Export Guide FAQs
Use FAQs to get answers of your most frequently asked questions.
Environment and Motivation for Exporting
Exporting allows businesses to expand their market reach, increase revenue, and gain a competitive edge. Companies may seek international markets for growth opportunities, to diversify risks, or to take advantage of trade agreements that facilitate access to new markets.
Before starting an export venture, it's essential to consider trends in the market, customer demands, and the competitive landscape. Researching market dynamics, including who currently supplies the demand and the size of the market, is crucial. Additionally, understanding the target segment, such as potential buyers and their characteristics, is vital for effective market entry.
Internal factors such as your company's administrative, financial, and legal status, as well as market experience, should be evaluated. It's important to assess the potential of your product or service and identify your company’s strengths and weaknesses. Knowing how your product performs in both national and international markets, along with identifying direct competitors, will help in planning your export strategy.
Motivations can be:
Proactive: Seeking business growth, technological advancement, and international opportunities.
Reactive: Responding to domestic market saturation, excess production, or competitive pressures.
Export barriers can be classified into four categories:
Knowledge barriers: Lack of market intelligence or information on opportunities.
Resource barriers: Limited production capacity or financial constraints.
Procedural barriers: Bureaucratic challenges, cultural differences, or language barriers.
Exogenous barriers: Exchange rate fluctuations and political instability.
Suriname benefits from several multilateral and bilateral trade agreements that facilitate access to other markets. Agreements like CARICOM, CARIFORUM, and various free trade agreements with countries such as Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, and the European Union offer reduced tariffs or even tariff-free access to certain markets. These agreements create a competitive edge for exporters.
The MFN principle ensures that any trade advantage given to one country must be extended to all World Trade Organisation (WTO) members. This means if a country lowers tariffs for one partner, it must do so for all WTO members. It’s a crucial rule in international trade that maintains fairness and non-discrimination.
The GATS, established by the WTO, sets rules for international trade in services, aiming for transparency and non-discrimination. It covers four modes of supply: cross-border supply, consumption abroad, commercial presence, and the presence of natural persons. For Surinamese exporters, GATS helps ensure that foreign service providers are treated equally to domestic competitors.
Surinamese exporters can benefit from various multilateral and bilateral agreements, such as the WTO Treaty, CARICOM agreements, and agreements with countries like Brazil and the UK. These agreements often provide tariff reductions or exemptions, giving exporters access to more competitive conditions in international markets.
Suriname is a party to several multilateral trade agreements, including:
WTO Treaty: A global agreement that sets the rules for international trade, ensuring that trade flows smoothly and predictably.
CARICOM-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement: This agreement promotes free trade between CARICOM members and Costa Rica.
Free Trade Agreement between CARICOM and the Dominican Republic: Facilitates trade and reduces tariffs between CARICOM countries and the Dominican Republic.
Second Protocol to the Trade and Economic Agreement between CARICOM and Cuba: Expands trade and economic relations between CARICOM and Cuba.
CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement: A trade agreement between CARIFORUM countries and the European Union that promotes economic cooperation and market access.
Economic Partnership Agreement between CARIFORUM and the United Kingdom: Ensures continued preferential trade between CARIFORUM countries and the UK post-Brexit.
Suriname also benefits from several bilateral agreements, which include:
Agreement with Brazil on Tariff Concessions for Trade in Rice: A deal that allows tariff reductions on rice trade between Suriname and Brazil.
rade Agreement between Suriname and Indonesia: Promotes trade between the two nations, opening opportunities for Surinamese products in Indonesia.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Suriname-Antigua and India:
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Suriname-Antigua and Barbuda: A framework for enhancing trade and cooperation between Suriname and Antigua and Barbuda.
MoU Suriname-Barbados: Strengthens bilateral trade relations between Suriname and Barbados.
MoU between Suriname and Dominica: Facilitates trade and cooperation between Suriname and Dominica.
MoU between Suriname and Ghana (Tourism and Mining): Promotes collaboration in sectors like tourism and mining between Suriname and Ghana.
