Getting started with importing
In short
Importing means buying a product from a supplier in another country and bringing it into yours. The first steps are consistent: find and vet a supplier, understand the duties and taxes you will owe, plan customs clearance, and arrange logistics. Duty rates, taxes and import rules vary by country, so this is general guidance, not legal, tax or customs advice.
Importing can open up better pricing, new products and more supply options — but your first order involves more than placing an order and waiting for a box. This guide covers the steps in order. Duty rates, taxes and import requirements differ by country, so treat this as general guidance and confirm the specifics with your own customs authority and a qualified professional.
1. Source and shortlist suppliers
Start by writing a clear brief: the product, quantity, specifications and the delivery destination. Then search a focused channel rather than open search engines, which mix suppliers with ads and marketplaces. A B2B directory lets you filter by sector and compare company profiles side by side. Browse suppliers on Digibition or explore by industry, then shortlist a handful to compare.
2. Vet before you commit
A supplier abroad is harder to check, so combine several signals: a registered identity, relevant certifications with valid scope, a complete profile, and clear, specific communication. Send the same structured quote request to each candidate so their offers are comparable, and ask questions directly before you order. How a supplier communicates before the sale predicts how they will handle problems after it.
3. Understand what you will owe
The price the supplier quotes is rarely the full cost of getting goods onto your shelf. Import charges stack on top, and the total is often called the landed cost.
| Cost component | What it is | Who usually sets it |
|---|---|---|
| Product price | What you pay the supplier | The supplier |
| Freight and insurance | Moving and covering the goods | Carrier or forwarder |
| Import duty | A charge based on the HS code and value | Destination customs authority |
| Import taxes | VAT, GST or similar, where applicable | Destination tax authority |
| Clearance and handling | Broker, port and handling fees | Broker and service providers |
Duty and tax rates vary widely by country and product, and some trade agreements reduce them. Estimate the full landed cost before ordering, not just the unit price, and verify the rates that apply to you.
4. Plan customs clearance
Imported goods must clear customs before release. That usually means a correct HS classification, a declared value, and supporting documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list and often a certificate of origin. A licensed customs broker can file the declaration for you and is often worth it for a first import. Getting the classification and value right matters — errors cause delays and can change what you owe.
5. Arrange logistics and delivery
Agree a clear trade term (an Incoterm) with the supplier so you both know who arranges and pays for carriage, insurance and clearance, and where risk passes. A freight forwarder can coordinate the shipment door to door and prepare transport documents. Build in buffer time: customs inspections, port congestion and paperwork gaps all add days.
6. Receive, check and keep records
When goods arrive, inspect against your specifications and the packing list before accepting them, and keep every document on file. Keeping the whole conversation on record through built-in messaging and calls makes it far easier to resolve a shortage or defect, because the agreed specifications and terms are all in one place.
Key takeaways
- Write a clear brief, then source and vet suppliers before you commit.
- Calculate the full landed cost — product, freight, duty, taxes and clearance — not just unit price.
- Get the HS classification and declared value right; consider a customs broker.
- Agree a clear trade term, build in buffer time, and inspect goods on arrival.
This is general guidance, not legal, tax or customs advice; duty rates, taxes and rules vary by country, so check your own customs authority and consult a qualified professional. Ready to source? Browse verified suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the first step to start importing?
- Write a clear brief covering the product, quantity, specifications and delivery destination, then use a focused B2B directory to find and shortlist suppliers. A precise brief gets you comparable quotes and makes vetting far easier.
- What is landed cost?
- Landed cost is the total cost of getting imported goods to your location: the product price plus freight and insurance, import duty, any applicable taxes such as VAT or GST, and clearance and handling fees. Rates vary by country and product, so estimate it before you order.
- Do I need a customs broker to import?
- You are not always required to use one, but for a first import a licensed broker is often worth it. They file the customs declaration, help classify the goods correctly and reduce the risk of costly delays while you learn the process.
- How are import duties calculated?
- Import duty is generally based on the HS code of the product and its declared customs value, and the rate depends on the destination country and sometimes on trade agreements. Because rates vary widely, confirm what applies with your own customs authority.
- How do I reduce the risk on a first import order?
- Vet the supplier using several signals, send a structured quote request, start with a smaller order or samples, agree a clear trade term and payment in writing, and consult a qualified professional before finalising customs and payment arrangements.