How to Launch an Import and Export Business: Key Steps

Import and Export Business Overview

You find a product overseas that sells well at home. Or you know a product made in the United States that customers want in another country.

An import and export business sits in the middle. You connect supply, demand, and paperwork so goods can legally move across borders.

This is not just “buy low, sell high.” You are also dealing with classification codes, shipping terms, inspections, and rules that change by product and destination.

Before You Start

Most people like the idea of global trade. Fewer people like the reality of delayed shipments, surprise fees, and compliance stress.

So start with a real fit check. Are you calm when details pile up and answers take time?

Passion matters too. Not because it replaces planning, but because you will need patience when things go sideways. If you want a reminder, read why passion matters in business.

Now ask yourself this exact question: “Are you moving toward something or running away from something?”

Also do a responsibility check. If a shipment goes wrong, the customer will call you, not the carrier.

If you want a broader checklist before you commit, use business start-up considerations.

One more rule: talk to real owners, but only in a non-competing area. Same business, different region.

Ask them questions like:

Which product categories cause the most delays or surprise fees?
What paperwork did you wish you understood before your first shipment?
What mistake would you avoid if you could start over?

If you want help spotting what ownership really looks like, read business inside look.

How Does an Import and Export Business Generate Revenue

Most import and export businesses generate revenue in one of a few simple ways.

You either resell goods, earn a fee for coordinating a deal, or get paid a commission for matching suppliers with customers.

The pricing is usually built around product cost, shipping and duty impact, risk, and the value of your coordination.

When you are planning your pricing, use pricing your products and services to structure your numbers.

Products and Services You Can Offer

Import and export businesses can be goods-focused, service-focused, or both.

The model you choose changes your startup cost, your legal risk, and how much cash you need on day one.

Common offerings include:

Importing goods for resale (you own the inventory)
Exporting goods for a domestic supplier (you coordinate the sale)
Acting as a sourcing agent (you find suppliers and charge a fee)
Acting as a sales representative for a foreign brand (commission-based)
Managing documentation and logistics coordination (service fee model)

Typical Customers and Markets

Your customers depend on what you trade and how you position yourself.

Many import and export businesses are business-to-business, because companies purchase in larger quantities and reorder more often.

Common customer types include:

Retailers and online sellers that need product supply
Wholesalers and distributors
Manufacturers sourcing parts or raw materials
Brands testing international expansion
Small businesses that need a guided import or export process

Pros and Cons to Think Through

This business can be flexible, but it is not simple.

Go in with clear eyes so you do not build a plan based on best-case timing.

Pros:

Can start lean with a home office and third-party partners
Access to global supply and demand
Multiple revenue models (resale, fee, commission)
Scalable once you prove a repeatable lane and product type

Cons:

Compliance work is real and can be time-sensitive
Delays can happen even with good planning
Cash flow pressure if you pay suppliers before you get paid
Quality and fraud risk if vetting is weak
Rules vary by product category and destination

Skills You Need Before You Start

You do not need a formal trade degree to start, but you do need strong habits.

Most of this business is controlled by research, documentation, and follow-up.

Key skills include:

Basic financial math and margin discipline
Negotiation and clear written communication
Comfort reading rules and checking official sources
Documentation accuracy and recordkeeping
Supplier vetting and fraud awareness
Planning timelines and building buffers

What the Work Looks Like Day to Day

This is what your day usually includes once you are active, even as a solo owner.

It helps to know this upfront, because it shapes what you should build before you launch.

Reviewing quotes and shipping options
Checking tariff classifications and product restrictions
Coordinating with brokers, forwarders, and carriers
Confirming invoices match what is actually shipping
Screening parties and destinations for restrictions
Tracking arrivals, holds, and release timelines
Saving documents for audits and disputes

A Day in the Life of an Owner

Your day might start with a message from a supplier about a packing change. Then a broker asks for one missing field on an invoice.

After that, a carrier updates delivery timing and you adjust your customer handoff plan.

Later, you confirm the next shipment’s classification and save the paperwork in the right folder, because recordkeeping is not optional in trade.

