The whole category in one page.
ESTABLISH WHETHER THE GOODS MAY BE IMPORTED AT ALL, BEFORE ORDERING
Prohibited or restricted items arriving without permits produce losses that dwarf the purchase price. Check the agency that regulates your product first.
CALCULATE THE LANDED COST, NOT THE PURCHASE PRICE
Freight, insurance, duty, levies, agent fees, port charges, inland transport and financing. The purchase price is frequently a fraction of the total.
DELIVERY TERMS DECIDE WHO PAYS AND WHO BEARS THE LOSS
A price quoted at origin and one quoted delivered are not comparable. Always ask which term applies, with the named place.
EVERY DOCUMENT MUST MATCH EVERY OTHER DOCUMENT
Descriptions, quantities, values, names and marks. Any discrepancy stops clearance, and corrections after shipment are slow or impossible.
DEMURRAGE AND STORAGE ACCUMULATE DAILY AND CAN EXCEED THE VALUE OF THE GOODS
Have complete documents and the funds for duties ready before the shipment arrives, not after.
NEVER ACCEPT AN AGENT'S SUGGESTION TO UNDERVALUE OR MISDECLARE
The liability is yours, not theirs, and the consequences run to seizure and criminal exposure.
EXCHANGE MOVEMENT BETWEEN ORDER AND CLEARANCE CAN ELIMINATE THE MARGIN ENTIRELY — PRICE WITH AN ALLOWANCE
BEFORE EXPORTING, ESTABLISH THE DESTINATION'S STANDARDS AND LABELLING, BECAUSE REJECTED GOODS ARE A TOTAL LOSS
AND SETTLE HOW YOU WILL ACTUALLY BE PAID BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, SINCE A CONTRACT YOU CANNOT COLLECT ON IS WORTHLESS
