Importers

An importer is a person or organization that brings goods or services into a country from abroad for resale, manufacturing, or personal use. Importers play a central role in international trade by identifying market opportunities, sourcing suppliers, negotiating terms, and coordinating the flow of goods from origin to destination. They handle logistics, financing, and compliance to move products across borders.

Key activities include selecting suppliers and negotiating price and terms (often using Incoterms such as FOB, CIF, or DAP), arranging transportation and insurance, and producing required documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin). Importers also manage customs clearance, classify goods for tariff purposes, calculate duties and taxes, and ensure compliance with product standards, labeling, and safety regulations. In many jurisdictions, importers must obtain licenses or registrations and may be subject to sanctions checks or other regulatory controls. The importer of record bears legal responsibility for customs declarations and payment of duties.

Types of importers include retail importers who sell to end customers, wholesale importers who supply other businesses, manufacturing importers who bring in inputs for production, commodity traders, and e-commerce importers.

Risk and finance considerations include currency risk, payment terms (letters of credit, open account), quality control, supplier due diligence, and the need to manage supply chain disruptions. Effective importers contribute to domestic availability and price competition while complying with applicable laws and standards.