Business Models You Can Start With

Some models are easier to start solo. Others require more cash and more systems.

Pick the one that fits your risk tolerance and budget.

Lean brokered deals: You coordinate and earn a fee, without owning inventory.
Small-batch importing: You buy limited inventory and resell through a tight channel.
Export representative: You help a domestic supplier reach foreign customers for commission.
Sourcing agent: You find suppliers and help arrange samples and production.
Niche trading company: You specialize in one product lane and build repeat shipments.

Red Flags to Watch for Early

Most big problems start as small “odd details” you ignore because you want the deal to work.

If you spot any of these, slow down.

Supplier refuses to provide clear product specs, origin details, or accurate invoices
Requests to undervalue goods or misdescribe products on paperwork
Brand-name goods offered at prices that do not make sense
No clean way to confirm quality control or factory identity
Pressure to pay outside normal business banking channels
Unclear end-user or destination details for exports

Step 1: Choose Your Trade Lane and Product Category

Start by narrowing your focus. “Importing anything” is not a plan.

Pick one direction first: importing into the United States or exporting out of the United States.

Then choose a product category you can explain, inspect, and document.

Many products can be imported without a special license, but some items need permits or agency approvals depending on what they are. Verify product rules before you spend on sourcing.

Step 2: Prove Demand and Margin Before You Commit

You are not just checking if people want the product. You are checking if the numbers survive shipping, duties, and delays.

Validate demand with real signals, not hopes. Start with clear target customers and pricing bands.

If you need a simple framework, review supply and demand and build your pricing math from there.

Step 3: Decide If You Are Going Lean or Holding Inventory

Import and export can start small, but it can also become capital-heavy.

If you hold inventory, you need storage, cash for purchase orders, and risk tolerance for slow sales.

If you stay lean, you can start as a coordinator using a broker and freight partners, with lower upfront commitment.

This choice impacts your entity path. Many owners start as a sole proprietor and switch to a limited liability company once the deal size and risk increase.

Step 4: Build Your Compliance Foundation First

Before you buy product, build your compliance checklist. That is how you avoid shipments getting stuck at the worst time.

At minimum, you need a clear way to identify your products, classify them, and store supporting documents.

Importers should plan for recordkeeping and be ready to show documentation if asked. Under federal customs recordkeeping rules, many import records must be kept for a set period, commonly five years, depending on the documents and transaction type.

Step 5: Learn Product Classification and Duty Basics

Classification affects duty rates, admissibility, and the way goods are described.

For imports, you will often use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to find the tariff category that fits your product.

For exports, you may need a Schedule B classification and you may also need to know whether the item is controlled for export.

If you are unsure, use official tools and consider working with a licensed professional who handles classification daily.

Step 6: Build a Supplier and Partner Shortlist

Import and export runs on partners. You do not have to do everything yourself, but you do have to choose carefully.

Your early partner list usually includes a customs broker, a freight forwarder, and a carrier option you trust.

If you plan to store product, decide whether you will use a third-party logistics warehouse or your own space.

If you want to understand the trade-offs of each setup, start with business location planning.

Step 7: Build Your Pricing and Cash Plan

Your price needs to cover product cost, freight, duties, insurance, and your margin.

You also need to plan timing. Many owners pay suppliers before customers pay them.

Start with a simple budget and keep it conservative. If you want a walkthrough, use estimating startup costs.

Step 8: Write a Business Plan That Matches Your Lane

You do not need a complicated plan, but you do need a clear one.

Focus on your trade lane, customer type, deal size, pricing method, and your compliance approach.

If you want a clean structure, follow how to write a business plan.

Step 9: Choose Your Legal Setup and Register Correctly

Your legal setup should match your deal size and your risk.

A solo owner can start small, but larger shipment values and inventory risk often push owners to form a limited liability company.

To register correctly, follow your state’s Secretary of State process and confirm local rules with your city or county.

If you want guidance on the general steps, use how to register a business.

Step 10: Set Up Taxes, Banking, and Payment Tools

You will need clean separation between personal and business transactions.

Open a business bank account, set up bookkeeping, and choose a payment method that supports invoices and wires when needed.

