Pricing, Tariffs, Shipping & Licensing
The methods to determine appropriate pricing, tariff rate and
ideal method of shipping for your product(s) are no different
for e-commerce transactions than they are for other transactions.
For convenience, the following subjects link to the appropriate
subjects on Export.gov.
The process of shipping and pricing goods purchased over the
Internet is identical to those purchased via other means except
for products delivered digitally over the Internet (i.e., music,
videos, games, software, etc.), which are downloaded from a web
site.
Find import tariff rates by country for your product(s). Account for tariff
rates when pricing your product.
Research information on shipping, logistics, required documentation
and service providers that can help facilitate getting your products
to port and through foreign customs.
Note that a Shippers Export Declaration is not required for "intangible
exports of software and technology, such as downloaded software
and technical data (i.e., software delivered electronically),
including technology and software that requires an export license
and mass market software exported electronically." This is
true regardless of value.
Most export transactions do not require specific approval from the U.S. Government. The Department of Commerce has jurisdiction over "dual use" exports (commercial items which could have military applications) as well as purely commercial items. Other U.S. government agencies regulate more specialized exports. For example, the U.S. Department of State has authority over defense articles and defense services. Before shipping your product, make sure you have determined the export license requirements for your transaction.