Before your first import shipment leaves the supplier, six points need answers: payment terms, tariff code and duties, permits, the Incoterms rule, transport with insurance, and clearance on arrival. Konsol Logistics, a Konya-based international logistics company, supports shipments and customs processes across these stages.
Supplier and payment: what to lock in first
Confirm the supplier's legal name, address and bank details through a channel you trust, and agree the price, the payment condition and the delivery terms in writing on a proforma invoice. Payment conditions decide when your money is at risk: advance payment exposes you before shipment, while payment against documents ties the release of funds to the shipping papers.
Tariff code, duties and permits
The tariff code (HS code, GTİP in Turkey) determines the customs duty, the taxes and any product-specific requirements. Ask your customs broker to confirm the classification before you order, not after the goods arrive. Some products need a licence, a conformity certificate, a health or phytosanitary document, or a product-safety registration. Requirements depend on the product and the country, so verify them locally.
Calculate your landed cost with duties, taxes, freight, insurance and clearance charges together, rather than looking at the supplier's unit price alone.
Which Incoterms rule and transport mode?
For imports, the Incoterms 2020 rule tells you where your responsibility starts. Under FOB or EXW you arrange the main carriage and take risk early. Under CIF the supplier pays freight, but you still carry the risk after loading. Under DAP the supplier delivers to your named place and you clear the import. Choose the rule that matches the control you want and the experience you have.
Mode follows urgency, volume and value. Sea freight (FCL or LCL) suits larger or less urgent cargo, air suits time-critical goods, and road suits European or regional lanes with flexible partial or full loads.
Clearance and delivery: the arrival plan
- Send the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document to your customs broker before the cargo arrives.
- Ask the carrier about free time and who pays storage or demurrage if clearance is delayed.
- Arrange unloading, inland transport and a receiving contact at your premises.
- Inspect the goods on arrival and note any damage on the delivery receipt before you sign.
Before you place the order
- Supplier identity and payment condition agreed in writing.
- Tariff code and duties confirmed with a customs broker.
- Permits and certificates identified for your product.
- Incoterms 2020 rule and named place fixed.
- Insurance and arrival plan prepared.
From checklist to quote
Once these points are settled, send the shipment details through the Quick Quote form on the Konsol Logistics website. It checks your information and builds a ready WhatsApp message that you send yourself, so your request reaches the team complete.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import without a customs broker?
That depends on the rules of the importing country. Many importers still use a broker, because classification and customs valuation need specialist knowledge.
Who is responsible for the goods during transit?
It depends on the Incoterms rule in your contract and on any insurance you hold. Read the delivery point carefully, because it marks where risk passes to you.
What is landed cost?
Landed cost is the total price of getting goods to your door: the goods themselves plus freight, insurance, duties, taxes and clearance and handling charges.
