Importing goods for a store

Foreign-trade documents and stages: contract, invoice, HS code, declaration, certification

Import stages

1. Supplier & contract

Foreign-trade contract or invoice to the FOP/LLC: language, Incoterms, currency, payment terms. Bank currency control needs a contract with details.

2. Invoice & packing list

Commercial invoice: names, quantities, price, currency, Incoterms, origin. Packing list — per piece and weight.

3. HS codes

The 10-digit code sets duty, VAT, certification. A wrong code = recalculated payments + fine. For disputes — a preliminary customs ruling.

4. Customs declaration

MD-2/MD-6 via broker or electronically. Duty base = customs value (invoice + delivery to border). VAT 20% on value+duty.

5. Certification

Children's goods, cosmetics, electronics — conformity certificates/declarations. Check the list before ordering a batch, not after.

6. Currency control

Import settlement deadlines — bank/tax control: over 180 days overdue = fines. Keep a register of all foreign-trade operations.

A guide, not customs advice — for batches over ~$3–5k a customs broker pays off. First batch — a small test: verify the code, certification, and timing on a real shipment.