Import is the activity of importing goods or services from abroad into the country. Imports are one of the international trade activities that are important for a country's economy.

Imports can be done to meet needs, competition, or exchange results with other countries. However, imports also have procedures and requirements that must be fulfilled by business actors.

Here are some steps you must take to import goods from abroad:

1. Determining prices and trading systems

The first thing you have to do is determine prices and trading systems with suppliers of goods abroad. Prices and trading systems indicate when the responsibility and cost obligations by the supplier end.

You must understand terms such as FOB, CFR, CIF, DDP, FAS, and so on which are often used in international trade. These terms relate to shipping costs, insurance and delivery of goods.

In addition, you must choose a trading system that suits your needs and abilities.

2. Determine the method and shipping costs

After determining the price and trading system, you must determine the method and cost of sending goods from abroad to within the country.

You must choose a freight forwarder (freight forwarder) that is professional, trustworthy and experienced. You must also choose a delivery method that suits the type, size, weight and delivery time of the goods. You can choose between air, sea or land shipping.

Not only that, you also have to pay attention to the shipping costs offered by the delivery service, including additional costs such as loading and unloading fees, warehouse fees, administration fees, and so on.

3. Prepare import documents

The next step is to prepare the import documents needed to process customs and permits.

Import documents are documents that contain information about goods, suppliers, buyers and transactions carried out. Commonly required import documents are:

• Purchase order letter
• Invoice
• Certificate of origin (certificate of origin)
• Travel documents (packing list)
• Letter of carriage (bill of lading or air waybill)
• Declaration of import of goods (PIB)
• Import permit (API)
• Other certificates appropriate to the type of goods, such as health certificates, halal certificates, quality certificates, and so on.

You must ensure that the import documents you prepare are complete, correct and in accordance with applicable regulations.

4. Carrying out tax audits and payments

After your import documents are ready, you must carry out an inspection and pay import tax at the customs office.

Inspection is the process of physically and administratively checking the imported goods and documents that you bring. The inspection aims to ensure that your imported goods and documents comply with applicable rules and regulations.

Tax payment is the process of paying tax obligations arising from the import of goods. Import taxes consist of import duties, value added tax (VAT), income tax (PPh), and other relevant taxes.

In this case, you must pay import tax in accordance with the applicable tariffs and conditions.

5. Picking up and handing over goods

The final step is to pick up and hand over the goods. Pick-up is the process of taking your imported goods from a temporary storage place, such as a warehouse, terminal or port.

You must bring import documents and proof of tax payment that you have obtained from the customs office. You must also check the condition of your imported goods to ensure they match your order and that there is no damage or loss.

Delivery is the process of handing over your imported goods to the recipient, be it a customer, partner or yourself.

You must hand over your imported goods in accordance with the agreement you have made with the recipient, including the time, place and method of delivery.