Be ready for identity checks and bank questions, especially if you will send payments internationally.

If you plan to seek financing, review how to get a business loan before you apply.

Step 11: Plan Import and Export Compliance by Product Type

Compliance is not the same for every product.

Some goods are regulated by other federal agencies. Some exports require licenses based on the item, destination, end-user, or end-use.

If you export, you may need to file Electronic Export Information in the Automated Export System depending on shipment value and filing rules.

Before your first deal, build a habit of checking restrictions and screening parties using official tools.

Step 12: Decide If You Need a Customs Bond

Customs bonds are common in importing, especially for certain entry types and shipment values.

The bond is tied to compliance and financial guarantees connected to customs obligations.

Do not guess. Ask your broker what type of entry you are making and whether a bond applies to your situation.

Step 13: Build Your Essential Tools List

You can start lean, but you still need the right tools to document, quote, and track shipments.

Scale changes what you need. A home-based coordination model is lighter than a warehouse inventory model.

Core Office Setup:

Laptop or desktop computer
Reliable internet
Printer and scanner (or secure scan app with cloud storage)
Dedicated business email and calendar
Document storage system (cloud folders with consistent naming)

Compliance and Documentation Tools:

Standard invoice and packing list templates
Product specification sheets and photos for reference
Classification research process (HTS and Schedule B tools)
Screening process for restricted parties and destinations
Recordkeeping checklist and retention folders

Quoting and Sales Tools:

Spreadsheet or quoting calculator for landed cost
Invoice tool that supports international payments if needed
Basic customer relationship tracking system (can start simple)

Logistics Tools:

Freight forwarder and customs broker contacts
Carrier accounts or shipping platform access (based on your lane)
Shipment tracking dashboard (carrier tools or forwarder portal)

Packaging and Handling (If You Touch Inventory):

Shipping cartons, pallets, and stretch wrap
Label printer and labels
Measuring tape and scale
Basic inspection tools (flashlight, camera, checklist)
Secure storage space or third-party logistics service

Pricing Guidance (Rough Planning Ranges):

Basic office setup can be low-cost if you already own equipment, or a few hundred dollars if you do not.
Inventory handling supplies can start small, but increase fast if you store pallets or ship high volume.
Professional services and compliance support can range from occasional help to ongoing monthly support, based on deal size and complexity.

Step 14: Protect Yourself With the Right Insurance

Insurance does not remove risk, but it can reduce the damage when something goes wrong.

Many owners start with general coverage and add more based on inventory, shipping exposure, and contract terms.

To understand common coverage types, review business insurance basics.

Step 15: Lock Down Your Name and Brand Basics

Even in global trade, people judge you fast.

Choose a business name you can explain clearly and that fits your product lane.

Use selecting a business name to avoid naming problems before you print anything.

Then secure your domain, social handles, and basic brand assets.

If you want structured branding steps, review corporate identity package.

If you plan to use a simple website for credibility and lead capture, start with how to build a business website.

Step 16: Build Proof Assets and Simple Paperwork

Before you launch, create what you need to look credible and stay organized.

That includes an invoice template, basic terms, and a clean way to confirm what is included in a deal.

Also create a short capability statement explaining your product lane, your trade direction, and how you handle compliance and shipping.

If you want strong basics for in-person networking, see what to know about business cards.

Step 17: Run a “First Shipment” Simulation

Do not let your first real deal be your first time thinking through the full sequence.

Walk a fake shipment from quote to delivery. Confirm who does what, when each document is needed, and what triggers extra costs.

This is also where you decide whether you will use professional help for pieces like classification, brokerage, or export filings.

If you want a reminder of common startup mistakes, review avoid these mistakes when starting a small business.

Step 18: Pre-Launch and Pre-Opening Checklist

Your goal is simple. Launch with a plan you can repeat, not a deal you barely survived.

Before you accept your first live order, confirm your basics are done.

