Import business

Import business refers to the commercial activities of enterprises purchasing goods, services, or technologies from overseas and bringing them into the domestic market. It is an important way to meet domestic demand, introduce advanced technologies, and optimize resource allocation. The core objective is to obtain high-quality resources through global procurement, reduce costs, or fill the gap in domestic supply. The following is an explanation from the aspects of business processes, key links, risks, and challenges:

I. Main Processes of Import Business

Market Research and Supplier Selection

Analyze domestic market demand (such as shortage of raw materials, demand for high-end products), and clarify procurement objectives (such as equipment, consumer goods, agricultural products).
Find overseas suppliers through industry exhibitions, international B2B platforms (such as Thomasnet), overseas offices, or trade intermediaries, and evaluate their qualifications, production capacity, creditworthiness, and compliance (such as factory audits, sample requests).

Business Negotiation and Contract Signing

Negotiate with suppliers on price (such as FOB, CIF, etc.), delivery time, payment methods, quality standards, liability for breach of contract, etc.
Sign an import contract (Purchase Contract), specifying the name, specifications, quantity, packaging, transportation method, insurance, inspection clauses, and dispute resolution methods (such as the choice of arbitration location).

Import Qualifications and Approvals

Business Qualifications: Requires import and export operating rights (handling the "Registration Form for Foreign Trade Operators"), and some goods require special qualifications (such as food import requires a "Food Business License", and medical devices require approval from the drug regulatory authorities).
Official Approvals: For special goods such as endangered species, dual-use items, and pharmaceuticals, it is necessary to apply for import licenses or quotas from customs, the Ministry of Commerce, and other departments.