The Drip Capital Blog

Insights on finance, working capital, and the realities of international trade: exports, imports, shipping, logistics, and customs clearance.

Resource Library

The US Ex-Im Bank - Meaning, Functions And Types of Services

The US Ex-Im Bank - Meaning, Functions And Types of Services

The US Ex-Im Bank, also known as the EXIM Bank, is the official US credit agency that assists the finance and facilitates export and import in the US.It is driven by the goal of fostering international trade by financing import and export operations.

09 February 2026 6 min read
Commerce Control List (CCL): Meaning, Item List, and More

Commerce Control List (CCL): Meaning, Item List, and More

The Commerce Control List is a list of items that require an export license from the US Department of Commerce while moving out of the country, as per the Export Administration Regulation (EAR). The list classifies software, commodities, and technologies into 10 categories—each of which is further divided into 5 groups.

05 February 2026 4 min read
What is a Back to Back Letter of Credit (LC) in Import-Export

What is a Back to Back Letter of Credit (LC) in Import-Export

When a transaction takes place between a buyer and a seller keeping an intermediary in the loop, the type of LC used in such cases is known as 'Back to Back letter of credit'. In this article get a complete understanding of what is a Back to Back LC, how it works with an example, its format, terms & conditions and associated risks.

05 February 2026 8 min read
Documentary Collection Process In International Trade

Documentary Collection Process In International Trade

Documentary collection is a type of trade financing in which an exporter receives payment for his goods from an importer after the financial institutions of the parties involved exchange the relevant documentation.

04 February 2026 8 min read
Continuous Customs Bond For Imports - Application, Renewal & Cost

Continuous Customs Bond For Imports - Application, Renewal & Cost

A continuous customs bond covers all the shipments that are imported within one year after the purchase of the bond. The bond can be renewed upon expiry to ensure continuity.

04 February 2026 8 min read
What is Freight Forwarding & What Does a Freight Forwarder Do

What is Freight Forwarding & What Does a Freight Forwarder Do

A freight forwarder is an important link in the chain of international trade. In simple terms, a freight forwarder is an agent responsible for the movement of goods on behalf of the cargo owner. This responsibility can start from the time the goods are picked up from the seller until they are delivered at the buyer’s specified location.

04 February 2026 6 min read
Ad Valorem Tax: Meaning, Examples & More

Ad Valorem Tax: Meaning, Examples & More

Ad valorem is a Latin word that translates to "according to the value." The ad valorem tax is a type of taxation based on a commodity’s assessed value, like real estate or personal property. It is usually evaluated as a percentage of the property's worth rather than quantity, weight, or size.

04 February 2026 5 min read
Automated Manifest System (AMS) - Meaning, Filing & Fees

Automated Manifest System (AMS) - Meaning, Filing & Fees

The Automated Manifest System (AMS) is an electronic transmission system that provides paperwork to US customs authorities before freight arrives. Initially, the AMS was designed to minimize the time required to import cargo into the US.

03 February 2026 7 min read