Register for the Export Skills Program

Delivered in partnership with the Global Trade Professionals Alliance (GTPA), the Export Skills Program will take you through the export life cycle – from the must-haves of paperwork and logistics through to the finer details of establishing business partnerships in other countries.


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Are you ready to go global?

Serious about exporting? Whether you're just starting out or about to enter a new overseas market, you'll need a comprehensive strategy.

  1. Know your business. Analyse your business to make sure you have the best-operating structure and processes in place. Have clear, achievable and relevant goals.

  2. Get to know your competitors. Knowing who you'll be up against in your new market helps identify how to position your product or service, and how to price your exports.

  3. Be risk aware. Any new market may present political, legal, taxation or other market-specific risks and challenges. If you're aware of the risks – you'll know how to manage them.

  4. Find a way in. Have a clear market entry strategy that sets out how your product or service gets delivered to your target market.

  5. Think about tariffs. Tariffs vary across product type and market and should be carefully considered when choosing an export destination.

  6. Get the paperwork right. Without certified export documentation, you might not get paid, or your customer may not be able to assume ownership of your product or service.

  7. Work out the logistics. Freight and logistics costs depend on your exporting method: once you've decided on which one to use, consider your product's size, weight, value and perishability.

  8. Secure your funding. A detailed financial plan and adequate funding are essential. Banks remain the most accessible source of funds, but there are other options.

  9. Be sure to insure. Seriously consider taking out insurance to cover yourself. If your goods are lost or damaged, a buyer can't – or won't – pay, or a seller is unable to fulfil the terms of a contract.

  10. Choose a payment plan. How will you send and receive payments? There are several options – work out which plan is right for you.

  11. Stay on the right side of the law. Understanding rules and regulations will reduce the risk of breaching legal and regulatory standards.

  12. Protect your product. Make sure you understand the intellectual property (IP) rights of your target market, as well as the level of IP protection or enforcement you'll have while operating.

  13. Licensed to export? The type of goods exported, including the destination country, dictate whether you need a licence to export and if you're entitled to any form of concession.

  14. Don't forget FTAs. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can reduce your costs. Find out which FTAs apply to you.

Still unsure?

Here's a tip: Our Go Global export-readiness online self-assessment tool will identify your business's gaps in capabilities and recommend next steps to bridge those gaps. Whether you're seeking to enter new markets, or expand into existing markets, Go Global will show you how to get there.

Take the Go Global self-assessment

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