The Basics of Import Process – Part 1

When you are ready to start a bubble tea business, you will need to tackle the import process. Although it can be pretty complicated when it comes to food as there will be different regulations based on the region or some permits may be required, we will dive into the regular ways of import to provide a little insight.

Shipping by sea and by air are the most popular ways of transportation in international trade. Importers can have their shipments delivered by vessels in two possible ways: Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL).

While the exporter privately books a container for their use, it calls an FCL shipment, while one that occupies just a part of a shared container is called an LCL shipment.

The following explains the multiple steps and roles involved in importing goods into your country.

1. Exporter: The exporter usually is SunnySyrup, or any other trading company of your selection in Taiwan.

2. Importer: The importer is your company in the destination country or the appointed agent of import or logistics.

   

3. Origin Country: The country from where the goods are shipped, in our case, will be Taiwan.

4. Destination Country: The final country where the goods are sent to. It may be via another country for vessel transfer before the arrival of the destination country.

5. Shipping Line: The carrier, ship or vessel that carries the cargo.

6. Origin Agent: The freight forwarder in the origin country.

7. Destination Agent: The freight forwarder in the destination country who liaises with the shipping line, importer and origin agent.

   

8. Customs Authorities: Customs authorities at the destination countries are to examine the documentation and the cargo to ensure they comply with the import regulations.

9. Port Authorities: Present at the origin and destination countries, they clear the goods to be loaded and unloaded from the ship respectively.