Know who is responsible for import

An importer of record, or IOR, is the party legally responsible for the import entry and related obligations. Depending on the route and service model, this may be the buyer's company, a licensed intermediary or another agreed party.

Do not assume that a delivered quote removes the need to understand this role. Ask who will clear the goods, whose details appear on the entry and who receives any customs question.

Build a duty and tax reserve

  • Classify the product correctly; similar-looking items can carry different duty rates.
  • Confirm the customs value and currency used in the quote.
  • Check whether duty, import tax and brokerage are included or billed later.
  • Plan for inspection, storage or reclassification costs if documents are incomplete.
  • Keep commercial invoices, packing lists and product records consistent.

Connect first-mile freight to the whole order

First-mile cost depends on pickup location, carton dimensions, weight, consolidation and timing. Buying from several suppliers can reduce product cost while adding collection and handling complexity.

Decide early whether suppliers will deliver to one consolidation point or whether each shipment will move separately. That choice changes both the freight quote and the amount of coordination the buyer must own.

Key takeaway: Customs and first-mile decisions belong in the sourcing plan, not the final week before dispatch. Clear responsibility prevents expensive surprises.

Need this checked against your order?

Send your buy list. We will show supplier assumptions, product risks and the checks needed before dispatch.

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