Business entity is formed (if applicable) and your registrations match your plan
Business bank account is active and bookkeeping is ready
Supplier vetting is complete and product specs are confirmed
Classification research is documented (HTS or Schedule B as needed)
Broker and forwarder contacts are chosen and tested
Screening process is in place for restricted parties and destinations
Documents are ready (invoice, packing list, terms, proof assets)
Storage or third-party logistics plan is confirmed (if handling inventory)
Insurance coverage matches your shipment and contract exposure

Varies by Jurisdiction

Some steps are universal, but local rules can still affect your setup.

Keep it simple: verify the rules where you live and where you store or handle goods.

Smart local checks:

Do you need a general business license for your city or county?
If you store inventory at home, does your zoning allow it?
If you use a warehouse, does it require inspections or special approvals?

Where to verify:

State Secretary of State website → search “business entity registration”
State Department of Revenue website → search “sales tax permit” (varies by state and activity)
City or county business licensing portal → search “business license application”
Local planning or zoning office → search “home occupation rules”

Recap and Is This the Right Fit for You

An import and export business can start small, especially if you stay lean and coordinate deals without holding inventory.

But it still demands detail, patience, and a respect for rules. The paperwork is part of the product.

This business may fit you if you like structured research, you communicate clearly, and you can stay calm when timelines shift.

Do a quick self-check: can you commit to verifying product rules before every deal, saving every document, and building your plan around real margins instead of hope?

101 Real-World Tips for Your Import and Export Business

You’re about to read tips that touch different parts of importing and exporting.

Use what fits your current stage, and skip what doesn’t apply yet.

Bookmark this page so you can come back when a new problem shows up.

The best way to get value is to pick one tip, apply it, and then move to the next.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Pick one trade lane first: importing into the United States or exporting out of the United States. Trying to do both right away makes it harder to learn what matters.

2. Choose one product category you can explain in plain words. If you can’t describe the product clearly, your paperwork and quotes will usually be messy.

3. Verify the product is allowed before you spend on samples. Rules change by product type and can involve more than one federal agency.

4. Build a simple “landed cost” worksheet before you buy anything. Include the supplier price, shipping, duty impact, and domestic delivery so you don’t price on hope.

5. Decide early if you will own inventory or stay lean as a coordinator. Owning inventory can grow faster, but it adds storage needs and cash pressure.

6. Write down your ideal customer in one sentence. “Anyone who wants imported goods” is not a real target.

7. Start with smaller shipment sizes until your process is proven. Your first few shipments are mostly about learning clean execution.

8. Ask suppliers for the exact product specifications in writing. Verbal assurances do not help when a shipment is inspected or disputed.

9. Request samples and inspect them like a skeptical customer. If quality is inconsistent at the start, it rarely improves later.

10. Confirm the country of origin for every product you plan to import. Country of origin can affect marking rules and duty treatment.

11. Create a standard document checklist for every shipment. The basics usually include a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document.

12. Talk to a licensed customs broker before your first import. A short conversation can prevent expensive paperwork errors.

13. Talk to a freight forwarder about realistic transit times for your lane. Timelines are not just “shipping days,” and delays happen.

14. Decide how you will accept payment and how you will pay suppliers. International deals often require methods beyond a simple card swipe.

15. Use a business bank account from day one. Keeping money separated is cleaner for taxes, records, and risk.

16. Get an Employer Identification Number if you plan to import commercially or open business banking. The Internal Revenue Service provides an official application path.

17. Build a clean digital folder system before your first transaction. You want every document easy to find, even years later.

18. Create a one-page capability statement for credibility. List your product lane, your countries, and what you handle versus what partners handle.

What Successful Import and Export Business Owners Do

19. They standardize how they quote deals. A repeatable quote format prevents accidental underpricing.

20. They confirm who is responsible for each step in shipping terms. If you do not define responsibilities, you will end up paying for surprises.

21. They keep product photos and specs for every item they trade. When questions come up, they answer fast and clearly.

22. They verify the full legal name and address of every party in a deal. Small errors can trigger holds and delays.

23. They keep written supplier terms for pricing, lead time, and quality expectations. Clear terms reduce arguments later.

24. They build a backup supplier list for the same product category. One supplier issue should not freeze your business.

25. They confirm packaging and labeling requirements before production. Fixing packaging after goods are made is expensive.

