Customs Matters: World Customs Organization

In case you are unfamiliar, the World Customs Organization is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively focused on Customs matters.

It is particularly noted for its work in areas covering the development of global standards, the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures, trade supply chain security, the facilitation of international trade, the enhancement of Customs enforcement and compliance activities, anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiatives, public-private partnerships, integrity promotion, and sustainable global Customs capacity building programmes. The WCO also maintains the international Harmonized System goods nomenclature, and administers the technical aspects of the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.

Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and Commodity Database On-line

56-Page eBrochure

The new on-line version of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and commodity Database offers the possibility of searching by keyword or by using an HS code number to retrieve the information you are looking for. The on-line version offers high speed solutions at little expense, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Subscriptions are for 1, 2 or 3 years from 1 to 50 users.

To learn more about the service above, click here.  To learn more about the work of the WCO, visit here.

WCO news (pictured) is published three times a year. Access:

... latest edition (ebrochure)

... latest edition (PDF)

... previous editions

... subscribe

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Books to Nurture a Dream World

Kyobo Bookstore in Korea is known to have a large number of foreign-language books and other interesting unrelated items (e.g., music and accessories).

Check it out here but for those who only speak English, use the Google translate button.

The History of Global Small Business (Part 3 of 3)

Final thoughts for now on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally. This is Part 3 of 3 installments and covers growth opportunities and expansion tips for global small businesses.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 3 of 3)
Opportunities and Expansion Tips

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 2 of 3)
Key Growth Drivers and Challenges

And don't miss: Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 1 of 3)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Women Worldwide Excel At Entrepreneurship

The U.S. Department of State asked me to write the lead article "Women Entrepreneurs Energize Economies," as part of the current eJournal USA issue "Enterprising Women, Thriving Societies."

May it inspire all individuals -- men and women alike -- to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur.  There's a section tips on how to start a business -- you won't want to miss it.

Immediate download: PDF version (6.5 MB). The design and photos in the PDF file are worth a look.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

We're Fun and We Cover International Business

According to Adam Wooten, under the global small business category, we are one of his favorite international business columnists and bloggers.

Galileo was right; the world does not revolve around me or anyone like me. By a long shot, mine is not the only column on international business, marketing, language and culture. In fact, I would like to share a list of seven of my favorite global business columnists and bloggers who write fun and informative articles on these topics.

Learn more about all seven here.

A big thank you to Adam for including us!

Meet Global Superstar Sophie, The Giraffe

Sophie la Girafe is a 7-inch-tall rubber teething toy (pictured with baby) made in Rumilly, France, created in 1961 and priced at U.S. $25 in the U.S. market.

The toy has achieved success outside its home country.

Hint:

"What difference could there be between a Chinese, American or Russian baby?" he thought (referring to Mr. Jacquemier who is a minority shareholder in the company). He set out to understand why Sophie was such a hit in France—aside from the fact that most French mothers had once had their own giraffes.

The CEO hired a psychotherapist, who concluded the rubber chew toy tapped into all five senses: sight with its strongly contrasting colors; hearing with its easy squeak; taste because it is easy to chomp on; and the touch and smell of the natural rubber. The toy's petite size made it easy for babies to grip.

Find out how the producers of Sophie determined it could sell overseas and what they did to make it happen here. Fascinating story.

Sophie is made by Vulli.

Biggest Driver On The Planet: Entrepreneurship!

I've written about my involvement with the World Entrepreneurship Forum, now I wish to turn you on to a fantastic 2011 White Paper, proceedings of the fourth World Entrepreneurship Forum held in Singapore November 2-5, 2011:

"Entrepreneurship, A Driver for Innovation and Technology"

To download the 56-page PDF-file report, first complete a five-second form ... it's worth it! 

Quote from Page 4:

If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room. ~ Dame Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop

Watch the video here.   Learn more about the World Entrepreneurship Forum here.