Businesses that operate internationally need to treat their cash flow planning differently than those that operate domestically. There are many additional details to consider for international transactions, including export costs which, ideally, should be determined alongside a timeline that tracks where and when these costs are incurred and when they are due for payment. These costs can be added to the company’s domestic costing worksheet to help the exporter fully understand the cash flow implications of trading internationally.

To help you understand more about some of these common costs in international business, we’ve compiled a list of 10 export costs you need to consider when projecting cash outflows along with an export cost timeline.

Figure 4.1 arranges typical export costs in the order in which they occur as a first step to projecting cash outflows.

For businesses that deal with importing and exporting in their operations, it is important to know which of these costs are the responsibility of the exporter and which ones are the responsibility of the importer. This can be easily determined by looking at the Incoterms® rules negotiated between the two parties during contract negotiations.

Want to learn more about Incoterms® rules?  Take the Incoterms^® 2020 online course, presented by FITT and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC).

The chosen Incoterms® rule determines the importer’s obligations and the exporter’s obligations, such as who pays the cost of transport, delivery and insurance. Learn more about these export costs below:

1. Business Development Costs

Even before the signing of a deal, there are various business development costs associated with making the sale. These may include travel, telephone and fax, promotional and marketing costs, legal fees, and possibly foreign agent’s fees. Most of these costs must be paid up front, regardless of when/if a deal generates revenues. These initial costs can impose a significant burden on the cash flow, which may make the need for financing even more urgent.

2. Contract Negotiations

Once the importer shows interest in dealing with the exporter, both parties begin negotiating a firm contract. Depending on the complexity of the product, contract negotiations require input from many professionals. A lawyer may be required to help negotiate terms and conditions that secure each party in the event of contract cancellation, non-performance and non-payment, among many other possible scenarios. At times, contract negotiations can take many months, if not years, to conclude. The time invested during this time is at the cost of each company with no compensation other than the hope that the contract with bring fruitful benefits to each company.

3. Manufacturing Cost Per Unit

In most cases, these costs are the same as those for domestic transactions, except where production is modified to meet specific foreign requirements. Coverage of these costs may fall under the company’s existing credit arrangements, unless the export effort is significantly large in comparison with the company’s current capacities. Some differences can occur with product cost per unit if the order is large enough, and special costs will therefore have to be borne. New employees, added export administration, extra factory space, and more expensive materials may be necessary. In that case, a new cash flow worksheet must be completed to factor in the additional costs relative to expected revenues.

Did you know that you can preview FITTskills courses for FREE? This topic is covered in the FITTskills Lite Unit on Cash Flow Management. Get the download below:

4. Labelling

This is one of the up-front costs incurred in exporting. If it’s done in-house, there will need to be special print runs and adjustments made to machinery, although the out-of-pocket costs may be minimal. For many overseas markets, they may need label information translated. If contracting out both translation and printing, the exporter can expect that payment for these services will be due within 30 to 60 days after the order is complete.

5. Packing

Shipments must be ready for international transportation. Many countries have strict regulations. Even if the packings done in-house, the exporting firm may have to purchase materials, such as crates, boards or Styrofoam. Payment for these materials will be within 30 to 60 days of delivery. If packings done by an external supplier, such as a freight forwarder, the costs will be even more significant. In some instances, it may be possible to secure extended payment terms from suppliers in recognition of the length of time that will pass before receivables are paid.

Want to learn more about methods of settlement in international trade and other risk mitigation options? Check out the FITTskills International Trade Finance online course.

6. Forwarding Agents Fees

The forwarding agent’s fees cover activities such as preparing documents, securing insurance and arranging for transportation. These fees are usually payable in 30 to 60 days after loading the shipment onto an international carrier. The timing of the costs may be negotiable, but the negotiation must finish before the transaction occurs.

7. Export Commissions

To earn an export commission the signing of an export transaction must occur, but payment terms may be negotiable. The exporting company should try to move the due date for payment of commissions either close to or past the date on which it expects to receive payment from the importer. If the company is factoring the transaction, however, it may be able to pay sooner without impairing cash flow.

8. Shipping and Storage Costs

The shipping process entails many costs, payable to a wide variety of service providers. Freight forwarders, domestic carriers, port authorities, and international carriers may all perform services requiring payment. As suppliers of shipping services are familiar with the realities of international trade, they may agree to payment terms that are common among domestic suppliers.

