0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

270 ● 201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business
basically visit only the factories that the tour guides arrange to visit. The
problem is this: you are often spending a few thousand dollars for a controlled
itinerary without much flexibility to accomplish what you might
want to (i.e., visiting with your own, previously established contacts).
• Is there a lot of red tape and paperwork involved in doing business
in China? Yes, tons—there are import licenses and permits involved
(importing into China), duties, and taxes, as well as customs issues.
Documentation (shipping documents) must be “perfect” or shipments
can get stuck for a long period of time, missing windows of
opportunity.
• How do you find a company or broker to help you navigate the waters?
You will need a freight forwarder. (Just to clarify: freight forwarders
export and arrange shipments from one country into another. Customs
brokers import shipments from a country that is exporting into the
country that the customs broker is importing products to.)
Tolchin said to locate a reputable freight forwarder to assist you with
arranging your shipments to China, contact the National Customs Brokers
and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. at www.ncbfaa.org. You can
contact Tolchin at EGT@warwick.net. Her web site is www.egtglobaltrading
.com; office number: (845) 651-3107; mobile: (845) 321-2362.
GREAT
IDEA
Meet U.S. Safety Rules for
Products Made Abroad
If you are ready to manufacture a product in China, be
prepared for many challenges, including meeting stringent
U.S. safety standards for consumer products.
In 2008, the Consumer Products Safety Commission supported the
passage of the “Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act.”
The act was drafted in response to scores of unsafe products flooding
the United States. The government was overwhelmed by efforts to recall
products that were dangerous, toxic, or posed a choking hazard to children.
“The number one mistake small business owners make is not getting
their products evaluated for safety issues,” said Edie Tolchin, an expert on