|
It is important to be aware of the various regulations,
standards and certification requirements imposed by
both the U.S. and foreign governments that pertain
to your product(s). Obtaining this information, however,
can be difficult and time consuming.
Various industry trade associations and American
Chambers of Commerce overseas can provide
a wealth of information on foreign regulations, standards
and certifications that affect their industry/country.
U.S. Government sources are listed below.
Government Sources of Foreign Standards and Certification
Information
The National Center for Standards and Certification
Information (NCSCI) provides information on U.S.
and foreign conformity assessment procedures and
standards for non-agricultural products. Translation
services for foreign standards is available for
a fee. For more information, contact NCSCI at (301)
975-6478.
The Trade Information Center (TIC) trade specialists,
along with some of the industry
specialists in the Department of Commerce, maintain
information on foreign country regulations, standards,
and certification systems and/or a contact list
of organizations that can help you obtain that information.
Simply call the toll free number: 1-800
USA TRAD(E) for assistance.
Agricultural exports require a number of unique
documents and certfications from both the U.S. and
destination country. Scroll to the bottom of the
page to view links to various lists. (Foreign
Agricultural Service, USDA)
A CE Mark and certification are required on all
manufactured goods marketed in the European Union.
Once a product has earned a CE Mark, it may be marketed
throughout the EU without having to undergo modifications
in each EU member country. Learn if your product
requires a CE Mark and how to go about getting one.
CCGs are long, detailed reports that examine each
country's trade regulations and investment practices,
and present a comprehensive look at the commercial
environment in various countries through economic,
political and market analyses. Search by country,
then for report type, select "Country Commercial
Guide".
Onerous or Discriminatory Certifications, Standards
and Regulations
Where particularly onerous or discriminatory barriers
are imposed by a foreign government, a U.S. company
may be able to obtain help from the U.S. Government
to press for their removal. In these cases, the firm
should:
- Contact
their Industry Sector Office at the U.S.
Dept. of Commerce to report the barrier.
- File
an online complaint with the Trade Compliance
Center
- Contact the
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington
DC at 202-395-3000.
|