26. They treat documentation as part of the product. If paperwork is wrong, the goods may not move.

27. They screen parties and destinations before accepting export orders. This protects you from restricted transactions.

28. They keep a “deal log” with what went right and what went wrong. That log becomes your training tool for future hires.

29. They build time buffers into every delivery promise. A safe promise is better than a fast promise you can’t keep.

30. They use a written inspection checklist for samples and arrivals. A checklist catches problems you forget when you’re busy.

31. They document product classification research and keep it consistent. Classification changes create pricing chaos and compliance risk.

32. They confirm whether a customs bond is needed before shipping. Commercial imports can trigger bond requirements based on value and entry type.

33. They use clear purchase orders with exact item descriptions. “Same as last time” leads to disputes.

34. They plan cash flow around timing, not just totals. A profitable deal can still strain your bank account if timing is off.

35. They protect relationships by setting expectations early. If delays happen, they communicate quickly with facts.

36. They store trade records in a way that can survive staff changes. If only you understand the system, you don’t have a system.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

37. Some products require extra approvals or inspections depending on what they are. Always verify product-specific rules before shipping.

38. Import rules can involve more than customs. Certain products may trigger oversight by other federal agencies.

39. Export rules depend on what you ship, where it goes, and who receives it. The same item can be allowed to one country and restricted to another.

40. Export control classification is not optional for many products. If you export, learn how to confirm whether a license may be required.

41. Restricted party screening is a basic safety step. Run checks before you commit to shipping or accepting payment.

42. Sanctions programs can block certain transactions completely. If you deal with high-risk regions, verify restrictions early.

43. Shipping timelines are not guaranteed, even with good planning. Weather, port congestion, labor issues, and inspections can shift dates.

44. Customs delays often start with paperwork gaps. Missing fields, unclear descriptions, or inconsistent values can stall clearance.

45. Country of origin marking matters for many imported goods. Plan for correct marking before goods reach the border.

46. Tariff classification drives duty rates and required details. Invest time in getting classification right, even for a small test shipment.

47. Duties can change and vary by product and country. Build pricing with a cushion so a small change doesn’t erase your margin.

48. Counterfeit risk is real in some product categories. If a brand-name deal looks too good, assume there is a catch.

49. Quality problems cost more when they are discovered late. The earlier you inspect, the cheaper it is to fix.

50. Packaging failures can cause damage claims and returns. Strong packaging is a business decision, not a detail.

51. International payments create extra fraud risk. Use trusted bank channels and verify beneficiary details carefully.

52. Some export filings are required based on value and classification rules. Verify Electronic Export Information filing triggers before shipment.

53. Insurance needs change based on who owns the goods during transit. Match coverage to the exact risk you carry.

54. Trade compliance requires recordkeeping over time. Plan a storage system that can support audits and disputes.

55. Your broker and forwarder are part of your product quality. A weak partner can make a good deal feel like a disaster.

56. “Fast and cheap” rarely survives international shipping. Build a plan that can handle normal friction without breaking.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

57. Use a standard intake form for every new deal. Collect the product description, quantity, value, origin, destination, and required timeline.

58. Create a pre-shipment checklist and follow it every time. Repetition is how you avoid costly forgetfulness.

59. Keep one master product file per item you trade. Store photos, specs, classification notes, and supplier contacts in one place.

60. Require written confirmation for any last-minute changes. Verbal changes lead to wrong invoices and wrong shipments.

61. Use a consistent naming system for documents. If you can’t find the invoice fast, you will waste time when pressure hits.

62. Create a “hold response” process for shipments. Decide who you contact first, what documents you provide, and how you update the customer.

63. Track lead times from quote to delivery. If your timeline estimates are consistently off, fix the process before scaling.

64. Use a simple approval rule before paying a supplier. Verify the supplier identity, bank details, and order terms every time.

65. Keep proof of payment and tie it to the specific shipment. This helps when reconciling disputes and delays.

66. Build a quality check step for every shipment you touch. Even a quick inspection can catch packaging and labeling problems.

