importer

An importer is a person or organization that brings goods or services into a country for resale or use. Importers may buy directly from foreign manufacturers or act as intermediaries such as trading companies, import brokers, or agents who arrange purchases on behalf of others.

Core activities include supplier selection and due diligence, negotiating price and terms (often governed by Incoterms), arranging international transport and insurance, and coordinating customs clearance. Importers compile and submit documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading or air waybills, certificates of origin, and any required import licenses or permits. They determine and pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees, and ensure compliance with product safety, labeling, and packaging regulations.

Regulatory considerations include customs procedures, classification and valuation for tariff purposes, import quotas, sanctions, and restrictions on controlled or hazardous goods. Importers of record bear responsibility for accurate declarations, record-keeping, and post-entry compliance. They must monitor exchange rates, currency controls, and evolving standards to avoid penalties and delays.

Types and strategies include direct importers who purchase for their own operations, indirect importers who rely on brokers or agents, and trading companies that specialize in handling imports for multiple clients. Risks include supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and regulatory changes, which importers mitigate through supplier diversification, risk management, and compliance programs.

In computing, an importer can also refer to a component or function that reads external data or modules into a program, highlighting a separate use of the term.