Why the product comes before the supplier
Before negotiating, gather the commercial and technical description, composition, function, photographs and country of origin. That set is what allows the item to be classified under the NCM, and classification is what determines the duty rate, licences and administrative treatment. Without it, the supplier quote and your spreadsheet do not match what customs will see.
Who may import, and who authorises it
The company needs Siscomex authorisation, granted at different capacity levels (express, limited and unlimited), together with an active registration and consistent data at the Federal Revenue Service. An import contracted before the authorisation is approved sits at the port accruing storage charges.
What builds the cost up to your door
The goods price is one part of the cost: international freight, insurance, origin and destination local charges, federal and state taxes, AFRMM on ocean freight, handling, warehousing and any inspection are added to it. The Incoterm agreed decides where the Chinese seller’s responsibility ends and yours begins.
How the shipment is put together
Groupage (LCL) suits smaller volumes; a dedicated container (FCL) is usually more efficient once the quantity justifies it. Air shortens transit and raises the price per kilo. Documents must converge: commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, and a certificate of origin whenever a tariff preference is claimed.
What happens on arrival
The declaration is checked documentally and runs through customs risk parametrization, which may result in release without examination, goods verification or price review. Each outcome changes timing and cost, so the plan accounts for the requirement scenario rather than only the best case.
Introductory guides to international trade processes, risks and decisions. Content is not a substitute for operation-specific technical, legal, tax or customs advice.