How to import goods

Do you want to start importing goods to Ukraine, but don’t know where to start and what you might need to do? We have prepared a brief overview of this topic for you.

What is importing

Importing goods is the process of importing something from another country with mandatory customs inspection. It is the customs authorities that regulate import trade. The responsibilities of customs include controlling the flow of goods, collecting duties and taxes, and inspecting imported goods.

Key elements of the import process

Importer and exporter participate in the process of importing goods from abroad. Sometimes trade takes place through the mediation of a customs broker. How quickly the import will take place depends on properly configured logistics and appropriate documentation. In order for everything to go smoothly, it is very important to understand the responsibilities of each party and the applicable regulations, as well as to understand all the key terms and steps that need to be taken in the process of importing goods.

Who is the importer?

The importer is the party that personally or through a broker submits the import declaration and is responsible for paying duties and taxes. It can be both a legal entity and a private person. In the shipping documents, this party is often indicated as the buyer or consignee, as well as the owner of the imported goods.

Who is an exporter?

An exporter is a company or a person who sends goods to another country, in other words, a seller. Export must be controlled by the customs authorities of the country from which the goods are sent.

What is customs?

These are state bodies that control the flow of goods into or out of the country. They are responsible for complying with the country’s import and export laws and regulations. They also collect all duties and taxes.

What is customs clearance?

Customs clearance is a means of controlling and approving the movement of goods across borders. In other words, it is the process of passing goods through customs in accordance with certain requirements of legislation in this area. Customs clearance is carried out both when goods are imported into the country and when they are exported.

What should be checked first?

When planning to import, you need to make sure that the goods you plan to import are approved for import in your country.

Find out if certificates or licenses are required to import these goods.

Clarify in what quantities or volumes certain goods can be imported, what documents may be required for customs clearance, and what the exporter must provide (for example, a certificate of origin).

Remember that all relevant and correct information regarding customs clearance can be obtained only from an official source – the customs service. These can be information resources of a state body – a website, social networks, or direct consultation with a relevant specialist – a customs officer.

How is the product declared?

Before the imported goods are handed over to the carrier, it is necessary to specify all the points necessary for passing the customs inspection and be ready to submit the customs declaration. Most often, the declaration is submitted electronically and this can be done by your carrier or a specially hired customs broker.

What is a customs declaration?

A customs declaration is a document that indicates current information about the nature of the goods, their value, the final destination of the goods, the contacts of the sender and the recipient of the goods. Also, the declaration can be made directly at the customs when the carrier crosses state borders.

What is country of origin and why is it important?

The country of origin is the place of origin of the product and its elements. In some situations, the country of origin may not be the country of dispatch of the goods. And in situations where your product or its components are obtained from different countries, be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of all countries of origin. Not only the amount of duty for your cargo, but also the prohibition or permission to import may depend on this.

What is an import license?

An import license is a permit document that allows companies and individuals to import certain goods into their territory. Only the relevant state body can issue a license. Sometimes the license relates not so much to the import process as to the imported product itself.

Who are customs brokers and how to find them?

A customs broker is a specialist in international trade. His duties include preparation and passing of customs inspection.

Licensed brokers can be found on your country’s official customs resources or through your local association of customs brokers and freight forwarders. Also, be sure to check whether a power of attorney will be required for a broker – in some countries this procedure is mandatory.

What import documents will I need?

When planning international transportation, draw up an air waybill and a commercial invoice. Check with the sender whether you need accompanying documentation – for example, licenses or certificates, proof of origin or an EORI number if the goods are going through the territory of European countries.

Please note that there may be time limits for the declaration of certain goods. Ensure that the completed documentation is in place before the shipment arrives at customs. Moreover, the data in all documents must match.

How are duties and taxes calculated?

As a rule, information about the amount of duties and taxes on the shipment is available to your carrier. You can agree with him on the payment of these funds in advance or in arrears, as is more convenient. And you can find out the customs calculation mechanisms at the border crossing on the customs website.

When will my goods be released from customs?

The goods will be admitted to the territory of the country only after processing the customs declaration and receiving payment of duties and taxes in full.

If you plan to import goods from different countries to Ukraine, we suggest you contact us – the responsible and efficient international transport company GlobalPost. We are happy to help your business become more mobile and profitable! Contact our specialists for advice and calculate approximate cost of delivery from 212 countries of the world. Any distance becomes closer with us!