CE Study Guide 2026

A Commercial Invoice serves as the primary billing document in international trade, issued by the seller to the buyer. It provides a detailed record of the goods being sold, including their description, quantity, unit price, total value, and terms of sale. This document is essential for customs clearance, payment processing, and for customs authorities to assess duties and taxes.

The State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) provides grants to small businesses to attend foreign trade shows, conduct market research, and develop export marketing materials.

Supplier codes of conduct address forced labor, child labor, environmental practices, bribery, and safety; U.S. companies require them to comply with laws like the FCPA and to protect brand reputation.

The GRI are six sequential rules that customs authorities worldwide use to determine the correct HS classification when a product's category is unclear or disputed.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is a U.S. agency within the Department of Commerce responsible for implementing and enforcing the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). BIS controls exports and reexports of dual-use items (commercial items with potential military applications) to protect U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. It is the primary agency for U.S. export compliance.

Nearshoring reflects a strategic shift by U.S. companies to relocate supply chains closer to home—especially to Mexico under USMCA—to reduce transportation time, costs, and exposure to distant disruptions.