Exporter of Record

What Is an Exporter of Record?

The exporter of record is the party legally responsible for ensuring an export shipment complies with all export regulations of the origin country, including accurate documentation, licensing, and compliance with export control laws.

How Does the Exporter of Record Role Work?

The exporter of record is typically the seller or owner of the goods at the time of export, though in some arrangements a freight forwarder or third party may take on this role. They are responsible for filing export declarations, obtaining any required export licenses, and ensuring the shipment doesn't violate trade sanctions or restricted party lists.

Why the Exporter of Record Matters

The exporter of record bears legal liability for export compliance violations, even unintentional ones, making this a role companies should assign deliberately and document clearly, particularly for shipments involving controlled goods, sanctioned destinations, or complex multi-party transactions.