Importing products is relatively straightforward once you have the basics in place. Ensure your delivery logistics are resolved such as confirming if the buying contract is based on delivery to yourself or are you responsible for collecting products from the manufacturer. If the latter is the case you will need to organise a contract with a transport or courier company and agree terms.

Payment is another area you need to finalise before you begin. When must the supplier be paid, and is there a retention option? What currency will your supplier be expecting to be paid in? Most likely this will be in the local currency but the manufacturer may have UK or European banking which may allow you to pay in Pounds Sterling or Euros. You may want to consider forward purchasing currency or hedging to minimise translation losses as you exchange pound sterling for another currency.

Who is responsible for import duty, how is it to be paid and when? The import duty rate will be dependent upon the nature of the products you plan to import. It is also worth remembering that any VAT liability will be calculated on the cost of the goods plus duty.

HMRC have created a basic guide to help anyone get started in importing or exporting. Go to .gov.uk and follow the links to importing and exporting. This will address the above points as well as point you in the right direction for advice and support.

Here are some key articles on importing from SmallBusiness.co.uk

• Import guide: three essential tips and everything you need to know – with up-to-date guidance for navigating a post-Brexit world
• How to import from the EU – Tom Sommer explains where we are with latest rules and regs
• Ex Works: How it works, price, and risks – what Ex Works actually means, and the advantages and disadvantages of using this Incoterm when buying goods from abroad.