9. Cargo Insurance

This cost is payable within 30 to 60 days of shipment. Shippers may offer extended cargo insurance as part of their service and may thus accord extended payment terms for it. Otherwise, factor this cost into a transaction as being payable before receiving the full funds for deliverables. If packings done by an external supplier, such as a freight forwarder, the costs will be even more significant. It’s possible to secure extended payment terms from suppliers in recognition of time that will pass before paying for receivables.

10. Customs and Clearance Fees

Customs and clearance fees are due immediately on arrival of the shipment in the destination country. For customs brokers employed to clear the goods, those fees add to the other costs. If the contract specifies that the exporting firm is responsible for this part of the transaction, the firm will need cash on hand to cover these costs before the goods can be landed and delivered to their destination.

By keeping these costs in mind, an exporter will be able to work through the cash flow forecasts and ensure the cash inflows match the cash outflows as much as possible to minimize the company’s reliance on financing. This exercise can also help the company negotiate the milestone payments and ensure it follows the contract completion to minimize payment default in future.

Other Costs

The export costing calculation offers an indication of some of the other costs involved in a transaction. It also gives clues as to when they might affect the cash flow. For example, paid monthly for the duration of the transaction are insurance premiums. By contrast, you only feel the impact of discounting a receivable when the receivable sells.  Among other costs to consider are receivables insurance, contract cancellation insurance and various financing charges. When using a line of credit these might be paid monthly or at the end as part of the collection and settlement process.

The post 10 Export costs you need to consider when projecting cash outflows appeared first on Trade Ready.

Customs duties, taxes, and other charges usually account for a considerable proportion of the finished cost of imported goods. These charges are paid to customs, tax organizations (in some countries, the customs and tax collecting organization are independent entities) customs brokers, terminal operators, and warehouse owners.  These costs can be reduced by looking at the 9 different factors that affect the total customs costs below. 

The total amount that the importer of record pays during the customs clearance process is dependent on different factors such as:

• Product nature
• HS tariff code
• Customs valuation for duty
• Tariff treatment
• Duty rate
• Packaging type
• Gross and net weight
• Volume of goods
• Duration of the clearance process
• Number of lines in each entry

Based on the above items, and considering the current COVID-19 situation, these nine solutions should be employed to reduce your customs costs.

1. Correct tariff classification

Correct tariff classification is vital in cost reduction at customs and border agencies.

At first sight, it might seem easy to find the correct HS code of a given product, but it requires expertise in both the product and classification regulations.

Expertise in the General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs) of the harmonized system is vital in this stage. Technical knowledge is crucial for correct classification in most HS chapters.

By using the correct tariff code, not only will the importer of records pay less customs duty, but also may avoid future audits and fines. I recommend that the importer create an expert team with members from its own organization and customs brokers agents to concentrate specifically on HS classification. A company might have been using a tariff for years, even though it was not the most suitable or correct one for the product.

The duty rate is partially dependent on this code. This duty rate may change annually, or for more extended periods in different countries, and are usually published in the form of electronic or printed books. Due to COVID-19, most states have made some modifications to the rates to decrease the finished cost of certain essential products for combating this virus. The customs brokerage companies are expected to proactively update the importers with the most recent information. Stay up to date on these changes in case they might apply to your shipments.

Learn how to keep your business running efficiently by recording, filing and storing everything you need to maintain efficient day-to-day operations

2. Correct tariff treatment and country of origin regulations

Most states have different bilateral and multilateral tariff treatments with other countries. In other words, the duty rate for a specific tariff code changes from one country to another. For example, if you import a product that is made in the U.S. into Canada, the product will be treated based on the United States Tarrif (UST), and the duty rate might be zero. Likewise, if the product is made in China, it will be treated based on most favoured nation clause (MFN), and the rate might be high.

Imagine that you import ice cream under HS tariff code 21.05.00.10.00. If the ice cream is made in the USA, it would be free of import duty, but if it is made in China, the duty would be 9.5%.

Selecting the right tariff treatment and preparing supporting documents, such as a certificate of origin and bill of material, is crucial in determining the correct tariff treatment.