In addition, Suriname has a number of multilateral and bilateral agreements that facilitate trade with other markets. However, not all of these agreements grant reduced or zero tariffs. Exporters should verify the specific benefits and conditions of each agreement before engaging in trade activities.
To take advantage of preferential trade agreements, you must prove the origin of your product through official documents, such as the Certificate of Origin. This document, issued by the relevant authority in Suriname, verifies where the product has been produced, processed, or manufactured and is necessary for customs clearance in the destination country.
Strategic Planning for Export
Strategic planning ensures that a company carefully evaluates market opportunities, risks, and resource allocation before entering international markets. It helps businesses optimise their chances of success and mitigate potential risks.
An internationalisation roadmap should contain at least:
- Exportable supply
- Market analysis
- Internationalisation objectives
- Action plan
- Required resources and budget
- Deadlines (schedule)
- Monitoring and control mechanisms
The primary methods for entering international markets include:
Indirect Export: Using intermediaries like importers or distributors.
Direct Export: Selling directly to foreign customers.
Partnership Agreements: Collaborations such as licences, franchises, joint ventures, or consortiums.
Local Presence: Establishing physical offices, branches, or subsidiaries in the target market.
Companies should assess:
Market Potential: Economic growth, purchasing power per capita, volume and evolution of imports, and
Accessibility and Risk: Tariff barriers, SPS and technical regulations, political and business risks, ease of doing business, transparency, and corruption levels.
By analysing:
- GDP growth trends and future forecasts
- Purchasing power parity per capita
- Volume and trends of imports in the target market
- Exports from similar countries
By analysing:
- Tariff barriers.
- Non-tariff barriers.
- Political and commercial risk.
- Ease of doing business.
- Transparency and corruption.
Understanding import trends involves reviewing statistics on trade volumes for relevant products. Also, reviewing exports from countries with similar profiles can reveal potential opportunities. If similar nations are exporting successfully to a target market, it may indicate strong demand for your product.
Useful sources:
Tariff barriers are taxes imposed on imported goods, increasing their final price and potentially reducing their competitiveness against local products. Tariffs exceeding 5% for industrial products and 10% for consumer products can be significant obstacles.
Useful sources include:
- Market Access Map: ITC (International Trade Centre) search engine
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule: U.S. Government Tariff and Tariff Finder
- ROSA (Rules of Origin Self-Assessment): Rules of Origin Self-Assessment Tool for Introducing Products into Europe
- WTO's Integrated Data Base (IDB) and Consolidated Tariff Schedules (CTS) database on-line
In addition to tariff barriers, there are others to the import of products. These are mainly quantitative restrictions, which establish a limit to the amount of product that a country can import (quotas, licenses), as well as the so-called technical barriers, which have to do with the certification and homologation processes of national agencies. Useful sources include:
- Global Trade Alert: allows search by types of barriers and countries.
- Market Access Map: ITC (International Trade Centre) search engine
- ROSA (Rules of Origin Self-Assessment): Rules of Origin Self-Assessment Tool for Introducing Products into Europe
- TRAINS Portal: UNCTAD https://trainsonline.unctad.org/homedata on trade regulations and Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs).
Businesses can use sources like
The World Bank’s Doing Business Report ranks countries based on factors such as:
- Business regulations and legal frameworks
- Start-up and operational costs
- Infrastructure and commercial environment
Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index ranks countries based on perceived corruption levels in business and governance, providing insight into the ethical environment of potential markets.
The Marketing Mix refers to the combination of four key elements: Product, Price, Place (Distribution), and Promotion. It is essential for adapting a company's strategy to different international markets by ensuring that the product meets local consumer needs, pricing remains competitive, distribution channels are effective, and promotional activities align with cultural and consumer behaviours.
Selecting the right product involves evaluating its profitability potential and the level of adaptation required for the target market. Companies should consider:
- The demand and preferences in the new market.
- The product’s unique strengths.
- The need for adaptation in branding, design, and features.
- The essential characteristics that must remain unchanged.
- The most effective way to develop and market the product internationally.
A product can be analysed at three levels:
- Essential Product: The core benefit it provides (e.g., a mobile phone allows communication).
- Real Product: Its tangible attributes such as quality, design, and brand.
