MCCCD Program Description

Basics of Import/Export Operations

Course: IBS108

First Term: 1997 Fall

Lecture 2 Credit(s) 2 Period(s) 2 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: An overview of the steps involved in importing and exporting a product or service from beginning to end. Course includes an introduction to the United States Customs Service, what customs brokers do, duty rate structure and determination, basic laws affecting imports, currency exchange and letters of credit. Practical advice about storage and transportation of shipments after they have cleared customs. Other topics will include marketing, organization, regulations, terms of sale, documentation, shipment and financing involved with international enterprises, sovereignty, technology transfer, arbitration, negotiation, and diplomacy

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. List reasons for exporting and of importing, evaluate pros and cons, describe obstacles, and list organizational requirements to export. (I) 2. Name and use the available sources of private and public export advice and assistance. (II) 3. State the various methods of exporting (direct through own sales force or indirect through export management companies) and be able to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each. (II) 4. Research international markets and use research data in international marketing decision making. (II) 5. Identify the various channels of distribution (agents, distributors, foreign retailers) and know how to evaluate overseas representatives. (III) 6. Describe how to prepare and adapt a product/service for export (product redesign, labeling, packaging, warranties, after sales service). (III) 7. Describe how to locate and contact buyers in foreign markets. (III) 8. Evaluate the cultural and language requirements of the foreign customer and their impact on the exporter`s operations. (III) 9. Respond to inquiries, prepare quotations and set the terms of sale. The student will have a basic knowledge of foreign exchange and be able to describe the various methods of payment including the letter of credit. (IV) 10. Describe and evaluate the services of freight forwarders. (IV) 11. Locate current export regulations and describe how to comply with export licensing requirements including application procedures. (IV) 12. Describe the various export financing alternatives that are available, including state and local, federal and commercial banking programs. (IV) 13. Understand the terminology of trade and necessary documentation required to export a product. (IV) 14. List specific steps to ship an export order and describe the roles of forwarding organizations. (IV) 15. Identify important strategies in planning the importing business. (V) 16. Analyze product ideas and evaluate foreign suppliers. (VI) 17. Describe and evaluate various channels of distribution. (VI) 18. Describe how to modify products for the U.S. Market. (VI) 19. Explain the methodology for locating and contacting sellers in foreign markets. (VI) 20. Perform the steps necessary to connect to the internet and acquire data about import/export rules in foreign marketing. (VI) 21. Identify the various terms of payment and the advantages and disadvantages of each. (VII) 22. Identify the various modes of transportation and the advantages and disadvantages of each. (VII) 23. Define risks involved with transportation and evaluate insurance options. (VII) 24. Describe and evaluate the services performed by freight forwarders and customs brokers. (VII) 25. Identify appropriate documentation for various import strategies. (VII) 26. Describe the functions of customs and other regulatory agencies. (VIII) 27. Choose the available sources of public and private import assistance. (VIII) 28. Analyze the future trends developing in the import arena. (IX) 29. Identify current issues that impact importing opportunities. (IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Exporting A. Reason for exporting B. Assessing export potential C. Identifying export markets II. Export Assistance A. Public sources of information and assistance B. Private sources of information and assistance III. Market Intelligence A. Methods of market research B. Sources of market research 1. U.S. Department of Commerce 2. Arizona Department of Commerce 3. Small Business Development Center 4. Library Resources C. Overseas distribution channels D. Inquiries, quotations, proforma invoices, terms of sale E. Pricing F. Market demand and competition, product export modifications G. Locating and contacting foreign buyers H. Methods of doing business overseas IV. Export Regulations and Licensing A. Export regulations B. Tax benefits for exporters C. Foreign sales corporations D. Licensing E. Shipper`s export declaration V Planning the Import Business A. Evaluating the planning process B. Self-evaluation of management ability C. Starting the importing business D. Setting up the business VI Terms, Markets, and Products A. Product and supplier selection B. Choosing target markets and finding customers C. Understanding payment information and terms D. Internet sources of information VII Customs, Shipping and Transportation A. Shipping and transportation B. Freight forwarders and customs brokers C. Documents 1. Commercial 2. Banking 3. Transportation 4. Government VIII. Governmental Assistance and Regulations A. U.S. Customs B. Other regulatory agencies C. Sources of assistance IX. Challenges Faced by Importers A. Import quotas B. Policy considerations C. Regulatory environment D. Duties

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 10/22/1996

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.