How to Export Used Machinery
Developing nations frequently buy used machinery from Europe and the U.S. Third world nations are purchasing farming equipment, construction vehicles and tools, used factory equipment and transportation vehicles. This sector of international commerce offers multi-dimensional, mutual national growth to both importing and exporting nations.
- Obtain a Duns and Bradstreet number.
- Register on the Central Contractor's Registry (CCR).
- Have all business licenses and corporate documents current and in proper order.
- Register on ORCA.
- Register with an international carrier who delivers into hot zones and conflict nations. Total Transportation Concepts, or look in GSA Library for U.S. registered civilian contracting companies. Look for companies who also deliver U.S. military vehicles.
- Study the FAR for U.S. contracting regulations for the equipment you trade.
- Register with various U.S. Federal agencies who work internationally:
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S Geological Survey
- Register with FEMA and Homeland Security.
- Look for humanitarian organizations listed in FEMA.
- Contact the counselors of the nations you wish to contract. Register as a vendor through the Consulate.
- Obtain a business license with that nation.
- Register with the national Chamber of Commerce.
- Network with the businesses registered with the national chamber.
- Purchase machinery that has been certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
- Clean the equipmen,t removing weeds, dirt and other potential invasive seed, bacteria and soil contaminants that may be present on the blades, tires and other parts.
- Have insurance and bonding in place to cover losses during transportation.
- Verify the necessity of an export license by the Bureau of Industry and Security.
- Verify receiving company and make sure the nation is not blacklisted. Going through the U.S. Government FBO website saves footwork due to their screening process. Nations often submit purchasing requests through the Federal Business Opportunities portal.
- Contact your forwarding logistics company concerning the pending shipment.
- Do not ship until you have received payment from the importing company.
- Prepare bill of lading and all necessary documents.
- Send an employee to the dock to verify proper loading and delivery of the equipment.
- Have a contingency plan in place in the event the equipment is not picked up within the dock's time frame.
- Follow all importing procedures by the receiving nation.