Customs-free export is opportunity for Serbian businessmen - This is how you can place your products in America

Source: eKapija Sunday, 07.02.2016. 23:49
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Serbia is one of 120 countries which is enabled customs-free goods export to USA through Generalized System of Preferences- GSP.

- GSP is an opportunity for developing countries to place their products in the American market. The system covers almost5.000 products which are customs-free. For Serbian businessmen, GDP is a chance to acquire experience in export to global market and to increase goods exchange with America –Jeremy Long, head of economic department at the USA Embassy in Belgrade, says.

At the press conference “Customs-free export to USA- All about GSP system, he outlined that the greatest value in export between Serbia and USA was generated through automotive components, agricultural products, hunting guns, metals.

As Veljko Jovanovic, president of the advisors if the Serbian Chamber of Commerce (SCC), said, one of two pieces of advice for businessmen is also regional presentation which would significantly boost their competitiveness at large markets such as USA, China, Russia, etc. Jovanovic outlined that the American market has huge exporting potential and that it is important that companies are objective when considering their exporting capacities as well as to obtain essential documentation.

What is necessary for export to America?

In his presentation of GSP system benefits, Jeremy Long explained also terms to get this treatment.

For customs-free export of goods to USA, it is necessary it is listed at GSP product list. Apart from that, at least 35% of contents and processing procedures must be from Serbia. Long outlined that it is necessary to export a product to USA directly, without trading with the third country. One of the terms also is that producers can deliver to an importer data on production, book-keeping and origin of goods.

Preparation of documents for customs-free export to USA is a complex work which is the base of successful business at that market. Milos Mihajlovic, head of department for air, sea and railway transport at Milsped Group, which provides shipping services, and customs mediation services, shared his experience in collection documents for export to America.

Exporter, as he said, should prepare commercial invoice for goods with currency, parity and country of origin. It is necessary to fill in Form A which confirms goods is from Serbia. For shipments which come to USA through sea, it is important to fill in Importer Security Filing (ISF) or a ban can be placed for unloading goods to America and penalty payment. An exporter (customs agent) is responsible to US customs and ISF form must be completed 24 h before shipment gets into a port of unloading latest. Customizing of goods is done electronically and only customs brokers can do it. Depending on export frequency, it is necessary to obtain either Single Entry Bonds (for one-time parcel ) or Continuous Bonds for continuous affairs. Customs bond should be obtained once a year and an insurance company issues it. Mihajlovic said it is important to have insurance for goods which is the only way to protect owner of a shipment. Insurance, as he explained, can cover maximum 120% goods value.

It is a good to know that customs fee can be returned retroactively i.e. that there is an option that users of GSP system get paid for customs claims later.

(Photo: Aleksandar Parezanović)

A successful exporter

Sabac-based Elixir Food is one of the Serbian biggest producers and exporters of frozen fruits and vegetables. They export their products to the USA, Germany, Australia, Great Briatin, Belgium, Austria, Russia, etc.

- For us, as fruit exporters, it is important to generate placement of goods to markets outside EU as well - Vera Popovic, head of commercial affairs in Elixir Food.

According to her, fairs are the best way to get to buyers.

She adds that before any specific negotiations it is necessary to check product specifications well.

Customs-free export to America, according to Veljko Jovanovic, is particularly important SMEs. He invited businessmen to come to SCC and ask around on business terms in USA.

More information on GSP system is available here.

Fiat – the biggest exporter in 2015

In 2015, the list of leading exporters to USA includes Fiat, Prvi partizan, Grundfos Srbija", Albon, Van Drunen Farms Evropa, Gorenje, Zastava Arms, Mondi Lamex, Valjaonica bakra Sevojno and Zadruga.

Katarina Marinkovic

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