Import Procedures and Documentations – Step by Step Procedure (2024)

A very important role is played by the Import and Customs authorities in all countries of the world when it comes to the entry of goods into the country. The era of globalization ushered in more and more interactions between different countries of the world, leading to an increase in the masses of imports and exports. In order to effectively manage all this, having a trained body of officials and rules is very important.

Import procedures and documentation are required for any good that crosses the international borders and enters the country. This can range from mere gifts to big shipments.

Steps for the Process of Import Procedure

The following steps can adequately explain the process of import procedure and documentation:

  1. First and foremost, before anything can enter the country, a comprehensive list of what item is being imported and for what purpose needs to be updated and registered. Data like this can be obtained from trade associations and trade organisations.

  2. The EXIM Policy is then consulted by the Importer to make sure that all rules and regulations are followed and standards are met.

  3. Then the request of the instalment of foreign cash takes place which includes the trading of Indian Currency into foreign notes. In this matter, The Exchange Control Department of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) manages foreign trade exchange in India.

  4. The importer then puts in an import request with the exporter for the supply of merchandise.

  5. Once the payments are settled between the importer and the seller, a letter of credit is issued to the importer.

  6. The importer arranges for the payment of the advance money on arrival of the goods at the port. This saves the importer from the high penalties.

  7. The overseas supplier after in-loading the merchandise on the ship dispatches the “Shipment Advice” to the importer to give information with respect to the shipment of goods.

  8. Dock charges are also paid out by the importer once the goods are received and all inspections are completed.

In India, the procedure of imports usually follows this outline, unless the goods are otherwise specified as hazardous or are specially requested by the government of the country. A number of documents are required to make sure that this process takes place seamlessly, which is important for the importer to have quick access to.

These Documentations Include

  • All invoices, packing lists, certificates specifying the origins of the product and its description, GATT declaration, IET documents and any other document that the government specifies.

  • Catalogue, Technical Write ups – required for import of machinery and equipment.

  • Chemical Composition, Test bond required by the respective customs – all are needed in case of Chemical Import.

  • Phytosanitary Certificate with Fumigation, Certificate of Origin – required for un-processed food, plant products, wood imprints, fruits and seeds import.

  • Test Report and Composition – for processed food product import.

  • Azo Dye Inspection Certificate – in Import of Fabric.

  • PLAT T essential for valuation – In case of import of Plastic Granules.

  • Registered EPCG License, Panelised Undertaking by Importer, Bond com BG Bank Covering Letter, Signature Attestation from Bank, Copy of Board of Regulation, Particles of Memorandum, and Detail of Previous License – Import under EPCG license.

  • Form necessary from Supplier for customs duty advantage – Import of Ceramic Tiles.

  • Test Certificate – Import of Wine and Whiskey.

Explain Import Procedure

Import procedure means all the steps involved in purchase of goods from any foreign country. The procedural steps involved in import trade differ from country to country in respect of their import policy, statutory requirements. In majority of the countries import trade is being controlled by the government.The objective of empowering the government in the import trade is to keep a strict restriction policy in regards of foreign exchange, protection of Indigenous industries etc. For importing goods, a specified and regulated procedure is to be followed. The procedure is summed into quick steps as below:

  1. Trade Enquiry

  2. Procurement of Import License and Quota

  3. Obtaining Foreign Exchange

  4. Placing the Order

  5. Dispatching a letter of Credit

  6. Obtaining Necessary Documents

  7. Customs Formalities and Clearing of Goods

  8. Making the Payment

  9. Closing the transactions

Import Procedures and Documentations – Step by Step Procedure (2024)

FAQs

What are the steps in the import process? ›

Basic Import Procedures
  1. Setting Market Objectives. Setting market objectives on pricing and terms.
  2. Sourcing Products. Identifying potential suppliers. ...
  3. Trade Regulations. ...
  4. Making Contacts. ...
  5. Settling Quotation and Terms. ...
  6. Financing the Purchase. ...
  7. Sales Contract. ...
  8. Preparing Payment and Insurance.

