© 2005 Dream Merchant

Dream Merchant • 2309 Torrance Bvd. #104, Torrance, CA 90501 (310) 328-1925 email: Jkm316@aol.com

   HOW UNCLE SAM CAN HELP YOU 
FIND OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS

Need Help With Your Importing Business? Consider the U.S. Government.

c2005 by Dennis Hessler

Although the U.S. Government offers all kinds of resources for exporters of U.S. products, they don't offer the same kind of programs for importers. But they can still help.

Just as the government helps U.S. companies export products to other countries, foreign governments do the same thing for companies in their country seeking to export to the U.S. This is a fast, cheap and easy way to find overseas suppliers.

One good way to find these companies is to contact the commercial officer or trade attache of the country you're seeking to import from. There's a list of foreign embassies or trade offices in the U.S. at the Trade Information Center's website:

http://tradeinfo.doc.gov

Look under the link "Trade Offices Nationwide" and then "Foreign Trade Offices."

It's likely you'll have to pay duty on imported products so it's always a good idea to know what the tariff rate will be BEFORE you order the product. After all, this amount must be factored in to the final cost.

To obtain U.S. tariff rates for specific imported products, to check on regulations such as import quotas, or for general import information, you should contact your local Customs Service office. Go again to the same website and click on the line to "Trade Offices Nationwide" or simply visit the U.S. Customs Service website at:

http://www.customs.gov

Don't count on the Customs Service to help you find sources for products. In fact, they're strictly forbidden by law to do so. The only way they would know about a source is if another importer is already importing from that source. And that importer wouldn't look kindly on the government giving it away to the competition.

Still, it's a good idea to stop in at the closest Customs Service office in your city. Sooner or later, you'll be dealing with them and they always have a variety of publications they will give you on topics of interest such as tariff classifications, quotas and other matters. Also ask them for a listing of customs house brokers who hold permits to do business in your area.

Many exporters become importers during overseas travel. If you think there's a chance you might be importing on an upcoming trip (and even if you don't), pick up the Customs Service booklet, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO, which has important information on prohibited items, tariffs and legal issues important to importers.

Another way to find suppliers is to contact foreign consulates directly. Even if you don't live in or near a big city, you may be surprised to discover there are consulates in many medium-sized cities as well. Look in both the White and Yellow Pages of your phone directory under "Consulate." You can also contact your state commerce department, your local chamber of commerce or simply stop into your local library and tell the reference librarian what you're looking for. Usually there will be a number of directories with names and numbers of overseas suppliers. The librarian may also help you find the location of the nearest foreign consulate.

If you know what kind of product you're planning to import, get in touch with the trade association related to that product. You'll find that these associations usually publish directories of members around the world who can make it easy to find suppliers in your niche product area and country.

Dennis Hessler is an international trade consultant and publisher who runs his own home-based trade and information company, Spyglass Point Productions. You can learn more about Dennis' international trade information products, including how-to books, videos, software, newsletter and consulting services by contacting him directly or visiting his website. Contact Dennis at:

Spyglass Point Productions
PO Box 13141
Pensacola, FL 32591  U.S.A.
Phone: 850-438-5527
Website: http://www.spyglasspoint.com
Email: Dennis@spyglasspoint.com

         

            

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