Reference library

International Trade Knowledge

A practical knowledge library for product research, sourcing, quotations, quality, documents, logistics and risk management.

Important: Laws, customs requirements and product standards vary by product, country and date. These guides are general educational information, not legal, customs, tax or financial advice.

Supplier Verification

Check business registration, address, production scope, equipment, quality controls and export experience.

Request for Quotation (RFQ)

A useful RFQ defines product specifications, quantity, destination, packaging, target timing and required documents.

Supplier Quotation Comparison

Compare quotations using the same specification, quantity, packaging, payment terms and delivery basis.

Samples & Approval

Define sample criteria and record the approved sample version before mass production.

Quality Inspection

Inspection criteria can cover dimensions, function, appearance, safety-related checks, packing and defect categories.

Incoterms & Delivery Terms

The named Incoterms rule allocates specified costs, risks and responsibilities between buyer and seller.

HS Codes & Customs Classification

Classification can affect duties, controls, documentation and trade statistics.

Import Duties & Taxes

Import costs may include duty, import VAT/GST, excise, brokerage, port handling and destination charges.

Country of Origin

Origin rules may affect marking, preferential tariffs, trade remedies and documentation.

Shipping Documents

Common documents include commercial invoice, packing list and transport document; other documents depend on the shipment.

Freight Options

Compare express, air, sea, rail and multimodal options using shipment size, weight, deadline and restrictions.

CBM & Container Planning

CBM is calculated from package length × width × height in metres, summed for all packages.

Landed Cost

Model goods, packaging, tooling, inland haulage, export fees, freight, insurance, duties, taxes, brokerage and destination fees.

Payment & Commercial Risk

Document currency, beneficiary, milestones, bank fees and approval procedures.

Trade Fraud Prevention

Use consistent company records, independently verified payment instructions and written approvals.

Product Compliance & Certification

Identify destination market, product category, applicable requirements and responsible importer before production.

Packaging & Labeling

Plan shipping marks, carton counts, gross/net weight, dimensions, handling labels and retail labels as required.

Cargo Insurance & Claims

Review insured value, covered risks, exclusions, deductible, route and claim notification deadlines.

Purchase Orders & Contracts

Record specifications, quantity, price, currency, samples, inspection, documents, delays and dispute handling.

Intellectual Property & Branding

Confirm rights to use trademarks, artwork, product designs, packaging and licensed content.

OEM, ODM & Private Label

Clarify whether a supplier builds to your specification, adapts an existing design or supplies a standard item with branding.

Lead Time & Forecasting

Plan material procurement, production, inspection, export handling, transit, customs clearance and delivery buffer.

Trade Compliance & Restricted Goods

Screen products, parties, destination, end use and transport restrictions before accepting an order.

Customer Data & Confidentiality

Collect only information needed for an inquiry and explain the purpose and contact channel.

Disputes, Defects & Returns

Record lot numbers, affected quantities, photos, inspection results, remedy proposal and response deadlines.

Product & Market Research

Assess use case, competing offers, specification, customer demand signals, regulation and shipping economics.

Supplier Performance Records

Track quote responsiveness, sample conformity, quality findings, delivery performance and document completeness.

Export Order Workflow

A typical flow links inquiry, specification, quote, contract, payment, production, inspection, customs and transport.

Currency & Trade Finance

Consider currency exposure, bank fees, settlement timing, payment security and working capital.

HVAC & Cooling Product Research

Compare cooling method, rated performance, power, water supply, noise, airflow, packaging and spare parts.

Build in Public: Evidence Standards

Document the actual work, dates, decisions, research method and lessons learned in a transparent way.