Grow: Global Markets

Free Trade Agreements

Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) reduce barriers to global companies getting their product out to the world. 

Global companies tend to pay higher wages and have larger impact on local communities in which their employees reside because it is bringing in outside money into the area that is then spent on wages, homes, lending, shopping, and more. 

How the FTAs Work

Free Trade Agreements occur when two or more countries agree to reduce or eliminate import fees (tariffs). Usually the result is a cost reduction for the buyer of those goods. 

Certificates of Origin

Area companies come to the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce to verify Certificates of Origin (CO). These companies are shipping products overseas and need this verification, which can be obtained from a Chamber of Commerce.

The United States has numerous trade agreements with many foreign countries, and under the terms of many of these agreements, American products receive lower tariff rates. The foreign customs office verifies product qualifications for these preferential duty rates by accompanying Certificates of Origin.  Also, some countries have banned certain products from countries that have been caught dumping.  The Certificate of Origin helps prove that the product is allowed into that particular country.

Through world trade agreements on an international level, it has been determined and agreed upon by all countries that local Chambers of Commerce are reputable, and are in the best position to know the local companies and their product lines.  In several other countries, Chamber of Commerce membership is a requirement of doing business, and is not voluntary; therefore to be a legitimate business, they must be a part of their Chamber of Commerce.  In the United States, companies have the choice of being a member of their local Chamber; so this process requires additional measures to protect the integrity of the process and the Chamber’s liability.

Getting A Document Certified at Our Office

At the request of our members to keep costs low, we offer in-person certification vs. online.

We are prepared to sign, stamp and emboss the documents you bring into our office.