Import Procedures Guide
Complete guide to importing African products into 9 major markets - EU, US, UK, UAE, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. Customs clearance, landed cost examples, and broker selection.
0
Countries Covered
0
Import Steps
0%
Avg Duty Savings
0+
Trade Agreements
10-Step Import Process
1–2 weeks
Product Research & Market Selection
$0Identify target market, assess demand, check import restrictions, and verify your product category is permitted. Use Gloseg's Market Intelligence tools.
1–3 days
Classify Your Product (HS Code)
$0–$200Determine the correct 6-10 digit Harmonized System code. This determines duty rates, import restrictions, required permits, and documentation. Use Gloseg's HS Code Finder.
1–8 weeks
Check Import Licenses & Permits
$50–$2,000Verify if your product requires special import licenses (CITES, FDA, phytosanitary, halal, etc.). Some countries require pre-arrival registration.
2–4 weeks
Find & Vet Suppliers
VariesSource verified African suppliers on Gloseg. Request samples, verify certifications, check trade references. Consider trade assurance for payment protection.
1–2 weeks
Negotiate Terms & Incoterms
$0Agree on price, payment terms, Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP), quality specs, packaging, and delivery schedule. Use Gloseg's RFQ system for competitive quotes.
1–3 days
Arrange Freight & Insurance
10–20% of product valueChoose shipping mode: sea (FCL/LCL), air, or multimodal. Get cargo insurance (110% CIF recommended). Book through freight forwarder or Gloseg Logistics.
3–7 days
Prepare Import Documentation
$100–$500Gather: Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/AWB, Certificate of Origin, phytosanitary cert, insurance cert, any sector-specific docs.
1–5 days
Submit Customs Declaration
1–3% of CIF (broker fee)File customs entry (or customs broker files). Provide all documents, HS code, declared value. Pay applicable duties and taxes before release.
1–14 days
Customs Inspection & Release
$0–$1,000Customs may inspect (green channel = documentary check only, red channel = physical inspection). Some goods go to designated labs for testing.
1–5 days
Last-Mile Delivery & Warehousing
2–5% of CIFArrange local transport from port/airport to warehouse. Check goods against packing list. File any damage claims within 3 days.