Question

1.Who can conduct import or export of goods in a country according to the relevant domestic law? Please list the parties that may be involved in international sale transaction.

Answer 1

In the USA, according to domestic law, the following can import or export.

• Import- In most cases, one doesnt need a license to import goods to US. Only with certain restricted products one requires a license. A business will need a IRS business registration number to import. An individual needs a social security number.
• Exporting- Again, about 95 percent of all items exported from the United States don’t require an export license. It fals on the exporter to determine whether the item they are about to export falls in the no license required list. The list is maintained by Export Administration Regulations and the Bureau of Industry and Security and can be checked with them.

The caveat to the above is that the transaction should not be with any country/entity in the US sanctions list (such as Iran).

The parties usually involved in international sale are-

• Seller- The seller who is selling one item from one country to other (the exporter).
• Domestic customs- The seller's domestic custom agency must approve the export of the item.
• Transporter- Usually a shipping company that will physically send the product to the importing location.
• Foreign customs- The importer's customs should approve the import of the item.
• Buyer- The importer.