United Exports
Export Knowledge Center
Practical, plain-English guidance for American businesses selling internationally — how exporting actually works, which documents a shipment involves, which logistics partners do what, and how to publish your business so global buyers can find it.
Start here
New to Exporting? You're in the right place.
United Exports was built for small businesses, first-time exporters and companies that have never shipped outside the United States. You do not need prior export experience, a trade department or a customs background to begin. Start by reading, and register only when it makes sense for your business.
No experience required · About 5–10 minutes to read · Free, no account needed
- Step 1
Learn the basics
Exporting Made Simple explains the whole process in plain English — products, classification, shipping, markets, documents, trade terms and payment.
Open Exporting Made Simple → - Step 2
See what documents you'll need
The Export Documents Library shows the paperwork a shipment involves, what each document is for, and reference templates you can review.
Browse the Documents Library → - Step 3
Register when you're ready
Exporter onboarding publishes your company profile, products and services so international buyers can find your business.
Start Exporter Onboarding →
Ways to use the Knowledge Center
Learn how exporting works and find the organizations that support American exporters.
Core resources
Practical resources covering how exporting works, the paperwork involved, the partners you will need, the government trade professionals available to you, and how to publish your business on the platform.
Exporting Made Simple
For first-time and hesitant exporters
A step-by-step walkthrough of the export process: identifying your product, classification, logistics, choosing markets, customs, documents, trade terms and getting paid.
Open →Export Documents Library
For exporters preparing a shipment
What each export document is for, when it is needed, and reference templates including the commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
Open →Logistics Resource Directory
For exporters arranging transport
The categories of logistics partners exporters work with — freight forwarders, carriers and customs support — so you know who handles which part of a shipment.
Open →Trade Professionals & Government Resources
For exporters who want expert help
U.S. Commercial Service / International Trade Administration offices in every state and territory, plus U.S. embassies and consulates abroad — the same authoritative contact information used on the platform home.
Open →Exporter Onboarding
For businesses ready to be found
Register your U.S. business, publish your company profile and list your products and services so international buyers can discover you.
Open →Explore Export Topics
Clear, practical answers to the questions American businesses ask before, during, and after an export.
How to Export from the United States
The full process end to end, from your first international inquiry through shipment and payment.
Read the guideWhat Is an HS Code?
How product classification works, how codes are structured, and how to confirm the right one.
Read the guideExport Documents Explained
The purpose of each document in a shipment, and who produces it.
Read the guideDo I Need an Export License?
What triggers a U.S. export licensing requirement, and how to check your situation.
Read the guideWhat Does a Freight Forwarder Do?
What forwarders handle, how they differ from carriers and brokers, and how to pick one.
Read the guideFOB, CIF & Other Export Terms
What each trade term means for cost, risk and who arranges the shipping.
Read the guideHow to Find International Buyers
Where export demand comes from, and how to make your business easy for buyers to find.
Read the guideHow to Choose Export Markets
A practical method for researching demand and picking your first one or two target markets.
Read the guideExport Pricing & Quotations
How to build an export price and write a quotation a buyer can actually accept.
Read the guideGetting Paid for Exports
The main payment methods, what each one actually guarantees, and how to manage currency and credit risk.
Read the guideShipping Goods Internationally
Modes, packaging, insurance and the practical decisions that determine cost and risk in transit.
Read the guideTrade Agreements & Duty Savings
How agreements change the duty your buyer pays, and how to check whether your product qualifies.
Read the guideCommon questions from first-time exporters
Short, plain-English answers, with links to the resource that covers each topic in depth.
Explore the marketplace
The Knowledge Center explains the process. The platform is where U.S. exporters and international buyers actually find each other.
Ready to register?
Exporter membership is $39.99 USD per month, or $399 USD per year (Best Value) — cancel anytime, with no transaction fees. Everything in the Knowledge Center stays free to read.
Global disclaimer
United Exports provides educational and informational resources. United Exports does not act as a freight forwarder, customs broker, legal advisor, or financial institution.
Users are responsible for verifying all regulatory and commercial requirements. We recommend consulting with a licensed customs broker or trade compliance specialist before your first shipment.
All generated HS codes are labeled as "Suggested." All pricing is labeled as "Estimated." All external providers are labeled "Reference Only."