How world trade works

International trade works by using a series of documents that support the following aspects of trade: Commercial – invoice, packing list and country of origin. Payment – invoice and bank drafts or letters of credit. Certificate of shipment – proof that it was shipped and delivered. Insurance – at what stage does the risk pass, who’s responsible for what and until when.

Trading blocs & bilateral trade agreements

To move goods around the world it helps to understand what agreements countries have made regarding trade – sometimes called bi-lateral agreements – and the many types of trading blocs – groups of countries that trade together. If we use the most obvious trading bloc of the European Union, you can see that your goods can move around are unrestricted, unless they have to go through Export Controls (goods which have a possible military dual use for example). The paperwork is therefore minimal, with the main concern being who pays the VAT or the local equivalent in each market – you can read our guide to VAT for exports for more information.

Harmonised codes

Goods need to be identified so we use a Harmonised Code that identifies the goods in terms of the materials used in manufacture, which dictates the eventual country of origin – we have an article for finding the appropriate code for your products. Services are not subjected to this process but are still accountable in terms of local taxes and evidence of delivery. The Harmonised Code will also decide if your cargo needs special treatment and is a vital element in making decisions on which market to chose if research shows that one carries a particularly heavy tax regime.

Legal conventions in world trade

World trade also relies on the law, and the implementation of it, starting with overriding conventions that deal with the manner in which transport, for example, is managed, through to directives from our EU partners on competition and agency, to Acts of Parliament that regulate our English law, and finally tort law, which is the basis for common law. These laws all impact on contracts, insurance and Intellectual Property across the world.

Currency

Finally, world trade works on understanding the manner in which currency is traded and the importance of getting paid. Trading internationally has to be profitable otherwise it is pointless, so find out how to get paid and how to convert your foreign currency in a timely way to make a profit.

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