Some countries might revise the tariff rates at this challenging time, despite the mutual tariff treatments, and the customs brokerage company is expected to apply these changes before declaring the products to customs.

3. Correct valuation for customs duty

The value of the product should be declared to customs for calculating the import duty and taxes. The customs in different countries have similar regulations and methods for determining the value of the products. But the reality is that the value for customs duty calculation is not always the same as the invoice that the importer of record presents to customs.

The value of some products may change from time to time in customs calculations. Some companies may try to reduce their total taxes by transfer pricing. The updated value of the product should be considered and analyzed by the customs broker and importer of record. If the customs officers do not approve the declared value, it may not only lead to an increase in customs duty but also incur fines and penalties. Due to COVID-19, the prices of many products have changed, and customs brokers and importers should actively monitor them to avoid additional costs.

Learn to master any costing implications related to Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System

4. Selecting an experienced and reliable customs broker

Customs brokers have direct and indirect costs. The brokerage fee, which is the direct cost, will likely be the first and most important criterion for selecting a customs broker for your business. The importance of the brokerage fee is undeniable, but the indirect influence of brokers on the total cost is much more important than their direct fees.

An error in tariff code, tariff treatment, or customs value could lead to a fine that outweighs several years’ worth of brokerage fees.

As previously mentioned, because of the current situation with COVID-19, the rules and procedures may change at any time, and therefore the knowledge, expertise, and experience of your customs broker is of high importance.

Your customs broker can help with cost reduction covered in the next five topics.

5. Reduction in brokerage fees

The brokerage fee is based on the agreement between the broker and importer of record. This fee is usually based on the number of entries, the nature of the product, and the number of lines at a given time. You can bargain with the brokers and ask for lower fees. Furthermore, the importers entitled to have an all-inclusive flat fee for the whole suite of customs clearance services. Therefore, the broker should be asked to quote a reasonable price and specify the cost of each item within the proposal.

Due to electronic data interchange and new technologies, the costs have changed in the past few years. Therefore, I would recommend that the importer continue to request for a proposal or quotation at regular intervals and compare prices. It is critical that the importer compare the total cost for the clearance package and not just the direct brokerage fees. For example, additional charges such as after-hour fees and hidden items should be defined or avoided.

6. Time-related costs reduction

Customs brokers can help importers reduce costs via time management. For example, some borders around the globe close at specific hours of the day or night. Imagine a truck delivering a cargo of fresh produce from the exporting country to the importing country. The usual transit time for the route is 20 hours. Sixteen hours out of that are within the seller’s country, and one hour at the border for customs formalities. Then, three hours after crossing the border, they arrive to deliver the products at the buyer’s warehouse for distribution.

The truckers plan to start their trip at 6 AM and plan to arrive at their destination at 2 AM. They’ll reach the border 16 hours later, at 10 PM, but the border’s closed from 9PM to 6AM. What happens? The products might be perishable, and the cargo won’t arrive for distribution at the right time in the retail store.

The financial loss is significant, but the damage to the credit of  the importer or retailer is much more critical.

Furthermore, consider the additional freight cost, after-hour charges, potential warehousing costs, and other risks as well. A good customs broker will know to account for the border closure times and plan accordingly.

7. Deferred payment or guarantees

Some countries are encouraging the importation of essential products by allowing a longer time for import duty payment. In other words, the importers of specific products in some states are enjoying deferred payment of customs duties. The brokers expected to inform the importer of the most recent regulations on this subject.

8. Tax and duty refund

In some circumstances, a refund of taxes and customs duties may apply to your shipment. For example, if a product is temporarily imported, the importer can be refunded the amount paid to customs. You and your customs broker should be aware of all applicable refund opportunities and ensure due diligence to receive them.

9. Cost reduction by facilitation in shipment documents

The customs brokers’ role is crucial in decreasing the cost or avoiding additional expenses from documentation. Some countries are omitting certain documents for clearance in order to facilitate the process of importation. Others may request new documents to check compliance with new regulations related to COVID-19. Generating additional documents may lead to higher charges, and not preparing required documents may cause additional fees. Without the required documents, your shipment may even get stuck at the border.

Customs brokers should support importers with the most recent information. They can also help importers by facilitating the creation of all documents and paperwork.

The post 9 ways to reduce the total costs of customs clearance appeared first on Trade Ready.