Small businesses are increasingly conducting international trade through e-commerce, a trend that has accelerated during the COVID pandemic. The global e-commerce market was valued at nearly $4.9 trillion in 2020, with U.S. e-commerce sales growing by over 30 percent and continuing to rise in 2021. As more small businesses leverage global e-commerce to expand, it’s important to remember that compliance with trade rules and thorough due diligence are still necessary.
To support small businesses with e-commerce compliance, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has established the e-Commerce Branch. This branch offers resources such as an e-Commerce Compliance Guide for online sellers and an e-Commerce Counterfeit Awareness Guide for consumers and importers. Additionally, they participate in webinars and online trainings on current regulations and resources for e-commerce traders.
If you are importing goods via e-commerce, here are some important considerations:
– Be aware of the regulatory requirements for the products you are importing, including any restrictions or necessary forms. CBP provides an “Importing Into the United States” publication and contact information for sector-specific experts at CBP’s Centers of Excellence to help you understand and locate these rules.
– Conduct thorough due diligence on the seller and verify the information they provide about the product, especially details on official documents like the customs declaration.
– Discuss with the seller the specific delivery arrangements, including who will cover shipping costs. Options include freight, courier service, or international postal service.
If you are exporting goods via e-commerce to customers outside the United States, you should also address the above points. The Commerce Department’s Country Commercial Guides can help you learn about import rules and other requirements in your destination market, including e-commerce regulations. Consider any value-added taxes and additional fees in your pricing strategy. Also, check for U.S. export controls and requirements from CBP and other U.S. government agencies.
Protecting your intellectual property is crucial. If you hold U.S. intellectual property with federally protected copyrights and trademarks, you can record these at the U.S. border through CBP’s Intellectual Property Rights e-Recordation (IPRR) Program. You can also register for trademarks in the U.S. and other markets through the Madrid Protocol with a single application.
For more e-commerce resources for international sales, visit SBA.gov/tradetools. If you have questions about selling internationally, call SBA’s International Trade Hotline toll-free at 855-722-4877 or email international@sba.gov.