How to import step by step? ›

Below, we outline the steps involved in importing goods.
  1. Obtain e-IEC. ...
  2. Ensure legal compliance under different trade laws. ...
  3. Procure import licenses. ...
  4. File Bill of Entry and other documents to complete customs clearing formalities. ...
  5. Determine import duty rate for clearance of goods.
Feb 26, 2024

Which is the most important documents used in import procedure? ›

The below following documents are for the Import of Goods.
  • Bill of Entry.
  • Commercial invoice.
  • Packing List.
  • Bill of Lading.
  • Foreign Exchange Control Form (Form A-1)
  • Terminal Handling Receipt.
  • Certified Engineer's Report.
  • Cargo Release Order.
Dec 22, 2022

What is the step by step process to export? ›

To start export business, the following steps may be followed:
  1. Establishing an Organisation. ...
  2. Opening a Bank Account. ...
  3. Obtaining Permanent Account Number (PAN) ...
  4. Obtaining Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) Number. ...
  5. Registration cum membership certificate (RCMC) ...
  6. Selection of product. ...
  7. Selection of Markets.

What is import documentation? ›

Import & Export Documentation means the documents that are commonly used in international trade (specific requirements may vary by destination and products) such as but not limited to import and export licences, End-Use Statements, certificates of Origin, customs declarations, customs payment documents as well as any ...

What are the steps in importing files? ›

Here are three steps for how to import files:
  1. Select "File" In many platforms, you can find the "Import" option by selecting "File." In some cases, you might select "File" and "Open" to choose the file to import. ...
  2. Select "Import" ...
  3. Choose the right format.
Jun 24, 2022

What is the method of importing? ›

The two ways of importing and exporting are Direct and indirect. Direct method involves making the goods available directly to the target customer in a market or by setting up a branch office or subsidiary in the foreign country.

What is the basic knowledge of import? ›

An import is a good or service bought in one country that was produced in another. Imports and exports are the components of international trade. If the value of a country's imports exceeds the value of its exports, the country has a negative balance of trade, also known as a trade deficit.

What is an import format? ›

Import formats defines the layout of source including: which fields (columns) are extracted from the source system and how the data is stored in the Data Management staging table.

How many documents required for import? ›

Import documents

Bill of lading or airway bill. Commercial invoice cum packing list. Bill of entry.

What are the three 3 main documents required for import customs clearance? ›

Basic Import Documents To Clear Customs
  • Commercial Invoice. This document is used for foreign trade. ...
  • Packing List. Provided by the shipper or freight forwarder, the packing list may be used by customs to check the cargo. ...
  • Bill of Lading (BOL) ...
  • Arrival Notice.

What documents are used in import and export? ›

Importers and exporters interact with many of the same documents, but how they use each one is different. Common documents include bills of lading, pro forma and commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of conformity and origin, customs bonds.

What is the difference between export and import? ›

The main difference between export and import is about the movement of goods. In export, goods and services are sold to other countries, but Import involves buying goods and services from other countries. Exports and imports are two concepts that are closely related to international trade.

What are the basic stages of exporting? ›

12 Steps to Successful Exporting
  • 1EXPORT POTENTIAL. ...
  • 2EXPORT READINESS. ...
  • 3SELECT PRODUCT AND TARGET MARKET. ...
  • 4RESEARCH YOUR OVERSEAS MARKET. ...
  • 5EXPORT BUSINESS PLAN. ...
  • 6SALES AND MARKETING. ...
  • 7SELECT DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS AND MARKET ENTRY STRATEGIES. ...
  • 8EXPORT PRICING.

What is the import process in the US? ›

Customs clearance

During the customs clearance process, the CBP will review all documentation related to the shipment, including the commercial invoice, packing list, and any required permits or licenses. It's essential to ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid any delays in clearance.

What is the import cycle in shipping? ›

Import Cycle: • Prior to the arrival of the container vessel the vessel agent submits the IGM / advance list through system. • On receipt of the IGM / advance list the MLO files the application and remits. the wharfa*ge.

What are the steps for importing data using an import set? ›

Importing data using import sets
  1. Create a data source. Create a data source record to define what data an import set should import.
  2. Data source fields. ...
  3. Create a transform map. ...
  4. Mapping options. ...
  5. Create a field map. ...
  6. Field map script variables. ...
  7. Run an import. ...
  8. Importing date/time values.

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