As the AI revolution continues, more and more businesses are actively integrating AI components into their workspaces to not only stay current but also drive innovation. Without needing to completely invest in the myriad of infrastructure requirements necessary to run models, these AI users will rent capabilities from GPU cloud providers.
This presents a significant opportunity for GPU cloud providers to expand their market presence. However, their success hinges on effectively deploying equipment to meet the demand where it arises. In order to pursue global growth at an international scale, GPU cloud providers need an import and compliance partner to make the process trouble-free.
How to Get Your GPUs Anywhere in the World
With all the red tape, embargoes, and supply chain concerns surrounding AI infrastructure – where do you start? And how do you get it to the various data centers as fast as possible?
This is where we step in. While you focus on providing your clients with the best service possible, we will ensure your GPU cloud infrastructure gets to any data center or PoP around the globe.
Let TecEx help you get your AI gear to site.
GPU Cloud Providers and Scaling Your Business
AI is global. Take Europe, for example. Most European companies use genAI in their strategies and processes, with 57% having already invested in this technology. With an uptick market, it’s a no-brainer for any GPU cloud provider to get their gear to Europe.
Proximity is key to delivering superior service—done in an effort to reduce latency and lag. In general, cloud applications work better when the equipment is closer to the end user. The same applies to the AI cloud.
But as we know, it’s not that easy to import dual-use tech gear—GPUs and integrated tech products in particular. Furthermore, acting as the IOR yourself (for any product) is extremely risky for your business. Using a specialist Importer of Record can be crucial to ensuring you can clear customs efficiently and get your goods to the data center.
TecEx provides upfront import tax savings in a number of countries. Staying with the Europe example, tax rates can be up to the value of 21% of the hardware! So, any non-recovery is significant.
Getting GPUs Through Customs
Product Classification
Like other tech, AI hardware and GPUs are categorized according to HS codes. However, given the ever-evolving nature of infrastructure, these classifications are also subject to change. Importing with incorrect HS codes could easily lead to delays and stuck shipments.
Regulatory Compliance
Due to the dual-use nature of AI infrastructure, various regulatory requirements are imposed on the import of this gear. These will vary from country to country depending on the Country of Origin restrictions (like with the US-China trade war), environmental regulations (like India’s EPR regulations), and the list goes on.
A multitude of factors come into play in the realm of AI infrastructure, particularly when considering the fragility of the supply chain. The risks in this nuanced market are considerable, from complete embargoes to a restricted number of suppliers. This is why using an expert can take these risks and potential pitfalls off your shoulders.
Are you a chip-maker struggling with global trade compliance and getting your chips through customs? We can help you.
Project Deadlines and GPU Cloud Providers
The biggest hurdle any GPU cloud provider has to navigate is time. Time is of the utmost importance while you’re establishing yourself as a leader in this growing market. Get your AI infrastructure to the data center on time and ensure a seamless launch of your services.
We have done the groundwork here. We ensure your shipments go through the most efficient lane route to meet deadlines and any additional value-adds.
The TecEx Control Tower
Project management for the cross-border trade of high-value tech gear. We handle the entire process, manage all customs compliance, customs clearance, logistics, and ensure the timely arrival of your gear to any data center or PoP in over 200 destinations.
Tax Efficiency
Depending on the country you are importing into, we can offer upfront tax
savings. TecEx ensures that the import is structured in such a way as to
ensure the transaction enables efficient tax recovery. What was a sunk
cost can now go back into your budget.
Liability Cover
Don’t let damage or a stolen shipment ruin your business—our liability
cover has you sorted. It’s a
solution for the trade of high-value tech gear, giving you the ultimate peace of mind.
White-Glove Logistics
Based on your specific needs, we work with our carrier partnerships to
ensure the timely arrival of your gear to any data center or PoP.
We have warehouses strategically located worldwide, such as in the
USA and
the Netherlands.
This allows us to assist with the strategic rollout of integrated AI gear.
Not only can TecEx manage the entire import process for you, but our deep roots within the tax space make us the go-to partner for import tax-efficient services. Our tailor-made tax recovery solution can offer significant savings on shipments to the European Union, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Importing AI Gear | The Case Study
We recently assisted a major player in the GPU cloud industry by importing high-value AI gear into an Icelandic data center while meeting tight deadlines and minimizing costs.
GPUs and Data Centers
Can my data center act as the IOR for the gear?
Unfortunately, not. Data centers cannot and won’t act as your IOR. They do not have the capabilities (e.g., import licenses) or expertise (e.g., country-specific compliance regulations) to act as the Importer of Record.
Can’t I just act as the importer myself?
Have you considered the full responsibility that comes with importing dual-use goods? Acting as the IOR carries a lot of risks – financial, reputational, and legal. This includes the requirement of having a local presence (a registered entity in the destination country). But, more on that here.
You do not have to become a logistics or compliance expert in order to grow your business. TecEx presents the ultimate solution for GPU cloud providers who want to scale their business.
TecEx blends the required services to deploy AI infrastructure into data centers and Points of Presence globally. Our approach allows GPU cloud providers to benefit from a complete and single-partner offering that manages logistics, customs, and value-added benefits, such as tax efficiencies.
The TecEx Solution for GPU Cloud Providers
TecEx supports the world’s largest cloud providers, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, Oracle, and Google Cloud, in building their DC/PoP presence globally. TecEx also has strong ties with several GPU OEMs, including Nvidia.
TecEx handles:
Risk management
We handle all the import requirements and country-specific customs regulations for AI tech. Our experience ensures that there are no risks of equipment being stuck or confiscated in customs.
Upfront import tax savings
With rates that can be up to the value of 21% of the hardware, any non-recovery is significant.
Project management
We handle everything with your hardware vendor as a single accountable party, from pick up to final delivery at the data center.
End-to-end logistics
This includes white glove delivery to any data center or Point of Presence in over 200 destinations.