GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026

import logistics

Import logistics manages the inbound movement of goods from an overseas supplier to the consignee in the destination country.

Quick Answer

Last updated: 16 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://wirtschaftslexikon.gabler.de/definition/importlogistik-43071

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

Import logistics manages the inbound movement of goods from an overseas supplier to the consignee in the destination country. It covers transport planning across all modes – sea, air, rail and road – together with customs clearance, import permits, warehousing and last-mile delivery. Importers, procurement teams and distribution centres rely on freight forwarders to coordinate between carriers, customs authorities and warehouse operators. Missing documents or border delays can disrupt supply chains significantly, making proactive planning and accurate customs filing essential. Where export logistics governs the outbound flow, import logistics handles the receiving end of the supply chain.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Calculate transport costWork out freight / road costOpen Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen

Related Terms

You might also be interested in these terms

e-dec Import Deactivation

The e-dec import deactivation refers to the planned end of electronic import customs declarations via the legacy e-dec Import syst…

Learn more

Import

Sourcing goods from abroad – whether for resale, further processing, or own use – relies on the import procedure as the fundamenta…

Learn more

import tax

At the point of customs clearance, import tax liability arises: the term covers all charges levied on goods imported from third co…

Learn more

Incoterms Import Responsibility

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

Learn more

Import Customs Clearance Process

A shipment reaches the customs frontier and the import customs clearance process begins immediately: the importer or appointed cus…

Learn more

Import process

Once a purchase order is placed with an overseas supplier, the import process begins—covering every step from export clearance at …

Learn more

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

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

import logistics

Next steps

Related Terms

e-dec Import Deactivation

Import

import tax

Incoterms Import Responsibility

Import Customs Clearance Process

Import process

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers