Import of goods

Import of goods


Imports can include a wide range of items — from industrial raw materials and machinery to consumer products.

The process of importing goods is usually carried out through three main methods of international transportation. In some cases, a combination of methods (such as sea–land or air–land) may also be used to optimize cost and delivery time.

1. Sea Freight

  • Best suited for bulk or heavy shipments.
  • Lower costs compared to other methods.
  • Longer transit times, ranging from several days to weeks.

2. Air Freight

  • The fastest shipping method for international imports.
  • Ideal for sensitive, high-value, or perishable goods.
  • Higher costs compared to sea or land transport.

3. Land Transport

  • Often used in combination with other methods for greater efficiency.
  • Suitable for imports from neighboring countries.

The first step to start importing is obtaining a Commercial Card. This card is issued in two types — individual and corporate — and serves as the official license for your trading activities.

After receiving the card, you need to define your field of activity: whether you plan to import from a specific country or work with multiple international markets.

Import laws and regulations are constantly changing. To succeed in trade, importers must always stay updated with the latest rules, directives, and government announcements.

At this stage, you must determine the country of origin and the type of goods you intend to import, and begin negotiations with international suppliers.

The Proforma Invoice is a key document sent by the seller to the buyer, outlining product details. It serves as the basis for placing an official import order.

Order registration is carried out through the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade system. This step is essential to ensure that your goods are not restricted or prohibited for import.

Currency preparation for imports can be done either through governmental (official) rates or the free market. In most cases, the government allocates preferential rates for importing essential goods.

Depending on the country of origin and the agreement between buyer and seller, goods can be shipped via land, air, sea, or rail transportation. Cargo insurance is mandatory to ensure the safety and security of the shipment.

The final stage of the import process is customs clearance. At this point, the importer must present the required documents and comply with customs regulations to release the goods into the domestic market.