Importador

Importador is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to refer to a person or company that brings goods into a country from abroad. In many contexts, the importador is also the importador de registro (importer of record), the party legally responsible for ensuring compliance with customs and tax obligations.

Roles and responsibilities commonly associated with an importador include sourcing goods, arranging transport, negotiating terms with suppliers, and managing the post-shipment process. The importador classifies goods under tariff codes, determines applicable duties and taxes, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements such as product safety, labeling, packaging, and sanitary or phytosanitary standards. Depending on the jurisdiction, the importador may need licenses or permits and may engage intermediaries such as customs brokers or freight forwarders.

Process overview often involves selecting a supplier, signing a contract, and deciding on incoterms to define responsibilities and risk. The importador prepares and submits documentation for customs clearance, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and certificates of origin. After arrival, an import declaration is filed, duties and taxes are calculated and paid, and goods are released for domestic use or resale. Some countries require the importador to be registered with tax authorities.

Legal and economic context emphasizes that importadores are integral to supply chains and can range from small businesses to large corporations. They operate under frameworks that include customs rules, import quotas, anti-dumping measures, sanctions, and currency risks, and may face penalties for non-compliance.