Compliance
Compliance encompasses guidelines for adhering to global regulations when selling internationally.
Merchants must ensure that their products conform to local standards and be aware of any restrictions related to personal import models.
Manufacturers Identification
A Manufacturer’s Identification (MID) code is a unique identifier used in international trade to track and document the origin of products.
The MID code is generated based on specific manufacturer details, such as the business name, address, and country code. This code ensures traceability, and compliance with import regulations, and helps streamline the customs clearance process. It is essential for merchants to accurately create and provide the MID code for smooth import operations.
MID is required for:
Any order shipped to the USA, no matter the value, that includes at least one product manufactured in China/HK.
Any shipment to the USA valued above $2500 (regardless of COO).
The MIDS Process
Merchants can create a MID using either a manual or an automated process.
Manual Process
Suitable for merchants with minimal MID requests.
The operations (Ops) team contacts the merchant or CSM (if logistics contact is unavailable) to request MIDs.
Once MIDs are provided, Global-e updates customs (via the carrier).
This manual process is time-consuming, creating delays and potential returns, as merchants must provide details on an order-by-order basis.
Automated Process
Merchants can now send all required details via the
SendCartmethod.Global-e absorbs the data for each order, adds it to the invoice, and sends the details in an API call for the Air Waybill (AWB) to the carrier.
Setting up the Automated Process
Merchants must add MID info (see "How to Create a MID" section) as a Meta field attribute at the product level in the SendCart call.
Required MID Information in SendCart:
MID Code
MetaData parameter: _MID_Code
Value: Manufacturer's code/ID
MID Name
MetaData parameter: _MID_Name
Value: Manufacturer's name
MID Address
MetaData parameter: _MID_Address
Value: Manufacturer's address
Once the merchant confirms MID details are added, the CSM opens a Coor task to configure the data pull from Send Cart to the commercial invoice and shipper call.
Note
This setup will be reflected in the invoice for the US market only once completed.
How to Create a MID
To generate a manufacturer's Identification code (MID code):
Gather Supplier Information including their full business name and postal address.
Construct the MID code in the following order:
Country Code: Use the two-letter ISO code of the supplier's country (e.g., GB for the UK, NL for the Netherlands, DE for Germany).
Business Name: Take the first three letters of the manufacturer’s first and second name (if applicable).
Address Digits: Extract the highest digits (up to four) from the address line.
City Name: Take the first three letters of the manufacturer’s city name.
Example:
Supplier: Ozrock92, Alice Springs Road
MID Code: GB-OZR-92-ALI
Compliance Q&A
Would I, as a merchant working with Global-e, need to change packaging, labels or product formulation in order to sell in certain markets?
When working with Global-e, you operate under a cross-border personal import model, which allows you to sell directly to individuals in the destination country for their personal use.
Unlike commercial imports, personal imports are generally less regulated, meaning that local rules, such as those for product labeling, typically do not apply. In this model, the shopper is identified as the official importer on the commercial invoice when the goods reach the destination border.
If any restrictions prevent a product from being sold under this personal import framework, Global-e will review your product catalog as part of our services and restrict the sale of such products in the relevant destination.
Would Global-e become the responsible party if there is an issue with product compliance?
The brand is responsible for ensuring general product compliance, and as noted, registration is typically not required. Global-e’s Classification and Restriction team regularly reviews the product catalog, and if any restrictions prevent a product from being sold under the personal import model, Global-e will, as part of our services, restrict such products from being sold in the relevant destination."
What is the EU cooling period and does it apply to US merchants?
The EU cooling-off period refers to the 14-day window in which consumers can cancel an online purchase without providing a reason, according to EU consumer protection laws.
Whether this applies to US merchants selling to EU customers depends on the following:
Yes, It Applies:
EU consumer laws are based on the consumer's location, not the merchant's. Recent case law has shown that courts and consumer protection bodies in the EU enforce this right in favor of the consumer, even when the merchant is based outside the EU.
No, It Doesn’t Apply:
While it may not legally apply to US merchants, the question of consumer expectations remains. EU consumers are accustomed to having this right, and going against it may negatively impact their perception of the brand.
You can find more information in this article from the EU on the Guarantees and Returns.