Ramcorp Wire & Cable ships wire and cable internationally to customers in Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. Whether you are purchasing cable for an overseas project, stocking a distribution warehouse abroad, or sourcing specialty wire for a facility outside the United States, this page explains how our international ordering process works, what documentation is involved, and what you need to know about export compliance for wire and cable products.
How to Place an International Order
International orders follow the same quoting process as domestic orders, with a few additional steps for shipping logistics and export documentation. Here is how it works.
1. Request a quote: Contact our sales team with the product(s) you need, the quantity, and the destination country and city. If you have specific cable part numbers, include those. We will provide a quote that includes the cable price and estimated freight cost to your destination.
2. Confirm shipping method: We ship internationally via air freight, courier (DHL, UPS, FedEx), and ground transport to Mexico and Canada. For ocean freight shipments, Ramcorp ships to the customer's designated freight forwarder in the United States — the forwarder arranges the ocean transport, container booking, and export filing. Your quote will include the recommended shipping method based on weight, volume, and destination.
3. Payment: International orders are paid by bank wire transfer (T/T) in advance in US dollars (USD). Payment must clear before shipment. We do not accept letters of credit or international credit cards for export transactions.
4. Documentation and shipment: Once payment clears, we prepare all required export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin if requested and available, and any required export declarations), pack the order for international transit, and coordinate pickup or delivery to the freight forwarder. We provide tracking information and copies of all shipping documents.
Information Required for International Orders
To prepare an export quote, please provide:
- Product part numbers or description of the cable needed
- Quantity required (footage or number of reels)
- Country of ultimate destination
- Destination city or port
- Intended use / end-use application
- Freight forwarder name and US address (if applicable)
- Whether a certificate of origin is required
The country of ultimate destination and intended use are required for US export compliance screening. This information allows us to verify the shipment against Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and OFAC requirements before committing to the order.
Buyer Import Responsibilities
The buyer is responsible for all import duties, value-added tax (VAT), customs clearance fees, and local taxes in the destination country unless otherwise agreed in writing. Ramcorp does not act as the importer of record in the destination country. The buyer should work with a licensed customs broker at the destination port to clear the goods through import customs. If you are unsure about import duties or documentation requirements in your country, consult your customs broker before placing the order — we are happy to provide the HS codes and product descriptions needed for a pre-shipment duty estimate.
International Shipping Methods
Wire and cable is heavy, and shipping method has a significant impact on both cost and transit time. Ramcorp handles some shipping methods directly and supports others through the customer's freight forwarder.
Ramcorp Direct Shipments
| Method | Best For | Typical Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | Urgent international shipments | 3–7 business days |
| Courier (DHL / UPS / FedEx) | Small orders, samples, lightweight specialty cable | 3–7 business days |
| Ground | Canada and Mexico shipments | 3–10 business days |
Customer Freight Forwarder Shipments
| Method | Best For | Typical Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean Freight (LCL) | Mid-size orders that don't fill a container | 3–6 weeks depending on port |
| Ocean Freight (FCL) | Large orders filling a 20’ or 40’ container | 3–6 weeks depending on port |
For ocean freight, Ramcorp ships the order to the customer's designated freight forwarder in the United States. The forwarder manages the international ocean transport, export filing (if applicable), and container booking. Ramcorp prepares the commercial invoice and packing list required for export. Many international customers already have a freight forwarder or consolidator in the US — if you do not, we can recommend forwarders we have worked with.
Export Documentation
Every international shipment requires a set of export documents. We prepare these for you as part of the order fulfillment process. Understanding what each document is helps you coordinate with your customs broker and clear the shipment at destination.
Commercial Invoice: The primary customs document. Lists the seller (Ramcorp), buyer, product descriptions, quantities, unit prices, total value, currency (USD), Incoterms, and country of origin. Your customs broker uses this to calculate import duties and taxes at destination. We include HS codes for every line item to speed up customs classification.
Packing List: Itemizes the physical contents of the shipment — number of reels or coils, dimensions, gross and net weights (in both pounds and kilograms), and package marks. The freight forwarder and destination customs use this to verify the shipment contents match the commercial invoice.
Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB): The carrier's receipt and contract of carriage. For ocean freight, the bill of lading is also the document of title — meaning the buyer needs the original B/L to claim the goods at the destination port. For air freight, the air waybill serves a similar function but is not a document of title. Note: for ocean shipments arranged through the customer's freight forwarder, the forwarder issues the B/L.
Certificate of Origin: Confirms the country where the goods were manufactured. Some destination countries require this for preferential tariff treatment or import licensing. If a manufacturer certificate of origin is required, it must be requested during the quoting process — manufacturer certificates are provided only when available from the cable manufacturer. When a manufacturer certificate is not available, Ramcorp can provide a statement of origin confirming the known country of manufacture based on supplier documentation.
Electronic Export Information (EEI): For shipments valued over $2,500 per Schedule B number, US law requires the exporter to file Electronic Export Information through the Automated Export System (AES) before the goods leave the country. The EEI filing is completed either by Ramcorp or by the freight forwarder, depending on the shipping arrangement. The EEI includes the ECCN or EAR99 classification, destination, consignee, and value of the goods.
For a deeper dive into each of these documents, see our Export Documents Guide.
Export Compliance for Wire & Cable
All exports from the United States are subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The good news for wire and cable buyers: the vast majority of standard wire and cable products are classified as EAR99, meaning they are not on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and do not require an export license for most destinations and end users.
However, EAR99 does not mean "no rules." Even EAR99 products cannot be exported to embargoed or sanctioned countries (currently including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions of Ukraine) or to denied parties listed on BIS, OFAC, or other US government restricted party lists. We screen every international order against these lists before shipment.
A small number of specialty cables — such as certain radiation-hardened cables, cables designed for nuclear applications, or cables with specific military specifications — may carry an ECCN (Export Control Classification Number) that requires a license for certain destinations. If your order includes any controlled items, we will identify this during the quoting process and advise you on the licensing requirements before you commit to the purchase.
Key Export Compliance Terms
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| EAR99 | Item is subject to EAR but not on the Commerce Control List. No license needed for most destinations and end users. |
| ECCN | Export Control Classification Number. Identifies items on the CCL that may require a license depending on destination, end user, and end use. |
| HS Code | Harmonized System code used by customs worldwide to classify goods and determine tariff rates. Wire and cable falls under Chapter 85. |
| Schedule B | US-specific export classification code (10-digit) based on the HS system. Required for EEI/AES filing. |
| AES/EEI | Automated Export System / Electronic Export Information. Required filing for shipments over $2,500 per Schedule B number. |
| OFAC | Office of Foreign Assets Control. Administers US economic sanctions. All exports must be screened against OFAC lists. |
| Incoterms | International Commercial Terms (ICC). Define who pays freight, insurance, and when risk transfers. Common terms: EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF. |
Incoterms: Who Pays for What?
Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) define the responsibilities of the buyer and seller in an international transaction — specifically, who arranges and pays for freight, who pays for insurance, and at what point the risk of loss or damage transfers from seller to buyer. The Incoterm is agreed upon during the quoting process and stated on the commercial invoice.
Most international orders from Ramcorp are shipped under EXW, FCA, or FOB terms, depending on whether the buyer is using their own freight forwarder.
EXW (Ex Works): The buyer arranges and pays for everything from our warehouse door forward — pickup, freight, insurance, customs clearance, and delivery. Ramcorp's responsibility ends when the goods are made available at our facility. This is the most common term when the buyer's freight forwarder picks up from our warehouse.
FCA (Free Carrier): Ramcorp delivers the goods to a carrier or freight forwarder designated by the buyer. Risk transfers once the goods are handed to the carrier. This is the preferred term when the buyer has a US-based freight forwarder — Ramcorp ships to the forwarder's warehouse, and the forwarder takes it from there.
FOB (Free on Board): Ramcorp delivers the goods to the port of export and loads them onto the vessel (or delivers to the carrier for air freight). Risk transfers to the buyer once the goods are on board. The buyer pays ocean/air freight, insurance, and destination customs.
CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight): Ramcorp pays for freight and insurance to the destination port. Risk still transfers at the port of origin (same as FOB), but the seller covers the cost of transport and minimum insurance. The buyer handles customs clearance and inland delivery at destination. CIF is available for air freight shipments arranged directly by Ramcorp.
Countries & Regions We Ship To
Ramcorp Wire & Cable has shipped to customers in over 30 countries. Our most common international destinations include:
Latin America & Caribbean: Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras
Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya
Canada
Asia-Pacific: Philippines, Australia, New Zealand (less frequent but available)
If your country is not listed, contact us — we can ship to most non-embargoed destinations worldwide. We will confirm shipping feasibility, estimated transit time, and freight cost during the quoting process.
Made in USA Cable
Many international buyers specifically require cable manufactured in the United States for quality assurance, project specifications, or end-client requirements. Ramcorp distributes cable from major US manufacturers. We can confirm country of origin for any product in our catalog and provide a certificate of origin or statement of origin when requested. For more on US-manufactured cable and why it matters, see our Made in USA Cable guide.
Packaging for International Shipment
Wire and cable orders are typically shipped on wooden reels. Reels are palletized and secured for transit to minimize handling damage during port operations and overland transport. Reel sizes and weights are confirmed during the quoting process so the freight forwarder can plan container loading or air freight handling efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an export license to buy wire and cable from the US?
In most cases, no. The vast majority of standard wire and cable products are classified as EAR99 under US export regulations, which means they do not require an export license for most destinations and end users. Exceptions apply for embargoed or sanctioned countries and certain specialty cables with military or nuclear specifications. We verify the export classification for every international order before shipment.
What payment methods do you accept for international orders?
International orders are paid by bank wire transfer (T/T) in US dollars, with payment due in advance before shipment. We do not accept letters of credit or international credit cards for export transactions.
How long does international shipping take?
Transit times depend on the shipping method and destination. Ocean freight typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from US port to destination port, plus inland transit time. Air freight takes 3 to 7 business days. Ground shipments to Mexico and Canada take 3 to 10 business days. Lead time for the cable itself (manufacturing or warehouse pull) is in addition to transit time — we confirm total lead time in your quote.
Can you ship to my freight forwarder in the US?
Yes. Many international customers have their own freight forwarder or consolidator in the US. We can ship the order to your designated forwarder's warehouse, and they handle the international leg. In this case, we still prepare the commercial invoice and packing list, but your forwarder handles the export filing and freight booking. This is common for customers who consolidate orders from multiple US suppliers into a single container.
What HS code is used for wire and cable?
Wire and cable products generally fall under HS Chapter 85 (Electrical machinery and equipment). The specific 6-digit HS code depends on the cable type — for example, insulated copper conductors for voltages not exceeding 1,000V fall under 8544.49. We include the applicable HS code on every commercial invoice. For a detailed breakdown, see our HS Code Wire & Cable Guide.
Do you handle customs clearance at the destination?
No. Under all standard Incoterms (EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF), customs clearance at the destination is the buyer's responsibility. You will need a customs broker in your country to clear the goods through import customs, pay applicable duties, VAT, and local fees. We provide the commercial invoice, packing list, and HS codes your broker needs to process the import clearance.
Related Resources
- EAR99 Wire & Cable Export Guide
- ECCN Classifications for Wire & Cable
- Export Documents Guide
- HS Code Wire & Cable Guide
- Made in USA Cable
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Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is not installation advice. It does not constitute legal or export compliance advice. Installing wire & cable can be dangerous and pose a risk of possible electric shock or other hazards. Export regulations change frequently. Always consult the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), or a qualified export compliance professional before shipping internationally. Images are for illustration purposes and may not reflect actual installed products.
The information on this page is provided for general reference only and may contain errors or omissions. Southwire® is a registered trademark of Southwire Company, LLC. Belden® is a registered trademark of Belden Inc. All other trademarks, product names, and brand names referenced on this page are the property of their respective owners. Ramcorp Wire & Cable is not affiliated with or endorsed by these organizations unless explicitly stated.