If you’re thinking of getting into the import game, here are a few articles you might find interesting:

Finding suitable suppliers through discovery

Finding and qualifying prospective suppliers requires planning and forethought.

Sampling Issues

Many importers believe the cost of samples should be borne by the supplier while suppliers feel that they can not continually absorb this cost without knowing if an order is backing it up

Manufacturer or agent?

Whether they should deal directly with the manufacturer (actual producer of the products) or whether they should go through an agent or trading company.

Popular payment methods in international trade

Due to the physical distances between buyer and seller, and the fact that the transaction may have taken place without the two parties actually meeting, minimizing exposure to risk is on the minds of both parties.

Sourcing from China

Even companies with stable manufacturing operations are reexamining their upstream supply chains and confronting their suppliers with price quotes from Chinese producers.

Understanding Incoterms

Incoterms are standard trade definitions that are most commonly used in international contracts. They distinguish when the responsibility or risk of the shipment transfers from the supplier to the buyer and what obligations each party is responsible for.

Moving goods-the basics of shipping

There are a number of shipping options open to you.

Customs Brokers

Custom brokers specialize in customs, quarantine and import matters and are able to provide information on tariff classification and rates of duty, as well as prepare and process import documents.

Shipment documents

Numerous documents are required for shipping.

Shipment inspections

Governments or buyers demand inspection reports for a number of reasons.