Expanding your business globally? Choosing the right party to act as an Exporter of Record (EOR) is essential for staying compliant with international regulations and ensuring smooth global trade. Whether it’s a manufacturer, freight forwarder, or purchasing agent, selecting the right EOR can effectively manage complex logistics and regulatory requirements.
In this article, we’ll discuss who can be the Exporter of Record for your business and how to choose the best partner to streamline your international shipping process. Let’s evaluate the key considerations for a seamless and compliant global trade experience.
Who Can Act as an Exporter of Record?
The Exporter of Record plays a crucial role in the international shipping process and is responsible for ensuring that all export regulations are met. Various parties can take on this responsibility, depending on the nature of the goods and the specific logistics involved. Here’s a breakdown of who should be listed as exporter of record:
Manufacturers or Sellers
Manufacturers or sellers are typically the primary parties that can act as an Exporter of Record. Since they are the ones who create or sell the goods, they possess extensive knowledge of the products and their specifications. This expertise makes them ideal candidates to handle export responsibilities, including ensuring compliance with export regulations, managing paperwork, and overseeing the shipping process.
Freight Forwarders or Logistics Providers
Freight forwarders or logistics providers are companies that specialize in managing the transportation of goods. While they primarily focus on logistics, they can act as the exporter of record if they enter into a formal agreement with the manufacturer or seller. This agreement should clearly define the roles and responsibilities, ensuring that the logistics provider assumes full responsibility for export compliance, documentation, and other export-related tasks.
Buying Agents or Purchasing Companies
Buying agents or purchasing companies often act as intermediaries in the export process. They may assume the Exporter of Record role if they are already deeply involved in handling the export paperwork, product coordination, and supplier communication. In this case, their responsibility would include managing the export process on behalf of the buyer and ensuring that all regulatory and logistical requirements are met. Who can be an Exporter of Record depends on the specific responsibilities and compliance requirements of the export, and while intermediaries like buying agents can take on this role, they must have the necessary authority and capacity to meet all legal obligations.
Related Parties or Subsidiaries
In larger organizations or corporate groups, one branch or subsidiary may act as the Exporter of Record for the entire company. This is common when goods are being shipped from multiple locations or when a corporate structure is centralized around a single entity. The subsidiary or related party handling exports must manage the regulatory compliance, documentation, and logistics for goods coming from different parts of the company.
A Third-Party EOR Service Provider
The owner of the goods can designate a third party to act as an Exporter of Record for a more streamlined and low-risk experience. By outsourcing the EOR role to a specialized service provider, businesses can ensure compliance with all relevant export laws and regulations without having to handle the complexities in-house. This is particularly beneficial for companies looking to minimize risks and focus on their core operations.
When to Choose Each Exporter of Record Party?
The decision of who should be listed as an Exporter of Record depends on your business needs and the specific logistics involved in the export process. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine which party is best suited for the role:
| Party | When to Choose |
| Manufacturers or Sellers | Choose when they control the production or sale of goods and have the necessary knowledge to manage export compliance and documentation. |
| Freight Forwarders or Logistics Providers | Choose when you need expertise in managing logistics and export processes, especially if you lack internal capabilities for compliance or documentation. |
| Buying Agents or Purchasing Companies | Choose when they are already managing procurement, export logistics, and necessary documentation on your behalf. |
| Related Parties or Subsidiaries | Choose when operating within a larger corporate structure where one division manages exports for multiple branches, centralizing compliance and coordination. |
Why Choose IOR Africa as an Exporter of Record Partner?
Expanding globally requires more than just moving goods; it’s about seizing opportunities while staying compliant. With IOR Africa as your Exporter of Record partner, you’ll easily navigate international regulations, ensuring smooth, hassle-free global trade. Ready to take your business to the next level? Fill out the form now to connect with our EOR experts, who will guide you through the complexities of international trade and help ensure your business thrives globally.
Read more related blogs:
- Discover the complete guide to Exporter of Record and when EOR services are required.
- Learn the differences between the Exporter of Record and a freight forwarder.
- Understand the different roles and responsibilities of the Exporter of Record, shipper, and consignor.