What Is an Export Management Service and How Can It Help You?

When a U.S. manufacturer of industrial components landed a major German customer, the opportunity should have been a win. But instead of celebrating, the team at ABC Limited found themselves overwhelmed with questions: How do we deal with EU customs? What about VAT? Do we need to open an office in Germany just to fulfill this order?

They weren’t alone. Exporting to international markets can be intimidating. Between unfamiliar tax rules, complex paperwork and compliance requirements, many U.S. businesses give up before they even get started. But ABC Limited didn’t walk away. Instead, they found a better solution.

They partnered with GLOBAL GATEWAY by Shipping Solutions. (While we've changed their name for confidentiality, ABC Limited is a real customer.)

With the help of Global Gateway, ABC Limited was able to:

• Register for an EU Importer’s Code and Dutch VAT number
• Appoint a fiscal representative in the Netherlands
• Defer VAT payments to improve cash flow
• Clear customs in the Netherlands and move goods freely to Germany
• Reclaim VAT through quarterly filings
• Deliver to their German customer with no delays, no surprise costs and no need to set up a European company

Global Gateway turned what felt like a legal and logistical nightmare into a seamless expansion into the European market. And now, we’re offering the same support to exporters like you.

The Reality of Exporting Today

Whether you're shipping to the EU, UK, Canada or beyond, international trade isn't just about getting products from point A to point B. It’s about navigating a maze of regulations, documents and tax systems—often with high stakes and limited guidance.

Here are just a few of the hurdles exporters face:

Complex and Unfamiliar Export Paperwork

Exporting requires far more documentation than a domestic shipment. Commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, EEI filings and more must be completed accurately and often customized for the destination country. Errors or omissions can lead to delays, fines or rejected shipments.

Strict Compliance Rules

Export regulations are constantly evolving. U.S. exporters must screen shipments against restricted party lists, classify goods accurately using ECCNs or Schedule B numbers and submit filings through AES. Missing a compliance step—even unintentionally—can result in penalties or legal consequences.

Confusion Around Incoterms and Customs Responsibility

Incoterms define who is responsible for transportation, insurance and customs clearance—but many exporters misunderstand or misapply them. This can leave customers stuck with surprise duties and taxes or leave your company on the hook for costs you didn’t expect to cover.

VAT, GST and Other International Tax Complications

International sales often trigger tax obligations—like import VAT in the EU or GST in Canada. Without the right structure, these costs become unrecoverable, eating into your profits. Worse, you may face double taxation or cash flow issues if you don’t reclaim them correctly.

Lack of In-House Expertise

Exporting requires specialized knowledge that many small and mid-sized businesses don’t have on staff. Even companies with logistics teams often find themselves overwhelmed by country-specific regulations, filing requirements and tax rules they’re unfamiliar with.

Carrier Requirements and High International Shipping Costs

Shipping internationally isn’t cheap. And unless you’re a high-volume shipper, it’s hard to access discounted rates. On top of that, coordinating carrier bookings, managing tracking and resolving delivery issues can drain your team’s time and resources.

Too often, U.S. companies either overpay, make costly mistakes or avoid exporting altogether.

That’s why we created Global Gateway.

What Is Global Gateway?

GLOBAL GATEWAY by Shipping Solutions is your all-in-one export management service. It combines expert compliance support, fully integrated document creation and discounted international shipping into a single, streamlined solution.

Whether you’re new to exporting or a seasoned shipper, Global Gateway acts as an extension of your logistics department—without the overhead.

Here’s what you get:

Accurate Export Documents

Create compliant commercial invoices, packing lists and other forms using Shipping Solutions software. No duplicate data entry. No guesswork.

Expert Compliance Management

Stay compliant with U.S. and international regulations:

• Product classification (HS/HTS codes)
• Export license checks
• Restricted party screening
• VAT and tax documentation for the EU, UK, Canada and more

End-to-End Shipping Coordination

We manage the entire shipment process, including:

• Carrier booking and label generation
• Shipment tracking
• Delivery follow-through

VAT & Tax Recovery

We help you register for VAT or GST where needed, defer payment when possible and reclaim what you’re owed. No more sunken tax costs.

Personalized White-Glove Support

You’re not just another account. Our experts work with you directly to build a solution that fits your business and your goals.

Who Is Global Gateway For?

• New exporters who want to avoid beginner mistakes
• Growing companies entering new international markets
• Experienced shippers looking to simplify and scale
• Businesses without in-house export expertise
• Companies frustrated by compliance risks or shipping costs

If you're managing international shipments with spreadsheets, Googled regulations and crossed fingers, Global Gateway was built for you.

Real-World Export Scenarios Solved with Global Gateway

Here are a few examples of how exporters using Global Gateway can simplify international sales, across many industries:

Medical Device Manufacturer—U.S. to France

A U.S. medical device company needed to export regulated products to French hospitals, but couldn’t get its French customers to act as the importer of record. Global Gateway helped them register in France, have their VAT postponed, and ensure full compliance with EU product and documentation requirements.

Apparel Brand—U.S. to Germany

An e-commerce apparel company was facing high return rates on EU orders. Global Gateway set up a streamlined customs and return management process to minimize VAT losses and prevent duplicate duties on return shipments.

OEM Parts Supplier—U.S. to Spain and Italy

The company assumed it needed to open a European warehouse to serve its customers. Instead, Global Gateway enabled direct shipping from the U.S., with pre-cleared customs entry through the Netherlands and compliant intra-EU transfers—no foreign entity needed.

Why Global Gateway Works

Global Gateway isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about helping your business succeed internationally. Here’s what makes it different:

• We make you more competitive. Lower shipping costs and VAT recovery protect your margins.
• We reduce your risk. Our compliance experts help you avoid fines, penalties and delays.
• We scale with you. Whether you export twice a month or every day, we adapt to your volume and growth.
• We help you expand. ABC Limited started with one EU customer. Now, Europe is a core part of their business model.

Ready to Export Smarter?

You don’t need to be an expert in international trade to succeed in global markets. You just need the right partner.

Let’s talk about how we can support your exports—schedule a free, no-obligation consultation here.

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