Import and export laws differ from one country to the next. Make sure you know the laws regarding international trade wherever you're doing import/export business. Watch out for these common legal pitfalls:
Regulations and restrictions: Be aware of how your transactions may be affected by the import/export laws in the United States or in the foreign country involved.
Agents, distributors, and representatives: Know the laws that govern their retention and, equally important, their termination.
Shipping: Avoid misunderstandings over shipping. Shipping arrangements must be written and spelled out in detail.
Dispute resolution: Make sure that any contract designates how and where differences will be resolved.