Resources
First import guide
A step-by-step guide for businesses importing for the first time - from finding a supplier to receiving your cargo.
Importing for the first time can feel overwhelming: suppliers to vet, trade terms to understand, transport to arrange, documents to prepare and customs to navigate. This guide walks you through the essentials.
If you'd rather have it handled, that's exactly what we do - we'll guide you at every stage and coordinate the whole shipment for you.
Find a reliable supplier
Research and select a supplier that meets your quality, price and reliability requirements. Verify their credentials, request samples and agree commercial terms before placing orders.
Key Tips
- ✓Use trade platforms or trade shows to find and compare suppliers
- ✓Always request product samples before committing to large orders
- ✓Verify supplier credentials through business registration checks
- ✓Agree payment terms that protect both parties
Understand Incoterms
Incoterms define who is responsible for transport, insurance and customs at each stage. The term you agree decides who pays for the main carriage - and shapes your costs and risk.
Key Tips
- ✓FOB and CIF are the most common terms for sea freight
- ✓FCA is preferred for containerized and multimodal shipments
- ✓DDP gives you a fully landed cost but relies on the supplier's logistics
- ✓Always specify the Incoterm and named place in your purchase contract
Choose your transport mode
Select the mode that fits your cargo, volume, budget and timeline. Each one trades off cost, speed and capacity differently - we'll help you weigh them.
Key Tips
- ✓Ocean freight: most economical for larger volumes
- ✓Air freight: fastest, best for urgent or high-value goods
- ✓Rail freight: a balanced middle ground on the China–Europe corridor
- ✓Road freight: most flexible for European distribution
Prepare your documentation
International imports need specific documents for customs clearance. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the most common cause of delays - so we collect and check it with you.
Key Tips
- ✓Commercial invoice: describes the goods, their value and the parties
- ✓Packing list: details contents, weight and dimensions per package
- ✓Bill of lading / air waybill: the carrier's receipt and contract of carriage
- ✓Certificate of origin: may be needed for preferential duty rates
- ✓Extra permits may apply to regulated goods (food, chemicals, electronics)
Customs clearance
All imported goods must be declared, classified under the correct tariff code, and have applicable duties and VAT settled before release. We coordinate this through licensed brokers.
Key Tips
- ✓Work with a licensed customs broker to avoid costly errors
- ✓Get the HS classification right - mistakes can lead to penalties
- ✓Advance clearance can reduce delays on arrival
- ✓Consider fiscal representation for VAT deferral on larger imports
Receive and inspect your goods
Once clearance is complete we arrange delivery to your premises or warehouse. Inspect the goods on arrival and document any damage or discrepancy immediately.
Key Tips
- ✓Inspect goods on arrival and note any damage on the delivery receipt
- ✓Report damage to the carrier and your insurer within the required window
- ✓Keep records of all received goods for inventory and accounting
- ✓Consider warehousing if you need storage before final distribution
Ready to start importing?
Let us handle the logistics while you focus on your business. Get a free quote and straightforward guidance for your first import.