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Trade & logistics

Practical import operations

Turn uncertainty into action: how goods move from Latin America to your warehouse, what documents matter, and where costly mistakes hide. Choose an origin to lens this hub and align the compliance guides below; or stay global for the baseline playbook.

Jump to quick startFreight & Tariff HelperCountry overview

Topics

Global playbook

Quick start for new buyersShipping & freightIncotermsCustoms & documentsDuties & landed costRisks & common mistakesFAQ
Freight & Tariff HelperProduct checklist

Updates the page URL so you can share a country-focused view. The guide filter below follows this when that origin has published compliance cards.

Quick start for new buyers

  1. Confirm HS code and import regulations for your destination country.
  2. Agree incoterms (who books freight, insurance, and export clearance).
  3. Request packing list, commercial invoice, and COO early in the quote stage.
  4. Book space or align with your forwarder before production completion.
  5. Plan QC—pre-shipment inspection often pays for itself on first orders.

Shipping methods

  • Ocean FCL/LCL — Default for cost-sensitive volume; add time for consolidation and port dwell.
  • Air — For samples, launches, and high-value density SKUs.
  • Truck / rail — Critical for USMCA-adjacent lanes and inland ports.
  • Parcel / courier — Small trials; watch dimensional weight and customs formalities.

Incoterms (plain language)

Incoterms define where risk and cost transfer. Misalignment here is a top source of disputes.

  • EXW — You coordinate export from the supplier's dock.
  • FOB — Supplier loads vessel at origin port; you take ocean/air from there.
  • CIF / DAP / DDP — Supplier or forwarder covers more legs; confirm insurance and fees explicitly.

Customs & documentation

Typical documents: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading / AWB, certificate of origin, and product-specific certs (FDA, organic, etc.).

Use our checklist flow for product-specific guidance.

Duties & landed cost

Landed cost = product + freight + insurance + duties + brokerage + inland delivery. Preferential trade programs can materially change duty—validate with your broker.

Open Freight & Tariff Helper

Risks & common mistakes

  • Vague specs → wrong samples and rework.
  • Skipping pre-shipment QC on first orders.
  • Assuming DDP includes all accessorial charges.
  • Underestimating port congestion and documentation cutoffs.

FAQ

How long does ocean freight usually take?

Lane-dependent: common LATAM→US East Coast ranges are often 2–5 weeks port-to-port plus inland—always confirm with your forwarder for the sailing you book.

Do I need a customs broker?

For formal entries, almost always yes. They file entries, pay duties, and coordinate holds or exams.

Where do compliance guides fit in?

Below, our guides cover origin/destination-specific requirements—use them after you understand the operational basics on this page.

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