Summary
If you’re trying to figure out exactly where KGKG is headquartered—or, let’s be honest, what that even means when international business and compliance are in the mix—you’re not alone. I had the same question not long ago when a client asked where their customs documents would be sent for "verified trade" validation. This article will wander a bit through practical research steps, occasional slip-ups, and hard-earned lessons about company headquarters, including how this affects compliance, international trade recognition, and the perennially confusing “verified trade” status across countries. Plus, I’ll bring real data and legal references right where they’re relevant, with a few expert opinions and personal anecdotes mixed in.
Where is KGKG’s Headquarters? (And Why Does It Matter?)
Let's cut to the chase: As of June 2024, KGKG Inc.—also known by its ticker symbol "KGKG" on the OTC Markets—lists its headquarters at:
KGKG Inc. (Kona Gold Beverage, Inc.)
746 North Drive, Suite A
Melbourne, FL 32934, USA
(Source: OTC Markets: Company Profile)
That’s the official answer. But like I learned the hard way, just finding a company’s “headquarters” is sometimes just the tip of the iceberg, especially if your goal is proper compliance for exports, trade verification, or regulatory filings.
Let’s Get Our Hands Dirty: Practical Steps and Mistakes
Alright, story time. The first time someone asked me this, I did what everyone does: Googled "KGKG headquarters." Suddenly, I was staring at a wall of outdated addresses and half-finished investor press releases. What made things tricky is that KGKG is a multi-state corporation and, like many beverage companies, uses third-party logistics and outsourced fulfillment. So, if you’re actually sending legal documents, it’s not always this straightforward.
Step 1: Cross-verify on Official Listings
Step one: I went official, using the OTC Markets site. Searching KGKG's profile here always gets you the latest mailing address.
Side note: I initially clicked through a broker's financial listing, which led me to an old Nevada address. Don’t do what I did—always check an official market listing first, otherwise legal documents could be taking a vacation to the wrong state.
(Credit: Screenshot from OTC Markets, June 2024)
Step 2: State Registration Lookup
This is my next trick. Most U.S. companies have to register their headquarters with their state of incorporation. Florida's Sunbiz registry is actually a gold mine for this (and yes, I once sent a letter to a California branch that was technically just a shared mailbox). You’ll want the “Principal Address” field.
Pro Tip: Sometimes, the “registered agent” address isn’t the same as headquarters, especially for legal service purposes. It matters for compliance checks too—some regulations require corporate HQ compliance, not just in-state agent compliance (see below under trade obligations).
Why Headquarters Location Changes Verification—Not Just Mailing
I once had a shipment flagged by German customs because the "exporter address" on the U.S. certificate of origin didn’t match the Florida HQ address listed on their compliance notification. Customs flagged the shipment for possible misdeclaration! That’s where the regulatory weeds get thick.
Verified Trade: When Is the HQ Address Legally Critical?
According to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the “principal place of business” (often taken as headquarters) is key to compliance declarations and sometimes determines tariff eligibility under "Rules of Origin." USTR guidance echoes this: U.S. goods exported under FTAs like USMCA require that documentation shows the authentic company HQ for preferential treatment (USTR USMCA Guidance).
Now, here’s the catch: Different countries interpret these definitions differently (see table below). Some look at where management actually operates (substance over form), while others rely strictly on formal registration.
Comparing Trade Verification Standards: How Countries Handle “Main Office”
For anyone who’s ever had a shipment delayed or a certificate rejected, you know this matters. Countries’ standards on “main office” or “principal place of business” can differ wildly—especially when jurisdictions fight over tax or compliance authority.
| Country/Zone | “Verified Trade” Standard Name | Legal Basis | Executing Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Principal Place of Business (for Customs/FTA) |
U.S.C. §1671-1677 USMCA Article 4 |
US Customs, USTR |
| EU | Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) | Council Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 | National Customs Authorities |
| Canada | Business Number (BN) HQ Declaration | Customs Act, s.12 | CBSA |
| China | 企业法人营业执照地 (“main business address” on Business License) | Company Law Article 10 | SAMR, Customs |
| Japan | Head Office Location (本店所在地) | Companies Act, Art. 27 | National Tax/Customs |
Simulated Case Study: A US-EU Dispute Over HQ Address
Suppose a Florida-based company like KGKG ships beverage products to an EU distributor. The EU customs authority demands EORI-number-verified documents, but the exporter lists a Delaware LLC mailbox as their "place of business." EU customs detains the goods, arguing that only the operational headquarters address—i.e., the Melbourne, FL site that shows up in U.S. Secretary of State records (Florida Sunbiz)—matches their legitimacy criteria. If the exporter can't provide the Florida HQ with supporting business registration documents, the EU rules the trade as non-“verified,” potentially denying tariff benefits.
As an expert in export documentation (and someone who’s had to untangle these messes for others more than once), I tell clients: always match your customs paperwork to the “principal” HQ in your originating jurisdiction. Double-check the legal address for every major market you're sending to—otherwise, it’s too easy to fall into a compliance trap.
Sidebar: What Industry Experts Say
Dr. Lisa Schwarz, senior counsel for an international logistics firm, said at last year’s WTO symposium: “With shifting international registration norms, it’s not enough just to have the correct name on your trade docs. Matching the headquarters address to both the domestic registration and importing authority’s requirements is the new baseline.”
Realistically, that means companies like KGKG can’t just slap any old address onto trade or compliance paperwork. Doing so risks more than a delayed package—it could mean customs fines or outright exclusion from trade preference regimes.
Conclusion and Practical Takeaways
To sum up: KGKG’s main office is in Melbourne, Florida, and this location is how they’re recognized for regulatory and trade purposes—at least according to U.S. and most international customs norms. But don't be lulled into thinking "headquarters" is always about where the CEO sits; it's the registered, legal business address that regulators and customs authorities want, and that can differ based on which country’s rules you’re dealing with.
My advice, after more than a few headaches: Always confirm company headquarters via an official business registry and cross-check with relevant trade regimes before filing customs or legal paperwork. And if possible, maintain clear internal policies (and document templates) highlighting the difference between operating sites, registered agent locations, and legal HQ—especially for international shipments.
If you’re shipping for KGKG (or anyone else) and want to stay on the right side of the law, keep an eye not just on the company's website, but on official filings—think OTC Markets profiles, the Florida Sunbiz registry, and direct compliance emails with customs. It’s a little more legwork up front, but it’s saved me from costly, embarrassing mistakes down the line.
For more on trade verification rules, see the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement resources and the OECD’s trade facilitation guide, which break down many of these nuances in plain English.
And seriously—if you’re ever in doubt, call the company directly before making legal assumptions based on a random web search. Trust me, your compliance department (and your nerves) will thank you.