Foreign trade refers to the exchange of goods and services between countries. It involves import (entry of goods and services into a country) and export (exit of goods and services from a country).

Some basic documents in foreign trade include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (for sea transport), air waybill (for air transport) and customs declaration.

The commercial invoice is a detailed document that lists the goods or services sold, the total transaction amount, payment terms, and other information related to the import or export.< /span>

Incoterms are internationally standardized terms that define the responsibilities and obligations of the buyer and seller in relation to the delivery of goods. They establish clear rules about who is responsible for costs and risks during transport.

A customs regime is a set of rules and procedures applicable to goods entering or leaving a country. Examples of customs regimes include import for consumption, final export, bonded warehouse and temporary admission.

Major trade barriers include tariffs (import taxes), quotas (quantitative limitations on imports), technical barriers (quality and safety requirements), phytosanitary barriers (related requirements agricultural products) and non-tariff trade barriers (subsidies, dumping, etc.).

A free zone is a delimited geographic area in a country where special incentives are offered to promote foreign trade. Generally, free zones offer benefits such as exemption or reduction of taxes, customs facilities and more flexible regulations.

Import costs include the value of the goods, import taxes, international freight, insurance, customs clearance expenses, among others. It is necessary to consider all these elements to calculate the total import costs.

A letter of credit is a payment instrument used in international trade, in which the issuing bank guarantees payment to the seller, provided certain documentary conditions are met. It is a way to minimize payment risk for both parties.

A freight forwarder is a specialized company that acts as an intermediary in the international transport process. They take care of the planning, coordination and execution of the transport, including contracting transport, documentation and related logistics.