Moving goods across borders.
WHAT IS TYPICALLY REQUIRED TO IMPORT
Registration as an importer A form initiating the transaction through a bank Supporting commercial documents Inspection or certification, depending on the goods Customs declaration Payment of duties and levies
WHAT COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS MEANS
Invoice Packing list Bill of lading or air waybill Certificate of origin
WHAT THE BANK'S ROLE IS
Processing the transaction documentation required by the regulatory framework.
WHAT AGENCIES ARE TYPICALLY INVOLVED
Customs Standards organisation, for regulated goods Food and drug agency, for applicable products Others, by product type
WHAT TO ESTABLISH BEFORE ORDERING
Whether the goods require permits What duties apply Whether any prohibition applies
WHY BEFORE ORDERING
Goods arriving without required permits create expensive problems.
WHAT COMMONLY CAUSES DELAY
Documentation inconsistencies Classification disputes Valuation queries Missing certifications
WHAT CLASSIFICATION IS
The tariff code determining duty.
WHY IT MATTERS
It determines cost, and disputes are common.
WHAT TO ENGAGE
A licensed customs agent.
WHAT TO KEEP
Every document, for the retention period.
WHAT EXPORT TYPICALLY REQUIRES
Registration Documentation through a bank Certification for certain goods
WHAT TO VERIFY
Current requirements, which change frequently.
