0:00Who is involved in an import?
0:02And what does each one do?
0:05The importer of record is you, or your business.
0:08You are legally responsible for the goods once they cross the border,
0:13for paying duties and taxes, and for complying with the law.
0:17You cannot outsource that, even if you hire agents to do the physical work.
0:23The exporter, or supplier,
0:24is the company selling you the goods from the country of origin.
0:29A freight forwarder arranges transport from the supplier's door to yours.
0:34It works with carriers,
0:36consolidates cargo and handles much of the paperwork.
0:41The carrier is the shipping line,
0:43airline or trucking company that physically moves the cargo.
0:47A customs broker,
0:49also called a clearing agent,
0:51is licensed to file your customs declaration and manage clearance.
0:56In many countries
0:57this role is combined with the freight forwarder's.
1:01Banks handle the international payment,
1:03and insurers cover loss or damage in transit.
1:07Inspection companies verify quality or value before shipment,
1:11where that is required.
1:14Knowing this cast matters,
1:16because when something goes wrong you need to know whose problem it is.
1:21A delayed shipment is usually a carrier or forwarder issue.
1:25A shipment refused entry is usually a compliance issue,
1:30which sits with you and your broker.
1:32A shipment that never arrives is usually a supplier or fraud issue.
1:38Know who does what, so you know who to call when something goes wrong.