1. Business Growth: Expanding into international markets can significantly increase your customer base, sales, and revenue. It opens new avenues for business opportunities and helps drive overall growth.
2. Risk Diversification: By tapping into multiple markets, businesses can reduce the risk associated with dependence on a single market. Diversifying customer segments and geographic locations provides greater stability.
3. Increased Competitiveness: Engaging in global trade encourages businesses to improve their production efficiency and meet international standards, making them more competitive both locally and globally.
4. Cost Reduction: Exporting can lead to cost savings through economies of scale. Larger production runs for a global market can reduce per-unit costs.
5. Access to Resources: Exporting can provide access to valuable resources such as new technologies, raw materials, and skilled labor, enhancing a company’s capabilities and growth potential.

Let’s embrace exporting to unlock new potentials and elevate your business in the global arena. We have outlined the export process steps to assist you.

Step 1 – Prepare for Export

• Assess Your Export Readiness: Evaluate advantages, disadvantages, and factors influencing export capabilities.
• Explore Pros and Cons of Exporting: Understand potential benefits and risks to make informed decisions.
• Conduct SWOT Analysis: Analyze strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to develop a robust export strategy.

Step 2 – Develop an Export Plan

• Use Structured Templates: Example export plans tailored for goods and services companies.
• Utilize Export Canvas: Strategic tool for designing and refining your business model for international operations.

Step 3 – Proceed with Exportation

• Gain Market Insights: Understand market dynamics, consumer behavior, and regulatory frameworks.
• Assess Financial Readiness: Evaluate stability and explore financial support options like grants and loans.
• Prepare for Exporting: Address operational, marketing, legal, and logistical aspects systematically.
• Follow Export Checklist: Ensure compliance and smooth processes when exporting goods internationally.

LGO Applications

Curaçaoan companies can export products to European Union (EU) member countries under preferential terms through the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) arrangement governed by EU Decision 2013/755. To qualify, exporters must register in the Customs’ Registered Exporter (REX) system.

Registration involves submitting essential documents, including a certificate of origin issued by the Ministry of Economic Development (MEO) for each product. This certificate is crucial for accessing preferential treatment across all EU states. Registration can be completed online via the Customs’ website or the designated European Commission link.

Exporters need a unique Tax Identification Number (TIN) with the prefix “CW” and their assigned CRIB number. They must accurately list all products covered by the MEO-issued certificate of origin on the registration form. The completed form must be printed, signed, and submitted with required documents to Customs at Pietermaai 25.

Each product category under the OCT arrangement has specific added value requirements. It's essential for exporters to strictly adhere to these regulations.

Staying updated on any revisions or changes to the OCT arrangement is critical for maintaining compliance and eligibility for preferential treatment.

International Trade Center tools

ITC has developed an online tool to help the exporters to navigate the complexity of international trade. These tools help businesses identify export and import opportunities, compare market-access requirements, monitor national trade performance, and make informed trade decisions.

Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)

The Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) is a crucial component of the United States' economic relations with Central America and the Caribbean. Designed to foster economic development and promote export diversification in the region, the CBI grants duty-free access to the U.S. market for most goods from 19 beneficiary countries.

Companies in Curaçao can leverage this initiative to enhance their exports, benefiting from preferential access to the U.S. market. To qualify, exporters must comply with CBI regulations, which include maintaining a maximum added value of 35%.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a pivotal federal agency dedicated to safeguarding public health through the oversight and regulation of food, tobacco products, pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, cosmetics, and more under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

Headquartered in White Oak, Maryland, the FDA also maintains offices and laboratories throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico, which oversees operations for Curaçao. With a global presence, the FDA also supports companies worldwide through Registrar Corp for FDA registration and compliance.

Support International Business - SIB

If you are an entrepreneur looking to expand into international markets and have identified your target market, consider applying for the Support International Business (SIB) subsidy. This program provides funding for activities aimed at advancing your international trade initiatives, helping you move forward in your global business endeavors.

Who can apply for SIB?

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Netherlands and the Dutch Caribbean territories can apply for the SIB subsidy. You must already know which foreign market you want to export your product or service to. Also, you must show that you have the capacity and ambition to take the next step in expanding your business internationally.