Foreign trade is a complex operation that involves several factors, with specific legislation, as well as financial and logistical. With this, finding good partnerships in foreign trade can ensure a differential in imports and exports, as well as a competitive advantage.
So, check out the article and understand the benefits that identifying these partners can generate.
Who are the foreign trade players?
To import it is often necessary to understand the various phases inherent in Foreign Trade. In addition, to reduce bureaucracy in so many processes, developing partnerships can be a solution.
In this way, competitors can work together for the same shipment and successfully carry out each operation. Some of these players (actors of the comex) are freight forwarders, customs brokers, trading companies, airlines, shipowners, exchange brokers, suppliers and companies specializing in tax benefits.
However, it is not limited to this. The main issue is to verify that partnerships can be very advantageous for importers, so that the entrepreneur faces fewer difficulties if he wishes to resell the products. See below for the main ones.
Freight Forwarder
The freight forwarder leads the logistics procedure of the import, analyzes all the means to enable the viability of entry, whether by air, sea or land.
In this sense, he is the subject in charge of the movement of goods. Therefore, as an operant in the logistics procedure, your responsibility is related to the manner in which the containers will be transported at the port or airport of destination.
Together, the customs broker and the cargo agent determine the Customs Control and are characterized as agents of foreign trade, either in warehouses or in carriers and perform functions in ports and airports.
Customs Broker
According to Normative Instruction RFB No. 1209, of November 7, 2011, which regulates the profession, before being a customs broker, one must start as an assistant broker, at least for 2 years, with registration with the Federal Revenue Service.
This Instruction also guides how to perform the records and other processes, as well as the technical qualification examination. That is, this examination is indispensable to be a helper and confers your professional skills.
After having passed the test with 70% of correct answers, the candidate will have up to one year to apply for qualification as a dispatcher’s assistant. With this, among its actions will be to make the Export Declaration and the Import Declaration, and operate in the release of cargoes.
In summary, the customs broker is one of the primary actions in the activities, since he will deal with all the bureaucracy of the operations, not to mention the clearance of products. In this context, it works representing the importer and exporter to carry out the processes required at the entry or exit of the container.
Carriers
Carriers are essential in import logistics as they ensure that products arrive in the shortest time and at the lowest cost.
In importation, the company is the customer, since it buys goods from other countries and awaits their arrival through the logistics process.
In this way, it is critical to choose the right carriers, as the integrity of the goods is a crucial factor, especially for perishable goods. How the goods arrive and storage time are key issues in logistics.
If logistics fail, product quality can be impacted, harming competitiveness.
As we know, Brazil is a very broad country, and road transport is one of the main modes, but the logistics integration between roads, ports and airports is a challenge. In this context, having a freight forwarder to investigate the best mode of transport is important to avoid compromising the company.
Trading Company
They are often used in import on account and order and order and is a good option for micro and small businesses, as well as to reduce bureaucracies.
This is because trading operates as an intermediary between those who purchase or order the product, and the supplier, resolving all import procedures, starting from the supplier to the ways allowed to reach the destination country.
Still, depending on the form of importation, the trading company is in charge of the tax burden, for example, the II (Import Tax), IPI (Tax on Industrialized Products), PIS, COFINS and, in the maritime, the AFRMM.
That is, using trading it is possible to reduce bureaucracy in the activities of the importer, eliminating all responsibility for analyzing the documentation and payment of fees and taxes required and delivering to the importer.
As a result, by transferring the main charges to an intermediary, the entrepreneur is able to value his internal management business, focused on customers and other areas that need his attention.
Airline
It is an airline that provides services for passengers and freight transport. In this way, airlines provide aircraft to offer these services and also create partnerships or alliances with other companies for codeshare agreements. Typically, airlines are verified with an air operation certificate or license issued by a state aviation body.
In addition, airlines range in size from small businesses for domestic travel to airlines that offer international flights. Airline services can be classified as intercontinental, domestic, regional or international and can be used as scheduled services or charters.
Finally, other players that we can cite are:
Shipowner – Responsible for the maritime transport of goods.
Foreign Exchange Broker – Intermediates foreign exchange operations between companies and financial institutions, as well as seeks financing options.
Companies that specialize in tax benefits – help other companies lower their tax costs in a legal way.
What is the importance of establishing partnerships in foreign trade?
Establishing partnerships is essential for the success of operations, as it allows you to expand networking, gain access to new markets and consumers, eliminate costs and optimize operations.
A partnership can come in many forms, such as strategic alliances, joint ventures, technical cooperation agreements, and many others. While the modality you choose is important, remember to ensure that the partnership is founded on common values, transparency, and mutual trust.
Among the partnerships that stand out are the suppliers, because this alliance goes beyond ensuring a good import operation and that the supplier is only a seller of raw materials.
In this context, suppliers are not restricted only by the raw material, but also stipulate inventory planning and market analysis.
In addition, when there is a partnership between the supplier and the company that contracts the service, the flow of information becomes more tangible and, in this way, in the event of an error it will soon be noticed.
Is it possible to prospect partnerships in foreign trade without compromising compliance?
It is possible to prospect partnerships in foreign trade without compromising compliance, yes. Provided that the company’s internal rules and procedures and local and international laws are respected.
Therefore, compliance is a primary issue to ensure legal and ethical compliance in operations and avoid financial losses, such as fines, sanctions and damage to the company’s image.
Tips for finding the ideal partner in foreign trade
When it comes to choosing the ideal partner, one wrong option can result in high costs, logistical and reputational damage. Fortunately, there are a few steps to finding a quality partner. But to ensure that you do not fall into a trap, it is necessary to find and develop the best possible partners. Here are 3 tips to ensure you make the right decision:
Understand your company’s strategic objectives
To discover the ideal partner in foreign trade, you need to understand the strategic objectives of your company and map the business opportunities that can be undertaken together. In addition, it is indicated to invest in networking and participate in events, fairs and trade missions to increase the network of contacts and find new companies and markets.
Invest in networking
Networking in foreign trade is necessary to establish relationships based on trust and form lasting partnerships. Through networking, it is possible to meet companies and professionals from different countries and sectors, exchange information, experiences and recognize business opportunities.
Another preponderant factor when choosing a partner is cultural fit, because it is important for companies to share compatible values and cultures, in order to work peacefully and harmoniously. In this regard, it is essential to consider factors such as language, customs, values and business ethics in choosing the ideal partner.
Careful analysis of business opportunities
It is important to identify that every business involves risks and challenges, and it is appropriate to carry out a study of the opportunities and cultivate partnerships preferably with the cultural fit and values similar to that of the company.
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