Step-By-Step Import Procedure

If you want to import goods from abroad, you need to learn the basics of international trade, which means you need to learn about things like customs regulations, tariffs, and the laws governing imports into your country.

We've put together a list of five things you should do before you embark on your importing journey.

1. Learn Basic Terms and Business Concepts

   • First and foremost, you need to learn the basic terms and business concepts associated with importing. This includes things like tariff classification, trade agreements, fees and duties, and more.

   • You should also familiarize yourself with the regulations that govern imports in your country. This will include everything from product safety standards to licensing requirements for different types of goods.

2. Research Products And Suppliers

   • Once you have a basic understanding of the importing process, your next step should be to research potential products and suppliers. This is an important step, as it will help you to select suitable goods for your needs and find reputable suppliers who can reliably meet your demands.

   • Profit begins at the purchase stage. You must decide which products to import by conducting a thorough market analysis. It requires a research process and feasibility that includes criteria such as product life, price, segment, target audience, and other aspects.

   • You should also conduct due diligence on potential suppliers, including researching their track record and talking to existing clients. This will help you get a sense of the kind of service they provide and how well they can meet your needs.

   • By taking the time to research products and suppliers carefully, you'll be able to ensure that your importing efforts are successful from start to finish. Our initial recommendation to importers is to always diversify and not deal with just one country or vendor. This is risky because of political conflicts and supply chain issues. A singular provider can put you in a supply crisis if they cannot fulfill your needs.

   • Ask your supplier for an HS Code to ensure that the product is legally allowed to be imported into your country. You can also ask your supplier if they have any other certifications or documentation that will help with the importing process. Finally, make sure that you understand all of the costs associated with importing your goods, including customs tariffs, insurance costs, shipping fees, and more.

   • For example, you should not start importing a product whose import is subject to the permission of the Ministry of Health before the permit, approval, and certification process is completed. Missing or incorrect information can cause serious consequences. Even worse, the products you buy that have been shipped to your country may be rejected during customs.

3. Product and Supplier Identification

   • If you're looking to expand or grow your importing business, it's essential to build strong relationships with reputable manufacturers and suppliers.

     But how do you go about meeting potential manufacturers and suppliers? Below are four methods you can use to get started:

     • Supplier listing websites and B2B sites — there are a number of supplier listing websites and B2B sites that can help you free up some time in your search by connecting you with potential suppliers

     • Sourcing and consulting companies — by partnering with a sourcing or consulting company, you'll have access to a network of experienced professionals who can help you find the right suppliers

     • Trade shows and industry events — trade shows and other industry events allow you to meet potential manufacturers and suppliers in person and build relationships that will be useful for future business dealings

     • Online networking tools — social media platforms and online networking sites can be a great way to connect with potential suppliers and manufacturers, as well as other business professionals in your industry.

   • It's also vital to do some research on your potential suppliers and manufacturers before committing to a relationship. This will help you identify any red flags, as well as ensure that they have the expertise and resources needed to meet your needs. Some key factors to consider include:

     • Manufacturing capabilities and quality standards — this includes looking at things like their production capacity, whether they use state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies and their quality control procedures

     • Business reputation and financial stability — you'll want to take a close look at your potential suppliers' track record of delivering high-quality goods on time, as well as their financial health, to ensure that they are a reliable partner for your importing business.

     • Accessibility and communication — you'll also want to consider things like how easy it is to communicate with your potential suppliers, as well as whether they offer timely and responsive customer support.

   • If you take the time to carefully evaluate potential manufacturers and suppliers, you can build solid and long-lasting relationships that will help your importing business thrive.

4. Request a Sample Product and Inspection Service

   • Once you've selected a few potential suppliers and manufacturers for your importing business, it's crucial to request a sample of their products.

   • A few free trials or a small-scale order allows you to test the quality of the product, assess its suitability for your business, and confirm that it meets all relevant safety standards. It's also an excellent opportunity to test how easy it is to work with your chosen supplier, and it gives you the chance to see how they measure up against competitors in terms of price and value. On top of that, you can show the goods to your potential clients and distributors to get their feedback.

   • Of course, when ordering samples, you should always ask for documentation such as an analysis report. And it's also a good idea to look into the supplier's quality control procedures. This way, you can be sure that you're getting what you expect.

   • Finally, when making your purchase order, be sure to find out about any taxes or duties that may apply to the imported goods. This will help you budget for your shipping costs and avoid any customs clearance surprises down the road.

   • However, quality assurance shouldn't stop at the initial stages of working with a manufacturer or supplier. Even if you've already viewed samples, we recommend requesting inspections before each or every couple of purchases and then periodically throughout the product's life.

   • If your business has a quality manager, they can send it to the factory for evaluation before shipping. On the other hand, if this facility is unavailable or too expensive, you can obtain this service from an independent testing laboratory in the manufacturing country. Knowing that an examination will be performed encourages manufacturers to consider quality and delivery dates.

   • Overall, working with a reputable and reliable supplier is essential for ensuring the success of your importing business. By requesting samples, assessing quality control procedures, and arranging inspections when necessary, you can minimize any risks and ensure that your products meet the standards you expect.

5. Calculate Landed Cost

   • When it comes to sourcing products for your business, it's essential to compare the quality and price of the products you're interested in with the alternatives available on the market. This allows you to make sure you're getting the best possible value for your money.

   • Sometimes manufacturers will offer different models or options of the same product, which can vary in terms of quality and price. When you're looking to purchase something, it's vital that you first look at the product specifications and compare prices before deciding on anything.

   • Beyond just the pricing, there are also other costs that you'll need to consider when importing goods. These include taxes, duty fees, transportation and shipping charges, and the cost of value-added services like quality control inspections or reliability testing.To make sure that your total landed costs are as low as possible, it's important to carefully calculate all of these factors before making a decision.

   • Overall, understanding your total landed cost is an integral part of ensuring that you're getting the best possible value when importing products for your business.