Goods from abroad.
WHAT IMPORTING ADDS
Longer lead times Documentation requirements Customs clearance and duty Exchange rate exposure Greater consequence of error
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ORDERING
The classification of the goods Duty and taxes payable Whether any permit or approval is required Whether the goods are restricted Documentation required
WHY CLASSIFICATION MATTERS
It determines duty, and misclassification produces penalties and delays.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Classification, with a competent agent or the authority.
WHAT DOCUMENTATION IS TYPICALLY REQUIRED
Commercial invoice Packing list Transport document Certificate of origin, where applicable Product certificates, where required Import authorisation, where required
WHY DOCUMENTATION ACCURACY MATTERS
Discrepancies between documents cause delays and inspections.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That documents match each other exactly: descriptions, quantities and values.
WHAT TO AVOID
Undervaluation or misdescription.
WHY
It is an offence, it is detected, and the consequences exceed the duty saved.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CLEARING AGENTS
Their competence and record What they charge, itemised What they do on your behalf
WHY ITEMISED
Unexplained charges are common.
WHAT TO REQUIRE
Receipts for every official payment.
WHAT TO PLAN FOR
Clearance taking longer than expected.
WHY
Demurrage and storage charges accumulate quickly.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who is responsible for delay costs.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Landed cost: goods, freight, insurance, duty, clearance, inland transport.
WHY
The invoice price bears little relation to what the goods cost you.
