As an export freight forwarder who wants to transition to do import business, first of all, you need to thoroughly study the import process. Import involves links such as shipment from foreign suppliers, goods transportation, customs declaration and inspection, and domestic customs clearance and delivery, which are quite different from export. You need to understand the import regulatory conditions of different goods. For example, food may have strict inspection and quarantine requirements.
Secondly, expand the customer base. The customers of the previous export business may not be applicable to the import business. You need to explore enterprises with import needs, such as companies engaged in cross-border e-commerce and international trade procurement.
Thirdly, establish logistics resources. There are various import transportation methods. For sea and air transportation, you need to establish cooperation with suitable carriers. At the destination port, you need to ensure that there is a reliable agent to handle customs clearance and other matters.
Finally, be familiar with policies and regulations. Import policies and regulations change frequently. Only by keeping abreast of new policies in a timely manner can you better carry out the business.
Professional consultant answers
Joseph ZhouYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Senior foreign trade managerConsult
As an export freight forwarder who wants to transition to do import business, first of all, you need to thoroughly study the import process. Import involves links such as shipment from foreign suppliers, goods transportation, customs declaration and inspection, and domestic customs clearance and delivery, which are quite different from export. You need to understand the import regulatory conditions of different goods. For example, food may have strict inspection and quarantine requirements.
Secondly, expand the customer base. The customers of the previous export business may not be applicable to the import business. You need to explore enterprises with import needs, such as companies engaged in cross-border e-commerce and international trade procurement.
Thirdly, establish logistics resources. There are various import transportation methods. For sea and air transportation, you need to establish cooperation with suitable carriers. At the destination port, you need to ensure that there is a reliable agent to handle customs clearance and other matters.
Finally, be familiar with policies and regulations. Import policies and regulations change frequently. Only by keeping abreast of new policies in a timely manner can you better carry out the business.
David LiYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Senior customs declaration consultantConsult
You can start by learning the knowledge of import customs declaration, clearly understanding the preparation and filling requirements of various documents, such as bills of lading, packing lists, invoices, etc. Mastering these can make you make fewer mistakes when handling import business.
Sarah ZhangYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Document expertConsult
It is recommended to participate in more industry exhibitions and seminars, where you can get in touch with potential customers with import needs, and also communicate with peers to obtain more experience in doing import business.
Robert ChenYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
Customer service consultantConsult
Analyze your advantages in the export business and see if they can be transferred to the import business. For example, good logistics channel relationships may continue to be used for import transportation.
Jennifer WangYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Market development consultantConsult
Study the import business models of competitors, see where their service features and advantages are, and you can learn from them and find the direction of differentiated competition.
Andrew HuangYears of service：7Customer Rating：5.0
Supply chain optimization expertConsult
You should also make plans for the warehousing of imported goods, understand the warehousing condition requirements of different goods, and provide comprehensive services for customers.
Michelle ChenYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Business coordination consultantConsult
Build a professional import business team. The members had better have import-related experience and can better handle various business problems.
Elizabeth LiYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Compliance and risk managerConsult
You can start with small-scale import business, accumulate experience, gradually get familiar with the process and the market, and then expand the business scale.
James LiuYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Foreign trade tax refund consultantConsult
Establish cooperation with domestic freight forwarder peers. They may have import business needs and can help you quickly open up the market.