A brief explanation of what an International Company Profile (ICP) is and how exporters can utilized them to assist them when researching potential partners. This information is part of "A Basic Guide to Exporting", provided by the U.S. Commercial Service, to assist companies in exporting.
Last Published: 10/20/2016
International Company Profiles
An International Company Profile (ICP) is a background report on a specific foreign company that is prepared by commercial officers of the U.S. Commercial Service at American embassies and consulates.

These reports include:
  • Information on the company
  • Year established
  • Relative size
  • Number of employees
  • General reputation
  • Territory covered
  • Language capabilities
  • Product lines handled
  • Principal owners
  • Financial references
  • Trade references
Each ICP also contains a general report by the U.S. Commercial Service officer who conducted the investigation concerning the reliability of the foreign company.

The ICP service is offered in countries that lack adequate private-sector providers of credit and background information on local companies. Credit reports on foreign companies are available from many private-sector sources, including (in the United States) Dun & Bradstreet and Graydon International.

For help in identifying private-sector sources of credit reports, contact your nearest U.S. Commercial Service office. http://export.gov