What is the import procedure ?

[aliplc]

I want to import leather wallets from pakistan which is ready to deliver. Got few questions if someone can answer is please.

1. What delievery method should i use ? Courier or any clearance agent

2. when and where i have to pay the duty ?


I am the first timer and Would really appreciate that if someone can advice me step by step.

Thanks

 

[Jayser100]

The method of importing to a certain extent, depends on how many you're bringing in. If many thousands, then a shipping container or PCL (part container load - many shippers run regular containers to UK ports with various goods) might be appropriate, although you'll have to wait for around a month for them to arrive once made.

If smaller quantities then consider air freight. You may find the cheapest price for a courier will come from the factory in Pakistan booking it, as courier prices in countries like that are quite often cheaper than we can get here.

UPS door-to-door service is excellent, and highly recommended. UPS will collect the goods and then customs-clear them 'in the air' to save time when the product lands at Heathrow. If the duties and VAT bill is less than £2,000 they will let you give a cheque to the driver when he delivers the product; all in all it will probably only take 2 - 3 days for them to do the whole delivery service from factory to your door. If the duties and VAT exceed £2,000 then you'll receive a phone call in advance of delivery asking for pro forma payment (you can use a card).

Surface (sea) shipping is a little more complex because the shippers basic fee will only cover bringing the container into a UK port (e.g. Felixstowe). The goods then need to be customs cleared and forwarded to your door. You can get a separate company to do the forwarding, or quite often, the shipper bringing in the container will also handle the forwarding for an extra payment. Expect to pay your VAT and duties when the goods arrive at the forwarders. To speed things up, obtain a commercial invoice, packing list and Bill of Laden from the factory / shipping company in advance of the boat docking - that way, you can quickly pass copies to the forwarders because they will want them for customs clearance.

All in all air freight costs a lot more but it's far less of a faff. If you can build the expense of air freight into your costs and still make a decent profit then it is recommended. You get the goods far quicker, the paperwork is simple and the service more reliable.

 

[Danex]

Check this article for reference help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/919/~/getting-a-refund-of-duty-paid-by-a-courier-(fed-ex,-dhl,-ups,-etc.)-service

 

[Maple Sourcing]

Very good article, thanks, Jayser100.

 

[sadiyakhan]

Here some interesting ways and information for importing procedure is provided i would like to say some related information that you can do this task step by step in such a manner that nothing excepts and the steps for that are:
Obtaining import license and quota
Obtaining foreign exchange
Placing an order
Despatching letter of credit
Appointing clearing and forwarding agents
Receipt of shipment device
Receipts of documents
Bill of entry
Delivary order
Clearing of goods
Payment to clearing and forwarding agent
Payment to exporter
Follow up

 

[DiazDioz]

1. What is this notice about?
2. Making an import entry
3. Goods eligible for reduced rates of duty
4. Import procedures
5. Reliefs