The Metro Atlanta Chamber has introduced a new service that helps companies process export paperwork electronically.
Customs authorities overseas require certificates of origin to determine the appropriate tariffs to charge on imported products. In the U.S., chambers of commerce are authorized to certify the documents, which verify in which country a product was made.
The chamber is using an online software program called eCert, created by an Australian company called eCertify to help chambers efficiently process export documents.
Exporters and freight forwarders can log in and use the system to create documents, or they can simply upload documents created in an outside word-processing program. The chamber approves the documents and emails them back for the exporter to print and insert in the shipment, according to the eCertify website.
The service cuts out courier charges and reduces processing time, said Ric Hubler, the chamber's director for global business growth.
"The system will translate into speed-to-market and cost savings for our companies and help them to be more competitive in global business," Mr. Hubler said.
The Atlanta chamber used to certify certificates of origin manually but stopped a few years ago because of liability issues.
Mr. Hubler has seen increased demand for the service in the past year.
Non-members can use the new service, but chamber members receive a discount.
Processing export documents is one of many ways the chamber aims to help small and medium-sized companies get involved in global business. The chamber hopes to soon launch a series of new programs with Georgia State University's Center for International Business Education and Research.
Visit http://www.metroatlantachamber.com/content/IntPage.aspx?Id=334&SId=9 for more information or to sign up.
