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Essential Exporting References

Article - 3 Min. Read

Need help exporting your products or having trouble getting started? Use these resources to help guide you through the process.

Airline routes with planes on blue background.

If you have questions or concerns on how to export, chances are there’s a U.S. government agency that can help. Start by exploring the various agency and program websites listed below.

U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration (ITA)

The ITA promotes U.S. trade and investment and helps ensure fair trade by enforcing trade laws and agreements. Learn more

U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Commercial Service (CS)

Part of the International Trade Administration, the U.S. Commercial Service can provide detailed information on government export programs, help you research markets and offer general guidance on the export process. Learn more

U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)

The BIS can help you determine whether you need a license to export your products. BIS administers and enforces the Export Administration Regulations, which govern the export of commercial/dual-use items, less sensitive military items and most commercial satellite and spacecraft items. Learn more

Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM)

The EXIM provides financial support to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) so they can export with confidence—whether entering new markets or increasing sales in existing ones. With EXIM support, SMBs may grant “open account” credit terms to their buyers, protect against nonpayment, provide vital working capital to fulfill orders and offer competitive buyer financing. Learn more

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

This government agency provides free counseling, training and other assistance for small businesses, including special loan programs for companies involved in international trade. Learn more

U.S. Department of State Business Information Database System (BIDS)

Here you can find information on hundreds of opportunities for commerce around the globe. Learn more

U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC)

The DDTC controls the export and temporary import of defense articles and services covered by the United States Munitions List (USML). Learn more

U.S. Department of State Intellectual Property Enforcement (IPE)

This organization advocates for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights around the world. Learn more

U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)

The USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of American goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies. The agency links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project preparation and partnership-building activities that develop sustainable infrastructure and foster economic growth in partner countries. Learn more

Export Solutions

This ITA website compiles valuable information from various government agencies that deal with foreign trade, including the U.S. Commercial Service and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Learn more

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service

The Foreign Agricultural Service helps U.S. exporters develop and maintain markets for food and agriculture products while also working to improve global food security. Learn more

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection helps enable legitimate trade by enforcing laws against counterfeit, unsafe and fraudulently imported goods. Learn more

U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

This agency enforces trade sanctions against terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, targeted foreign countries and others who threaten the national security, foreign policy or economy of the United States. Learn more

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA enforces regulations dealing with imports and exports of FDA-regulated products, such as food, medical products, cosmetics and tobacco products. Learn more

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)

This agency works to improve lives in the developing world, in part by investing in agriculture, health systems and democratic institutions. At the same time, it helps creates markets and trade partners for the United States. Learn more

U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)

As the U.S. government’s development finance institution, DFC offers a variety of financial tools, including direct loans and political risk insurance, to help U.S. businesses invest in new and emerging markets. Its products can help businesses expand internationally while supporting growth at home. Learn more

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