Field notes
Field notes on export paperwork
What we're learning about commercial invoices, certificates of origin, HS codes, and the paperwork that actually moves a shipment through customs.
- 7 min read
Schedule B number vs HS code: which one you need, and why $2,500 is per code
The difference between an HS code, a Schedule B number, and an HTS code, how to find your Schedule B number, and the mechanic small exporters get wrong: the $2,500 EEI threshold applies per Schedule B number, not per shipment.
export documentsSchedule BHS codeEEIAES filing - 7 min read
NOEEI exemption codes: the complete list for small US exporters
Every AES exemption legend that matters to a small exporter: NOEEI 30.36, 30.37(a), and the rest of 15 CFR 30.37, with what each covers, when it fails, and exactly where to write it.
export documentsNOEEI exemptionEEIAES filingcompliance - 12 min read
USMCA certification of origin: the 9 data elements and how to fill it out
There is no official USMCA form. Any format works if it carries the 9 required data elements from Annex 5-A. Here is each element in plain English, with the origin criterion field that trips exporters up.
export documentscertificate of originUSMCAcustoms clearancecompliance - 10 min read
Do I need to file EEI in AES? A decision guide for small US exporters
A plain decision tree for when EEI filing is required, the exemptions you can actually use, the legend you must write when you do not file, and how to file it yourself for free.
export documentsEEIAES filingNOEEI exemptioncompliance - 8 min read
How to fill out a shipper's letter of instruction (SLI), step by step
What a shipper's letter of instruction is, every field explained, and how it authorizes your forwarder to file EEI without putting the fines on you.
export documentsshipper's letter of instructionEEIfreight forwarder - 5 min read
Export packing list: what it is and how it differs from the commercial invoice
What an export packing list is, the fields that belong on it, and why it must never disagree with your commercial invoice.
export documentspacking listcommercial invoice - 9 min read
What is an HS code? How to find yours
How the harmonized system works, how to classify your product correctly, and what happens when the code is wrong.
HS codescustomsexport basics - 10 min read
Incoterms 2020 explained for small exporters
FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP: what each Incoterm makes you responsible for and how to pick the right one for your shipment.
Incotermsshippingexport basics - 8 min read
How to fill out a certificate of origin, step by step
Every field on the certificate of origin explained, who can issue it, and the mistakes that get shipments held at customs.
export documentscertificate of origincustoms clearance - 8 min read
Export documents checklist: what every small exporter needs
The 9 documents that move an export shipment, which ones you actually need, and a checklist to run before every booking.
export documentsexport checklisttrade paperwork - 8 min read
Commercial invoice vs proforma invoice: the difference
When to send a proforma, when the commercial invoice takes over, and the fields customs actually checks on each.
export documentscommercial invoiceproforma invoice