Learning path
New to importing?
Start here.
Everything you need to understand before — and during — your first import. From customs clearance to documentation, Incoterms to duties.
Before you import
What you need to have in place
Before your first shipment arrives, there are a handful of things every importer needs to understand. These aren't optional extras — they're the basics.
Get an EORI number
If you're importing into the UK or EU, you need an Economic Operators Registration and Identification number before goods can be cleared through customs. It's free and straightforward to apply for.
Classify your goods with an HS code
Every product imported has a commodity code that determines the duty rate and any restrictions. Getting this right matters — a misclassification can mean underpaying duty (which creates a liability) or overpaying it.
Understand who pays what under your Incoterm
The Incoterm in your purchase contract determines exactly where the seller's responsibilities end and yours begin — including who pays for freight, insurance, and customs clearance.
Know which documents you'll receive
A typical import involves a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading (or airway bill). You'll need to know what information each one should contain and what happens if something is missing or wrong.
Decide whether to use a customs broker
You can submit customs declarations yourself, but most new importers use a licensed customs broker, especially for the first few shipments. Knowing what they do (and what to look for) helps you work with them effectively.
Budget for the total landed cost
The price you pay your supplier is rarely the total cost. Import duty, VAT (or local equivalent), freight, insurance, and handling fees all add up. Understanding landed cost before you agree a price matters.
Core reading
Articles for new importers
These articles cover the key topics in the importing process. Each one is written to stand alone — start anywhere.
What is customs clearance — and what actually happens to your goods?
A clear explanation of the customs clearance process: what it involves, who does what, and where delays typically happen.
Read article →HS codes explained: how to classify your goods correctly
What the Harmonised System is, why it matters, how to find the right code for your product, and what happens if you get it wrong.
Read article →EORI numbers: what they are and how to apply
Why every importer and exporter needs an EORI number, what it's used for, and how to register for one in the UK and EU.
Read article →The commercial invoice: what it must contain
A commercial invoice is the foundation of a customs entry. Here's exactly what information it needs to include and why each element matters.
Read article →Packing lists explained: purpose, contents, and common errors
What a packing list is for, what information it must contain, and the mistakes that cause problems at customs or with the freight forwarder.
Read article →Bills of lading: the document that controls your cargo
Why the bill of lading is one of the most important documents in a sea freight shipment, and what the different types mean for you as the importer.
Read article →FCL vs LCL: choosing the right container option
When to use a full container load versus groupage — and what each choice means for cost, transit time, and risk.
Read article →Container types and specifications
Standard 20ft and 40ft boxes are just the start. A guide to the main container types — their dimensions, use cases, and what to consider when booking.
Read article →Demurrage and detention: what they are and how to avoid them
Two of the most common unexpected costs in importing, explained clearly — what triggers them, who charges them, and how to avoid running up a bill.
Read article →Incoterms
Which Incoterm applies to your purchase?
Incoterms define who pays for what and who takes risk at each stage of a shipment. The one in your contract has a direct impact on your costs and responsibilities. These are the ones most relevant to importers.
You collect from the supplier's premises and take on all costs and risk from that point. Maximum responsibility for the importer.
Supplier loads at origin port. From that point, you pay for freight and insurance. Very common in sea freight from Asia.
Supplier pays for freight and insurance to the destination port. You take on risk once goods are loaded at origin.
Supplier handles everything including customs clearance and duty. Simplest for the importer but may cost more in the product price.
Delivered to a named destination. You handle customs clearance and import duty. Popular for B2C cross-border.
Risk transfers at a named point after the supplier clears export. More practical than EXW for many situations.
Supplier pays freight to destination port. You arrange insurance. Risk transfers at loading in origin port.
Supplier pays freight to named destination. Used for any mode of transport, unlike CFR which is sea-only.