Packing and Marking

by V S RAMA RAO on SEPTEMBER 25, 2010

In addition to completing all documentation special packing and marking requirements must be considered for shipments destined to be transported over water, subject to excessive handling, or destined for parts of the world with extreme climates or unprotected outdoor storage. Packing that is adequate for domestic shipments often falls short for goods subject to the conditions mentioned. Protection against rough handling moisture, temperature extremes, and pilferage may require heavy crating, which increases total packing costs as well as freight rates because of increased weight and size. Because some countries determine import duties on gross weight packing can add a significantly amount to import fees. To avoid the extremes of too much or too little packing the marketers should consult export brokers, export freight forwarders or other specialists. All countries regulate the marking of imported goods and containers, and noncompliance can results in severe penalties. Recently announced Peruvian regulations require all imported foreign products to bear a brand a name, country of origin and an expiration date clearly inscribed on the product. In the case of imported wearing apparel, shoes, electric appliances automotive parts, liquors and soft drink the name and tax identity card number of the importer must also be

added Peruvian Customs refuse clearance to foreign products not fulfillment these requirements and the importer has to reship the goods within 60 days of the customs appraisal date or they are sized and auctioned as abandoned goods. Further goods already in Peru must meet the provisions of the decree or be subject to public auction. The exporter must be careful that all markings on the container conform exactly conform exactly to the data on the export documents because Customs officials often interpret discrepancies as an attempt to defraud. A basic source of information for American exporters is the Department of Commerce pamphlet series entitled Preparing shipment to [country] which details the necessary export documents ad pertinent US and foreign government regulations for labeling marking packing and customs procedures. Customs Privileged facilities To facilitate export trade countries designate areas within their borders as customs privileged facilities that is areas where goods can be imported for storage and /or processing with tariffs and quota limits postponed until the products leave the designated areas. Foreign tae zones (also known as free trade zones) free ports and in bond arrangements are all types of customs privileged facilities that countries use to promote foreign trade.

Foreign trade Zones (FTZ) The number of countries with FTZs has increased as trade liberalization has spread through Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and other parts of Europe and Asia Most FTZs function in a similar manner regardless of the host country. In the US, FTS extend their services to thousands of firms engaged in a spectrum of international trade related activities ranging from distribution to assembly and manufacturing. Moe than 300 foreign trade zones are located throughout the US, including New York, New Orleans , San Francisco, Seattle Toledo, Honolulu, Mayagues (Puerto Rico) Kansas City, little Rock, and Sault St. Marie. Goods subject to us customs duties and quota restrictions van be landed in these zones for storage or such processing as repackaging cleaning and grading before being brought into the US or re-exported to another country. Merchandise can be held in an FTZ even if subject to US quota restrictions. When a particular quota opens up, the merchandise may then be immediately shipped into the US. Merchandise subject to quotas may also be substantially transformed within a zone into articles that are not covered by quotas and then shipped into the US free of quota restrictions. In situations in which goods are imported into the US to be combined with American made goods and re-

exported the importer or exporter can avoid payment of US import duties o the foreign portion and eliminates the complications of applying for a drawback that is a request for a refined from the government of 99 percent of the duties paid on imports later re-exported.
more at http://www.citeman.com/10696-packing-and-marking.html#ixzz1e5A9JBw2