Import

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Last updated: 20 July 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Import

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Definition & Explanation

Freight forwarders, customs brokers, and consignees are the key players in an import transaction: they bear responsibility for the cross-border movement of goods into a destination country, together with all associated customs and logistics obligations. These include filing the customs entry, paying applicable import duties, and ancillary services such as warehousing and handling. Unlike an export, where the shipper leads the outbound formalities, import responsibility rests with the receiver or their appointed customs broker. Depending on the country of origin and the nature of the goods, import restrictions, licences, or tariff quotas may substantially affect the process. Imported products must also comply with applicable product regulations — such as the CE marking in the EU — otherwise controls or rejection of the goods may follow.

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Related Terms

e-dec Import Deactivation

Automated Import Notification

Passar 2.0 import

Import

import tax

Incoterms Import Responsibility

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