The number of import businesses is growing every year. Bringing goods into another country is a vital part of the supply chain business. When planning to import, be sure to have everything in place to prevent hiccups along the way. The entire process can be quite cumbersome especially for first-time exporters therefore, we have compiled 5 tips to see you through the entire process.
TEAMWORK
Teamwork is a vital factor in exportation. It is important to ensure that the members of your team are working in collaboration because if a member of the team lags behind the whole team slows down and the import may be unsuccessful. It is also important to have a good clearing and commercial agent, as these are the people you will be working closely with. In addition to having an excellent clearing and commercial agent, having qualified people aboard matters.
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE HOLD-UP POLICIES
Demurrage charge which is the fee charged after a container has stayed longer than the free time at the port, varies with different parts. These charges are imposed based on reasons like why the container was held back, how long it has been there, and so on. It is therefore important, to familiarize yourself with the policies of each part before exporting, to avoid extra charges.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SHIPPING ROUTE
In some cases, the routes between one country and the other are direct and in some cases, it is not. When a shipment takes an indirect route, there is a higher risk of a delay in delivery. When a shipment is moving from one country to the next, it may pass by different countries that require a check, even though it’s not the final destination of the goods. Making the necessary inquiries will prevent such situations as the business will have the option of canceling the shipment or taking a different route. This helps prevent uncertainties in the import business.
WATCH OUT FOR PROHIBITED GOODS
Before sending your freight out, you should be certain that the goods you are exporting are not prohibited in the destination country. However, you may be able to obtain written permission for certain prohibited goods if you meet the conditions and requirements. For this purpose, countries issue an official list of prohibited goods.
FIND OUT PACKING RULES
Goods that are packed for export have to be packed the right way to prevent damage along the way and to withstand bad climates. Goods should be packed properly to enable easy handling during loading and unloading. Goods packed into containers should be distributed evenly and avoid using boxes with logos or brand names to reduce the risk of theft.