# Your import readiness checklist

How do you know if you are ready to import? As global consumers, we have the world’s products at our fingertips. With the rise of the Internet, it’s never been easier to research and compare prices, and to trade with overseas businesses. However, before you make that purchase, it is important to make sure that you are ready to import. This is especially critical if you are importing in a business capacity because the success of your business depends on it. We’ve put together an “import readiness” checklist for you so that you can make sure you are ready to import when you find an import opportunity that is too good to pass up.\[nectar\_icon\_list color="default" direction="vertical" icon\_size="small" icon\_style="border"\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972667-5" tab\_id="1709214972667-4" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Register as an importer and exporter. [Register here](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/import-and-export-license/ "Import and export license").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972707-9" tab\_id="1709214972708-8" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Obtain the [tariff code/HS number](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/tariff-codes-101/ "Tariff codes 101") from your supplier, or obtain a professional tariff code determination.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972726-0" tab\_id="1709214972726-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Are you importing from a SADC or European region? If yes, you may be able to obtain a [certificate of origin](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/trade-agreements/ "Trade Agreements & Certificates of Origin") from your supplier to save on import duties.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972739-8" tab\_id="1709214972740-8" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Calculate the [duty tax and VAT](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/calculating-import-duties-vat/ "Calculating Import Duties & VAT") you will need to pay. You can look up your duty tax and calculate your total VAT and duties using[ this calculator](https://importexportlicense.co.za/calculators/vat-import-duty-calculator/).\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972752-4" tab\_id="1709214972753-9" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Identify if any of your goods are regulated and require a special permit. For assistance, contact [087 550 1038](tel:+27875501038) or [enquire online](https://importexportlicense.co.za/product/permit-for-regulated-goods/ "Permit for regulated goods").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972767-2" tab\_id="1709214972767-4" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Decide on the [Incoterms](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/incoterms-guide-international-buying-selling-terms/ "Incoterms: A guide to international buying & selling terms").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972786-5" tab\_id="1709214972787-1" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Decide on the [insurance cover](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/an-importers-and-exporters-guide-to-marine-insurace/ "An Importers and Exporters Guide to Marine and Cargo Insurance"). Your logistics company can advise you on this.\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972810-3" tab\_id="1709214972811-8" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]Decide on the [payment method](https://importexportlicense.co.za/blog/international-payment-methods/ "International payment methods").\[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[nectar\_icon\_list\_item icon\_type="icon" text\_full\_html="html" title="List Item" id="1709214972825-0" tab\_id="1709214972826-4" icon\_fontawesome="fa fa-check-square-o"\]If you are arranging shipping, select a reputable logistics company and obtain a freight quote. You will need the following information to obtain a quote:

- Size and weight of the shipment
- Tariff code
- Whether the goods need to be air-freighted or sea-freighted
- Shipping terms
- The supplier’s contact details and collection address
- Your contact and delivery address
 
 \[/nectar\_icon\_list\_item\]\[/nectar\_icon\_list\]You are now ready to import! For more resources to assist you in your journey towards import readiness, visit our [Calculators page](https://importexportlicense.co.za/calculators/ "Calculators"). For advice and assistance with getting your business import ready, contact us at [087 550 1038](tel:+27875501038), or [fill out this form](https://importexportlicense.co.za/contact/ "Contact") and we’ll contact you.