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Your business guide to trade finance
Understand how trade finance can support your cross-border transactions and navigate local laws and regulations.
After exploring ways to join the global trade game and preparing for contract negotiations, you are eager to find the best possible solution to access the financing you need to expand to new markets and manage international transactions.
How to get started:
- Choose the right trade finance
- Obtain a globally accredited ICC certificate in trade finance
- Prepare export documents
- Navigate laws and regulations
Step 1: Choose the right trade finance
When trading goods and services, risks regarding financing and payment modalities play a major role and need to be managed with care. Trade finance can provide useful financial instruments and products for importers and experts to facilitate international trade and match your needs with those of your business partner.
Trade finance certifications
Learn how to settle cross-border commercial activities and choose the right instruments to mitigate risks
These publications and solutions are available in English only. Contact your local ICC national committee to enquire about the availability of local translations.
Step 2: Prepare export documents
When exporting your goods, the customs authorities from the importing country will require several documents from you, including your export invoice, import or export declarations, a bill of lading or airway bill etc. Very frequently, you or your company’s agent will be asked to present a Certificate of Origin.
More than 800 chambers of commerce issue Certificates of Origin in conformity with the official guidelines from the ICC World Chambers Federation.
Shaping the future of Certificates of Origin
In recent years, more and more Free Trade Agreements have been established as a means to lower trade barriers for frequent trade routes. Free Trade Agreements often enable exporters to self-declare the origin of the exported products without the need for a formal Certificate of Origin. This comes with its own set of complexities, calling for a tool to make the process simpler and more secure for you – ICC Genesis.
Certificate of Origin
Certify the country of origin of your goods through an accredited chamber of commerce. This document is not applied under a Free Trade Agreement.
ICC Genesis
If you export within the framework of a Free Trade Agreement, make your origin self-declaration online.
Step 3: Navigate laws and regulations
Much like domestic trade, international transactions must comply with their own set of rules. As you move products and services from one market to another, you will first have to consider international sources of law and regulation. You will also have to follow regional or national rules, consisting of laws and regulations that govern the entry and circulation of goods and services, as well as business practices in a specific market.
Tools and resources to help you navigate laws and regulations
Global Trade Helpdesk
Explore tariffs, regulatory requirements, and trade opportunities.
Powered by the International Trade Centre in partnership with ICC
SME Guide to Sanctions
Assess the impact of sanctions and how to comply.
SME Guide to Third-Party Due Diligence
Navigate due diligence requirements to develop an ethical brand.
Advertising and Marketing Code
Build your advertising on sound ethical standards.
SME Toolkit on Antitrust
Identify competition law risks and dos and don’ts.
Basics on Compliance
Ensure your business operates with integrity and accountability.
These publications and solutions are available in English only. Contact your local ICC national committee to enquire about the availability of local translations.
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Everything you need to know to kick-start your export journey – in one click