- Augmented Product: Additional services like warranties and after-sales support that enhance customer satisfaction.
When entering new markets, companies should evaluate:
- Branding: Whether to use their own brand or a private label, ensuring alignment with corporate identity.
- Packaging: The material and design must be functional and attractive to consumers.
- Packing: Must ensure product safety during transport and meet international shipping requirements.
- Labelling: Must comply with local regulations and provide clear product information to consumers.
Companies can adopt different pricing strategies, such as:
- Low-priced market entry: Setting a lower price to gain market share quickly.
- Competitive pricing: Aligning prices with market competitors to maintain a stable position.
- Premium pricing: Setting high prices for products with a strong competitive advantage.
Pricing policies should consider:
- Payment methods and negotiation terms.
- Contract terms based on Incoterms.
- Market and competitor pricing.
- Cost structures including production, logistics, and import duties.
- Ability to meet demand while maintaining quality and profitability.
Companies can choose from three distribution strategies:
- Intensive distribution: Aiming for maximum market coverage.
- Selective distribution: Working with a limited number of specialised distributors.
- Exclusive distribution: Partnering with a single or a few high-profile distributors under exclusivity agreements
Companies must analyse:
- The target market’s purchasing behaviour.
- The role of wholesalers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms.
- The geographical scope of distribution (local, regional, or global).
- The length and width of the distribution chain (number of intermediaries and levels in the supply chain).
A well-rounded promotion strategy includes:
- Direct Activities: Trade fairs, business meetings, and sales missions.
- Advertising: Press releases, sponsorships, and media campaigns.
- Digital Presence: Social media marketing, email campaigns, and e-commerce platforms.
- Public Relations: Building relationships with stakeholders to enhance brand credibility.
International trade risks include:
- Country Risk: Political, economic, and regulatory changes affecting business operations.
- Financial Risk: Exchange rate fluctuations, non-payment by buyers, and liquidity challenges.
- Cultural Risk: Misunderstandings due to differences in language, customs, and negotiation styles.
Companies can safeguard against risks through:
- Trade finance instruments (e.g., Letters of Credit).
- Export credit insurance.
- Currency hedging strategies.
- Market and supplier diversification.
- Due diligence on trade partners.
- Well-structured contracts with dispute resolution clauses.
- Supply chain financing to maintain cash flow stability.
By implementing these measures, businesses can enhance their success in international markets and reduce exposure to uncertainties.
First steps to export from Suriname
To begin exporting from Suriname, businesses must:
- Identify the product or service to be exported.
- Classify the product under the Harmonized Tariff System.
- Seek technical support from specialized professionals.
- Register with relevant authorities.
Each product must be classified under the international Harmonized Tariff System (HTS). The tariff classification helps determine applicable taxes and market access conditions.
To export from Suriname, you must:
- Register with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Suriname.
- Register with the Suriname Tax Authority (Belastingdienst Tax Office).
- Complete the registration process for the Suriname Customs Single Document under the Automated Customs System (ASYCUDA).
The steps are as follows:
- Visit the Chamber of Commerce office in Paramaribo.
- Submit a request form.
- Pay the required fee.
- Collect the commercial register extract.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation (EZOTI) offers guidelines on company formation and formalisation.
The steps are as follows:
- Completing the Suriname Customs Single Document.
- Submitting the declaration along with supporting documents.
- Verification and registration within ASYCUDA.
- Payment of applicable duties and receiving a receipt.
- Presentation of the correct receipt to release goods for export.
ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data) is a system used for processing customs declarations and calculating duties. Exporters must register for ASYCUDA before making their first export.
- What documents are required for the customs declaration?
You need the completed Suriname Customs Single Document, invoice, consignment note, and any necessary permits. - Is it necessary to use a customs broker?
While not mandatory, many exporters hire a customs broker to facilitate the process. - What is the Certificate of Origin and why is it important?
The Certificate of Origin verifies where the goods were produced. It is crucial for benefiting from trade agreements and preferential tariff rates.
Yes, exporters can benefit from:
- Suriname Electronic Single Window (SESW): Digital processing of export documentation.
