1st Time Importers

It is important to understand from the 1st time Importers perspective, that there is no such thing as a “ silly question “ ! Importing or Exporting can be a daunting process, and without the correct information can be a minefield of problems including penalties, storage, detention, treatments, unpacks, Commerce marking, Trade restrictions, quality issues, infringement notices, Seizure of imported goods, destruction etc.,
Research & understanding is paramount when decision has been made to venture into the International Trading arena. Understand the Country in which you are dealing & the culture in which you are entering. Research & understand your obligations, along with your rights & responsibilities. Speak with a licensed Broker to understand the Import liability , tariff Import Duty & Tax rates, classification, AQIS and other Government interests, Permits, Treatments, Restrictions, Prohibitions, Trade & Commerce practices, etc.,

Importers Check list:

Product Description & Composition
• Write down precise product specifications & obtain literature where possible to identify & classify product
• Speak with Wallace International Broker to research & understand product & Import requirements

Research & qualify potential supplier(s)
• Research suppliers that offer the right kind of product
• Understand & request your standard terms (about payment )
• Find out as much information regarding the background & legitimacy of the Supplier

Start the Import process with Supplier confirmation
• Ask the supplier to provide a Pro-forma Invoice
• Ensure product specification is as per initial discussion
• Request a sample where possible
• Feedback & discussion to arrive at mutual agreement

Toolings / Moulds, manufacturing set up costs – if applicable
• Ensure price is discussed & agreed
• Contract should be entered into & mutually signed if applicable
• TT deposit if requested

Samples important for new products developed
• Supplier to send initial sample
• Assess sample & discuss with Supplier / Manufacturer
• Further manufacture & more samples if required
• Sample approval
• Production discussion & confirmation

Packaging / Labelling / Inners & outers
• Sample provided for confirmation
• Discuss relevant Commerce & Trade requirements with Wallace International

Customs Broker
• Further samples sent if required before confirmation
• Approval
• Discussion on manufacture / timing etc.,

Finalize product specification
• Confirm with supplier that product specifications are as per order & pro-forma, correct & confirm
• Start production
• Obtain a manufacturing agreement for both to understand & sign.
• Transfer of initial deposit or establish a letter of credit

Production samples accepted & confirmed
• Supplier sends samples taken from mass production
• Comment on samples
• If necessary, supplier sends samples again

Book shipment with a Wallace International
• Contact Wallace International to arrange shipment
• Start tracking shipment with Wallace International

Shipment
• Wallace advises cut-off date
• Authorize shipment & book Vessel
• Wallace confirms product availability
• Wallace confirms product collected & packed
• Supplier sends a copy of the documents
• Confirm that the documents are all true & correct

Payment Arrangements finalised
• Confirm quantity & production correct
• TT balance if in accordance with arrangement
• Supplier to email upon shipment all documentation & forward originals as required
• Confirm receipt of all original documents

Wallace International – Customs & AQIS clearance
• Wallace Intl to arrange Import Clearances
• Payment of import duties / Taxes
• Payment of Freight , clearance & handling charges

Wallace International local transport
• Wallace Intl to arrange local transport as required
• Confirm receipt of products
• Proof of Delivery & sign transport docket

Wallace International – Warehousing
• If insufficient warehouse / manpower to handle consignment speak to a Wallace representative
• Speak to Wallace Intl about unpack / warehouse & distribution services

Again, it is extremely important that 1st time Importers are aware of the dangers of Importing without speaking with professionals & research & understand the processes involved when purchasing or manufacturing products overseas.

Contact Wallace offices ;