67. Standardize how you handle returns and claims. Decide what evidence you require and what timelines apply.

68. Write short standard operating procedures for repeat tasks. If you can teach it in writing, you can delegate it later.

69. Do not add staff until your process is stable. Hiring too early can hide broken steps instead of fixing them.

70. When you do hire, start with admin-heavy tasks first. Documentation and follow-up are time sinks you can delegate sooner.

71. Use secure storage for customer and supplier data. Trade deals involve sensitive details you should protect.

72. Keep your compliance checks separate from your sales mood. A deal should never bypass screening because it feels urgent.

73. Review your top problem causes monthly. Most issues repeat until you change the system that creates them.

74. Keep a backup plan for shipping and routing. If one carrier option fails, you should already know the next move.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

75. Market your trade lane, not just your products. Customers want to know you can deliver reliably, not just source cheaply.

76. Use plain language on your website. If your customer has to guess what you do, they will leave.

77. Publish a short list of the product categories you handle. Clarity helps the right customers self-select.

78. Lead with proof, not promises. Share photos, case examples, and process steps that show you are real.

79. Build a simple “request a quote” flow. Make it easy for customers to send the details you actually need.

80. Use LinkedIn to connect with retailers, distributors, and sourcing managers. This niche is built on relationships and credibility.

81. Attend one industry trade show before you spend heavily on ads. You will learn more about pricing, terms, and objections in one day than online.

82. Offer samples or small test orders when possible. Many customers want proof before they commit to volume.

83. Build an email follow-up template for quotes. Polite, consistent follow-up closes more deals than “waiting and hoping.”

84. Create a short “how it works” page for new customers. Explain your steps from quote to delivery in simple terms.

85. Ask satisfied customers for written feedback you can reuse. Social proof matters when you are selling trust.

86. Make your communication speed part of your brand. A fast, clear reply can beat a cheaper offer that feels uncertain.

Dealing With Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

87. Set expectations about timing before you accept a deal. International shipping has moving parts and delays happen.

88. Explain what you control and what you do not. Customers respect honest boundaries more than vague reassurance.

89. Use written quotes that show what is included. Clear scope prevents surprise arguments later.

90. Confirm the delivery address and contact person twice. A wrong address can cause big fees and long delays.

91. Share tracking and milestone updates without being asked. Proactive updates reduce anxious customer messages.

92. Offer customers a simple checklist of what you need from them. Missing details on their side often cause the biggest slowdowns.

93. Keep your promises conservative and your updates direct. The fastest way to lose trust is overconfidence.

94. If a shipment is delayed, explain the next steps immediately. Customers get upset when they feel left in the dark.

95. After delivery, do a quick debrief with the customer. Ask what they want improved before the next order.

What Not to Do

96. Do not misdescribe products or values to “make it easier.” That can trigger penalties, delays, and long-term risk.

97. Do not skip classification research because it feels complicated. Wrong classification can break your pricing and your compliance.

98. Do not send export shipments without screening parties and destinations. One restricted transaction can become a serious legal issue.

99. Do not pay new suppliers without verification steps. Fraud losses often happen fast and are hard to reverse.

100. Do not overbuy inventory before you prove repeat demand. Inventory ties up cash and hides mistakes until it is too late.

101. Do not build your plan on perfect shipping timelines. Build your process to survive normal delays and still keep customers calm.

Conclusion

Importing and exporting can be a great business when you treat the details as part of the value you provide.

Start small, document everything, and build a repeatable process before you scale.

If you stay disciplined with compliance and communication, you will stand out in a space where trust is the real product.

FAQs

Question: Do I need a license to start an import and export business?

Answer: Many products do not need a special license, but some goods require permits or extra approvals.

Check the rules for your exact product type before you order samples or inventory.

Question: What business setup should I start with for importing and exporting?

Answer: Many owners start small and choose a simple structure, then move to a limited liability company as deal size and risk grow.

Use your state’s Secretary of State site to confirm your entity options and filing steps.

Question: Do I need an Employer Identification Number to import or export?

Answer: If you want a business bank account or plan to import commercially, an Employer Identification Number is commonly used.

The Internal Revenue Service has an official online application process.

Question: What is an importer number and how do I get one?

