# To do list for starting an import export company

# How to start an import export company

 

 

 Starting a new import export company, or expanding your existing hustle, can be daunting. The best way to tackle the task is with a step-by-step progress plan. We’ve made tracking your progress to international trade success easier by creating a to-do list of big and small tasks you can tick off and celebrate along the way. 

 

 ## Concept phase

 \[nectar\_icon\_list color="default" direction="vertical" icon\_size="small" icon\_style="border"\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749711-7" tab\_id="1713353749711-7" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Identify the product

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749733-1" tab\_id="1713353749733-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Choose a name for the business

 Read about the five steps of [choosing a great name for your import export company.](https://www.smetoolkit.co.za/importing-and-exporting/blog-post-title-one-8fkjs?rq=choosing%20a%20name) 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749742-2" tab\_id="1713353749743-0" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Get a name reservation

 [Reserve your company’s name](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/company-name-reservation/ "Company name reservation") with the CIPC. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749756-10" tab\_id="1713353749757-3" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Register a web domain that works with the company name

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749764-1" tab\_id="1713353749765-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Order samples

 Read about the requirements for [importing samples duty free.](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/import-samples-gifts-and-personal-items-duty-free/) 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749777-7" tab\_id="1713353749778-0" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Identify your competitors

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749790-2" tab\_id="1713353749791-5" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Create a mock logo and brand identity

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[/nectar\_icon\_list\] ## Research phase

 \[nectar\_icon\_list color="default" direction="vertical" icon\_size="small" icon\_style="border"\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749847-10" tab\_id="1713353749847-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Test samples

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749860-3" tab\_id="1713353749860-4" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Get honest feedback from a wide variety of people

 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749869-3" tab\_id="1713353749870-3" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Identify your target market

 Read our guide on doing [market research for your import export venture](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/identifying-a-good-import-export-opportunity-through-market-research/). 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749884-9" tab\_id="1713353749884-9" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Do competitor analysis and identify your unique selling point (USP)

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749897-6" tab\_id="1713353749897-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Double check that your brand concept and USP resonate with your target market

 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749910-10" tab\_id="1713353749910-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Research labeling requirements, regulations, and taxes on the product

 To determine the import-export regulations and taxes on your product, you will need its [tariff code](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/tariff-codes-101/). With this, you can identify [import duties](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/understanding-import-duties/) and [export duties](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/export-duties/) that may affect you. Read up on [regulated imports and exports](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/restricted-prohibited-imports-exports/) that require special permits. Regulations on medical, health, nutraceutical, and veterinary products are particularly strict. Consult our [regulatory services page](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/permits-for-regulated-goods/ "Goods intended for human or animal consumption") for more information on what your product requires. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749924-5" tab\_id="1713353749924-5" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Do costings to calculate selling price, potential profits, and viability

 Use our [landed cost calculator](https://importexportlicense.co.za/calculators/landed-cost-calculator/) to ensure you factor in all expenses. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749938-2" tab\_id="1713353749939-0" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Identify service providers for shipping, customs clearance, label printing, marketing, distribution, etc

 [Contact us](https://importexportlicense.co.za/contact/) so that we can assist with connecting you to freight services at competitive rates. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353749953-8" tab\_id="1713353749954-4" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Get training on import export procedures, and compliance

 Our training partner, Trade Logistics, offers live and online [training courses on import and export](https://training.tradelogistics.co.za/). 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[/nectar\_icon\_list\] ## Action phase

 \[nectar\_icon\_list color="default" direction="vertical" icon\_size="small" icon\_style="border"\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750012-10" tab\_id="1713353750013-0" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Register the company

 We offer [company registration services ](https://importexportlicense.co.za/services/business-registrations/)to save you money on all the registrations you need. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750027-10" tab\_id="1713353750027-6" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Open a business bank account

 [Get a bank account for your company](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/business-bank-account/ "Business bank account") quickly and easily without leaving home. 

 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750043-6" tab\_id="1713353750044-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Get your import export license

 Your import export license is required for clearing shipments through South African customs for re-sale. With us, [getting your import export license is quick and easy](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/import-and-export-license/ "Import and export license"). It just takes 5-10 days, and you never have to leave your home or office. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750050-3" tab\_id="1713353750051-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Get necessary licensing and permits from regulatory bodies

 Contact our permits department to [get import or export permits](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/permit-for-regulated-goods/ "Permit for regulated goods") you may need. 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750065-10" tab\_id="1713353750065-7" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Place the first bulk order with your supplier

 

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750080-10" tab\_id="1713353750080-8" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### Create my website and social media

 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1713353750093-8" tab\_id="1713353750094-5" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\] #### **Start selling!**

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