Which Export Documentation Software is Ideal to Obtain Export Permits?

For those exporters who export goods in the categories like grains, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and more, an important part of export documentation is to obtain export permits. In addition, they must obtain phytosanitary certificates (for plants and plants-based goods) and health certificates (for animals and animals-based goods) to meet the importing country requirements. For this, they must raise a request for permit with the Department of Agriculture.

Undoubtedly, many exporters have recognized the benefits of doing it electronically. What they need to accomplish it is an export documentation software solution to communicate with the Department of Agriculture’s EXDOC system. So, here are some tips to choose the best software that makes these tasks simpler and fruitful.

Commodities Covered

To begin with, consider a solution which covers various commodities your export business deals in. For example, if you export fruits and vegetables as well as milk-based products, choose a software helpful in obtaining permit for horticulture and dairy products. Also, keep in mind your future endeavours. If you plan to export meat-based products in a few months from now, make sure the software has the scope to cater to these requirements.

Cloud Solution

Clearly, the cloud-based software solutions are the need of the hour. Firstly, they reduce the costs and efforts to install, upgrade and maintain a desktop-based solution. Secondly, they allow remote documentation which saves a lot of time and allows great convenience. Finally, they make communication faster with not just the Department of Agriculture, but also with other parties down the supply chain.

Complete Security

Not only the performance, but also the security of business software tools is important to consider. If you plan to authorize multiple users for documentation, make sure the software you choose allows it in a safe and secure manner. Going further, it should ensure complete protection to your messages, reports and status tracking so that there is no room for compromised privacy and business losses.

Allows Multitasking

It should be noted that as an exporter, you need to obtain a number of documents and certificates and not just export permits. For this reason, it is recommended to invest in a software tool which allows complete documentation activities. For instance, the software must leverage the advantage of Single Electronic Window to obtain export permit as well as export documentation number (EDN) in one go. Also, it should be useful in preparing other important export documents like certificates of origin, invoices, packing lists and more. You may also look for features like communication with stevedores, freight forwarders, warehouses and more to make your export tasks smoother.

Customized for Your Business

Many exporters are not ready to use the complex software tools for the tasks as serious as obtaining export permits. Consequently, they end up landing in trouble and losing money. Review your business needs and go with a solution which is an absolute fit. For example, it should be user-friendly with simple interfaces and easy-to-understand features. Also, it must integrate with your business’s existing IT infrastructure. In other words, it should form a seamless union with other software tools like ERP system and accounting software your firm might already be using.

Stays in Budget

Lastly, compare different solutions and choose the one which promises dramatic cost saving. One anticipated benefit of electronic export documentation is to save unnecessary costs. The software you select can help you in this direction through various means like eliminating human errors, dealing with delays, establishing international trade compliance and more.

For the convenience of the exporters, the Department of Agriculture maintains a list of authorized software vendors on their official website. Refer to it and spend time reviewing them to get the right solution in hand.