Overview of the Overseas Certification Information Report Guide
An overseas certification information report is a structured document that organizes the certification and regulatory requirements a product must meet in a target export market. It is designed to help exporters review, at a glance, the certification authority, procedures, costs, lead times, and required documents needed to prepare for market entry. This guide is a working manual for report writers, including trade office staff and consultants, and reflects the revised edition issued in May 2025.
8 sections
Report Structure
standard format
10-20 pages
Length Guideline
A4 basis
3 or more
Data Sources
official institutions
Annual
Update Cycle
ad hoc for rule changes
2 stages
Quality Review
internal + HQ review
D+30
Submission Deadline
30 days after item selection
Report Structure Framework
Standard Structure of an Overseas Certification Information Report (8 Sections)
| Section | Content | Length | Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Overview | Product overview, HS code, market size | 1-2 pages | Required |
| 2. Certification System | Overall certification framework in the target market | 2-3 pages | Required |
| 3. Certification Details | Procedures, costs, and timelines for each certification | 3-5 pages | Required |
| 4. Testing and Inspection Standards | Applicable standards, test items, pass criteria | 2-3 pages | Required |
| 5. Labeling and Marking | Product marking rules, language, mandatory information | 1-2 pages | Required |
| 6. Tariffs and Customs | Tariff rates and customs procedures by HS code | 1-2 pages | Required |
| 7. Practical Tips | Local agents, cost-saving methods, key cautions | 1-2 pages | Recommended |
| 8. Appendix | Legal texts, forms, institution contact details | Annex | Recommended |
How to Write Each Section
01
Section 1: How to Write the Overview
Include the product HS code, both the 6-digit international code and the 10-digit country-specific code, along with the product definition, target-market size based on import and production value, the market share of major supplying countries, and the export status of Korean products. Use UN Comtrade, ITC Trade Map, and target-country customs statistics as core data sources, and, as a rule, rely on data from the most recent year available, preferably within the past two years.
02
Section 2: How to Describe the Certification System
Map the full certification framework of the target market. Separate mandatory and voluntary certifications, and identify the issuing authorities, competent ministries, and legal basis including the law title and relevant provisions. In Bangladesh, for example, certification responsibilities vary by product, with BSTI handling mandatory certification, FSCD overseeing fire approvals, and BFSA managing food safety matters.
03
Section 3: How to Detail Each Certification
For each certification, present the certification name in Korean and English, the issuing authority and contact point, application procedures by step, the list of required documents, lead time from minimum to maximum, cost items including application fees, testing fees, and annual maintenance fees, validity period, and renewal procedure. Wherever possible, add practical examples of actual certification cases or interviews with local agents.
04
Sections 4-6: How to Write Technical Information
For testing and inspection requirements, list the applicable standards such as ISO, EN, or BDS and summarize the major test items. For labeling, organize mandatory marking requirements in checklist form. For tariffs and customs, provide a table showing applicable duties by HS code, including CD, SD, VAT, AIT, and RD, and add a separate line when a preferential tariff rate is available under an FTA.
Quality Standards and Review Checklist
Mandatory Quality Standards
Data Sources3+ official sources
RecencyData within 2 years
Certification InfoProcedure, cost, time all included
Legal BasisLaw title and clause specified
Length10+ pages excluding annex
Review Checklist
Fact CheckCross-check on agency websites
Cost AccuracyLocal currency + USD shown
Procedure ValidationActual cases verified
LabelingLocal-language accuracy checked
ContactsPhone, email, address verified
Item Selection
Confirm export item and HS code
→↓
Research
Collect agency, regulation, and case data
→↓
Drafting
Prepare the 8-section standard format
→↓
Local Verification
Confirm with authorities and agents
→↓
Internal Review
Check against the quality checklist
→↓
HQ Review and Publication
Final approval and portal posting
Data Sources and Reference Materials
Key Data Sources
| Source | Purpose | URL/Access | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| UN Comtrade | Trade statistics for imports and exports | comtrade.un.org | Free |
| ITC Trade Map | Market share and trend analysis | trademap.org | Free with some limits |
| Target-country Customs | Tariff rates and customs procedures | Varies by country | Official source |
| Target-country Standards Body | Certification procedures and standards | Varies by country, such as BSTI | Official source |
| WTO TBT Notifications | Changes in technical regulations | tbtims.wto.org | Useful for regulatory monitoring |
| KOTRA Overseas Market News | Existing reports and market information | news.kotra.or.kr | Internal reference |
Product DB Writing Guide 2025: Complete Manual for Korean and English EntriesSee the full product database writing guide
Guide to Writing Economic and Trade Reports (250703)See the guide for drafting economic and trade reports
Overseas certification information reports are practical working guides that help exporters clear certification barriers in target markets more efficiently. By following the standard eight-section structure, relying on at least three official data sources, and applying a two-stage review process, writers can produce consistent, high-quality reports. Use this guide to build certification references that deliver tangible value to exporters.
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