- Suriname Standards Bureau: Certification and technical requirements.
The Suriname Standards Bureau oversees the development and implementation of standards and technical regulations for the certification of goods and processes, as well as the accreditation of laboratories and testing facilities. Certain goods must also meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements.
A licence is required to export the following restricted goods:
- Firearms, explosives, and ammunition
- Medicinal plants
- Narcotics, psychotropic substances, pharmaceutical products for humans, and sera
- Endangered wild animal species listed in Appendix I of CITES, including their eggs and by-products
- Eggs, skins, hides, and other products of endangered species
- Processed and unprocessed wood, logs
- Plants and animals with potential pharmaceutical, aromatic, dyeing, or flavouring applications
Export licences or permits can be obtained from the Import, Export and Exchange Control Service (IUD) under the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation (EZOTI).
The export of fish and meat products is regulated by several legal instruments, including the Act on the Movement of Goods, the Fish Inspection Act, and the Inspection of Meat and Other Animal Products Act 2017.
Key requirements include:
- Processing in an approved facility
- Certification of fitness for human consumption by the Fish Inspection Institute
- Identification marks on packaging and documents
- Compliance with the import requirements of the destination country
- Transport in sealed containers
- Maintenance of an export register with details of shipments
Non-compliance with these regulations may result in imprisonment for up to six years or fines up to 12,000,000 guilders.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries oversees agri-food exports. Exporters must:
- Have an inspection location
- Submit a producer list for product traceability
- Employ a quality manager
Additionally, each shipment requires a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Plant Protection and Quality Inspections Department. If quarantine pests are detected, the shipment will be rejected.
To export roundwood, roughly processed wood, and sawn timber, a company must:
- Register with the Ministry of Trade and Industry
- Register with KKF (Chamber of Commerce)
- Obtain an export number and tax identification number (for roundwood)
- Secure an export permit following an inspection
The inspection process ensures quality control and determines the minimum Free on Board (FOB) value. Applications must be submitted at least one week before shipment, and two weeks in advance for roundwood.
Exporting services involves selling services to an international client and receiving payment in foreign currency. Unlike goods, services do not have specific licensing requirements; however, intellectual property (IP) protection is critical. Businesses are encouraged to register copyrights, trademarks, and patents to safeguard their creative works and proprietary knowledge.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation provides guidance on intellectual property rights and compliance with international treaties.
- Gold Export: Requires online invoice submission, proof of deposit of export duties (15% of customs value), approval by the Foreign Exchange Commission, and a processed G-export form.
- Export of Natural Stones and Minerals: Requires an invoice stamped by the Ministry of Natural Resources, along with a packing list.
- Import/Export of Chemicals: Requires an invoice, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), a no-objection letter from NIMOS, and a Bill of Lading if importing
- Import/Export of Radioactive Materials: Requires an MSDS, storage letter, and a no-objection letter from NIMOS.
The supply chain and logistics in international trade
International logistics is the process of managing the transportation, storage, and distribution of goods across different countries. It is crucial for global trade as it ensures efficient movement of goods while optimising technical, financial, and human resources.
- Production Logistics: Manages raw materials to final products.
- Storage Logistics : Handles storage and inventory management.
- Distribution Logistics : Ensures timely transport and delivery.
- Reverse Logistics : Manages returns, recycling, and disposal.
- Procurement Logistics : Ensures a steady supply of materials.
The international logistics process includes:
- Identifying customer needs.
- Proper storage and inventory management.
- Labelling, packaging, and packaging compliance.
- Choosing the most efficient transport mode.
- Optimizing redistribution points.
- Preparing customs and tax documentation.
- Implementing tracking systems.
- Coordinating all supply chain actors.
- Maritime Transport: Cost-effective for large shipments but slower.
- Road Transport : Flexible but limited in capacity.
- Air Transport: : Fast but expensive, ideal for perishable or high-value goods.
- Intermodal & Multimodal Transport : Combines multiple transport modes for efficiency.
- Intermodal Transport: Uses different transport modes (e.g., sea and land) but keeps the same cargo unit throughout.
