GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026

Grey import

Grey import – also called parallel import – occurs when genuine branded goods are purchased in one market at lower prices and resold in another market without the brand owner's authorization.

Last updated: 13 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grauimport

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

114

Mentioned in

–

Grey import – also called parallel import – occurs when genuine branded goods are purchased in one market at lower prices and resold in another market without the brand owner's authorization. The products are authentic, but the distribution channel is unapproved. As a result, brand owners lose control over pricing and market positioning, and end consumers typically have no entitlement to local warranty or after-sales support. The legal status of grey imports depends on the applicable exhaustion-of-rights regime: international exhaustion may permit parallel trade, while regional or national exhaustion rules can restrict it. Customs duties and import charges apply regardless. Grey imports must be distinguished from counterfeits – the goods are genuine, not fake.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

Incoterms Import Responsibility

Unlike mere cost allocation, import responsibility under Incoterms determines which party handles the entire import process in the…

Learn more

Import

Import is the process by which goods originating abroad are brought into a customs territory for resale, further processing, or ow…

Learn more

Import List

Unlike a general packing list or commodity inventory, an import list is specifically tailored to customs clearance requirements: i…

Learn more

Import

Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and consignees are the key players in an import: they bear responsibility for the cross-borde…

Learn more

Import Control Permit

An import control permit is the official authorization required to bring goods into a country when those goods are not freely impo…

Learn more

Import Quota Compliance

Import quota compliance refers to an importer's obligation to keep actual import volumes within government-set ceilings and to dem…

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Grey import

Next steps

Related Terms

Incoterms Import Responsibility

Import

Import List

Import

Import Control Permit

Import Quota Compliance

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers