Tooteimport

Tooteimport, or product import, is the activity of bringing goods from a supplier located outside the domestic market into the country for resale, distribution, or use in manufacturing. In Estonia and other EU contexts, tooteimport covers consumer goods, industrial inputs, and components, and may be carried out by importers, wholesalers, retailers, or manufacturers acting as their own importer. The term appears in business documentation, trade statistics, and regulatory discussions of cross-border commerce.

Key steps include selecting suppliers, negotiating terms (including Incoterms), arranging transport, and preparing export and import documentation. Typical documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and any conformity or safety certificates required by the destination market. At the border, customs authorities assess import duties and value-added tax (VAT), and may require inspections, licenses, or safety checks. In the EU and Estonia, goods move under the EU Customs Union; import VAT is generally due at clearance, and duties are assessed based on tariff classifications. The importer is responsible for compliance with product safety, labeling, and environmental requirements, such as CE marking where applicable.

Economically, tooteimport supports domestic supply chains, consumer choice, and manufacturing inputs, while posing risks related to currency fluctuations, supplier reliability, and regulatory compliance. Logistics providers, customs brokers, and digital tools facilitate the process, with growing use of electronic declarations and interoperability between customs authorities, freight forwarders, and buyers. Trends include expanding cross-border e-commerce, greater emphasis on traceability and sustainability, and evolving regulatory regimes in international trade.