- Multimodal Transport: Involves various transport modes and cargo units (e.g., containers and pallets), with a single carrier managing the entire process.
A transport contract is a legal agreement between the shipper and the carrier, outlining responsibilities, costs, and risks associated with transporting goods. It ensures legal certainty, optimizes costs, and minimizes risks.
Goods are typically packed using standardized cargo units such as:
- Pallets: Facilitate handling and transportation.
- Containers: Offer secure, stackable solutions in various sizes (20', 40', 45').
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define responsibilities, costs, and risks between buyers and sellers in international trade. They help clarify delivery terms, transportation obligations, and cost distribution.
Incoterms are grouped into four categories:
- Group E (EXW): Seller provides goods at origin; buyer handles all costs and risks.
- Group F (FCA, FAS, FOB): Seller delivers goods to a transport point; buyer arranges main transport.
- Group C (CFR, CIF, CPT, CIP): Seller pays for transport; risk transfers at a certain point.
- Group D (DAP, DPU, DDP): Seller assumes responsibility until the goods reach the final destination.
The best transport mode depends on:
- Capacity: Maritime and rail for bulk shipments; air for limited cargo.
- Maritime and rail are cost-effective; air is expensive.
- Safety: Rail and maritime offer stability; road transport has higher risk.
- Speed: Air transport is fastest; maritime and rail are slower.
The choice depends on factors like cost, speed, load capacity, and safety. For example:
- Low-cost, large shipments: Maritime transport
- Fast delivery, perishable goods: Air transport
- Flexible delivery: Road transport
- Bulk goods over long distances: Rail transport
Standard Documentation and Procedures in International Trade
Exporting products typically requires the following documents:
- Commercial documents: Invoices (provisional proforma and commercial invoice) and packing list.
- Customs declarations: Submitted by the exporter or a customs representative.
- Transport documents: Bill of lading (maritime and air), road waybill (CMR), railway waybill (CIM), and FIATA multimodal bill of lading.
- Certificates of origin: Issued by the Chamber of Commerce or an authorised entity.
- Technical documents: Export licences, quality certifications, product approvals, and sanitary or phytosanitary permits (if required).
- Transport insurance: Not always mandatory but recommended.
A provisional proforma invoice is used in the following cases:
- When sending samples with no commercial value.
- When the buyer applies for an import licence.
- For the opening of a documentary credit.
A commercial invoice is the most important trade document. It:
- Is issued once the commercial operation is confirmed.
- Serves as an accounting document.
- Forms the basis for customs duties application.
A packing list:
- Describes the goods being shipped.
- Serves as a basis for inspection and recognition of goods.
- Is related to the commercial invoice.
A certificate of origin:
- Confirms the place of origin of the goods.
- Determines tariff or commercial treatment upon entry into a customs territory.
- Is issued by the Chamber of Commerce or another authorised entity.
Documentation for Exporting Services
The key documents for exporting services include:
- Invoices (provisional proforma and commercial invoice).
- Service provision contract (if applicable).
Requirements and Key Aspects for Exporting to Priority Markets
- Customs Procedures: Familiarise yourself with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) policies.
- Licences: CBP does not require an import licence, but other agencies may.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Requirements: Compliance with APHIS (USDA), FSIS (USDA), and FDA regulations is necessary.
- FDA Registration: Required for companies exporting food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.
- Trade Facilitation Measures: CBP enforces trade laws to ensure compliance and prevent fraudulent goods.
- Import Trade Regime: Certain agricultural products require import certificates.
- Food and Feed Safety: Compliance with Regulation (EC) 178/2002.
- Animal and Plant Health: Products of animal and plant origin must meet EU health and safety standards.
- Marketing Standards: Agricultural and fishery products must comply with EU marketing regulations.
- General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR): Applicable to consumer products from 13 December 2024.
- Common External Tariff (CET): Understanding tariff rates is essential.
- Certificate of Origin: Required for preferential tariff treatment.
- Import Licensing: Some products require special import licences.
- Technical Standards: Compliance with quality and safety regulations of the destination country.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures: Products must meet health and safety regulations.
For more information, it is recommended to consult official sources and regulatory bodies in the respective markets.
