” of becoming a Beyoncé back-up dancer in her spare time. You’ll have to tune in to find out who in Episode 9: Heads Up – this one gets real and contains some adult content that might not be appropriate for all ears and all offices.

Tackling the biggest issues in SCM today

So who are these “2 Babes”? 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain was started by supply chain executive Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, CITP|FIBP, who is also the co-host.

Sarah started the podcast not only for other supply chain executives, but for anyone involved in or wanting to learn more about this interesting industry.

Nick Garrett, her co-host and “Babe #2”, has been in customs brokerage for a few years and shares his knowledge, experience and the problem solving skills needed to clear a wide range of commodities across international borders. Sarah and Nick want to put the sexy into supply chain, through the guests they have on the show and the relaxed, informative interview style they have adopted.

Did you know that connected apparel and wearable technology are about to disrupt what we know of the supply chain?

And what is the future of 3D printing?

How will this change the way we distribute product and what we carry as inventory even by the end of the decade?

These are just a few examples of the topics we like to tackle on the show. The episodes are short. But, they are informative, fun and authentic, just like the supply chain experts they feature.

Are YOU getting the most out of your supply chain? Stay tuned! In November Caroline Tompkins, FITT’s President and CEO will be our guest, talking about the many different types of jobs available in trading goods across international borders and how you can have a successful career in this growing industry.

You can check out 2 Babes episodes on iTunes and Stitcher – 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain and on their website www.2babestalksupplychain.com.

The post Think there’s nothing sexy about the supply chain industry? This podcast will convince you otherwise appeared first on Trade Ready.