Answer: For many businesses, your importer number is your Employer Identification Number used on customs entry paperwork.

If you are unsure, a customs broker can confirm what applies to your entry type.

Question: When do I need a customs bond?

Answer: Many commercial imports over a certain value require a bond, and some products or entry types can also trigger a bond requirement.

Ask your customs broker what bond type fits your shipments before you ship.

Question: Should I hire a customs broker or do it myself?

Answer: Many first-time importers use a licensed customs broker to file entries and avoid paperwork errors.

You still need to understand your product details, because you are responsible for accurate information.

Question: How do I figure out the right tariff code for my product?

Answer: Imports are classified using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which helps determine duty rates and rules.

If classification is unclear, review official resources and consider professional help before you price your goods.

Question: What documents do I need for my first import shipment?

Answer: You will usually need a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a transport document like a bill of lading or airway bill.

Your broker or forwarder may request extra documents based on the product and shipment details.

Question: Do imported products need country-of-origin marking?

Answer: Many imported goods must be marked with the country of origin, unless an exception applies.

Plan for marking early, because fixing it after arrival can cause delays and extra fees.

Question: How do I know if my export is restricted or needs a license?

Answer: Export rules depend on the item, destination, end user, and end use.

Start by classifying your item and reviewing export control guidance before you accept the order.

Question: When do I have to file Electronic Export Information?

Answer: Some exports require an Electronic Export Information filing through the Automated Export System based on value and other triggers.

Verify the filing rules early so you do not delay a shipment at the last minute.

Question: Do I need to screen customers and overseas partners before exporting?

Answer: Yes, screening helps you avoid restricted parties and blocked transactions.

Use official screening tools and keep proof that you completed the checks.

Question: How much money do I need to start an import and export business?

Answer: It depends on whether you hold inventory or earn fees by coordinating deals.

A lean model can start with basic office tools and professional services, while inventory models need more cash upfront.

Question: What insurance should I consider before my first shipment?

Answer: At a minimum, many owners consider general liability and then add coverage based on inventory and contract terms.

If you own the goods during transit, ask your insurer about cargo or transit-related coverage options.

Question: What is the best way to price deals so I do not lose money?

Answer: Build pricing from the landed cost, not just the supplier price.

Include freight, duty impact, broker fees, and domestic delivery so your margin is real.

Question: How do I build a repeatable workflow for every shipment?

Answer: Use a standard checklist for quote, documents, screening, booking, and final review.

Keep the checklist the same every time so you stop relying on memory.

Question: What systems should I set up to stay organized as I grow?

Answer: Start with a shared folder structure, consistent file names, and a simple tracking sheet for each shipment.

When volume grows, add tools for quotes, invoices, and task tracking so nothing falls through.

Question: What metrics should I track to know if my business is healthy?

Answer: Track gross margin per deal, cash tied up in orders, and on-time delivery performance.

Also track the top reasons shipments get delayed so you can fix the real cause.

Question: What are common mistakes new importers and exporters make?

Answer: Common problems include weak product descriptions, missing documents, and pricing that ignores duty and freight.

Another big issue is skipping screening and compliance checks because a deal feels urgent.

Question: When should I hire help, and what role comes first?

Answer: Many owners hire admin help first because documents, follow-ups, and tracking take a lot of time.

Do not hire until your process is stable enough to teach and repeat.

Sources:

USA.gov: Import licenses permits
eCFR: 19 CFR 163 recordkeeping, 19 CFR 113 customs bonds, 15 CFR 30 foreign trade
U.S. International Trade Commission: Harmonized Tariff Schedule, Harmonized tariff info
Internal Revenue Service: Apply EIN online
U.S. Small Business Administration: Register your business, Licenses and permits
Bureau of Industry and Security: Classify your item, Interactive Commerce Control
Trade.gov: Electronic export information, ECCN and EAR99, Consolidated screening list, Harmonized System codes
U.S. Census Bureau: Foreign Trade Regulations, Schedule B, Schedule B search engine
U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC): Sanctions list search
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls: Understand the ITAR

Starting an Import and Export Business: Setup Basics