1. Identify the goods and the transaction.
Begin with a plain product description, intended use, origin, value and quantity. Identify the buyer, seller, receiver and agreed delivery terms. A product name alone is rarely enough to scope import support.
2. Clarify the importer role.
The importer of record and the customs broker perform different roles. The IOR has importer responsibilities; the broker performs authorized customs work. A U.S. buyer can have an importer arrangement already and still need operational help.
For overseas businesses, lack of a U.S. company does not automatically mean that no import pathway is available. The correct arrangement depends on the transaction and applicable requirements.
3. Assemble the documents.
A useful starting set includes the commercial invoice, packing information, product description and shipment plan. Additional information may be needed for classification, origin, valuation or product-specific requirements. This is an inquiry checklist, not a complete filing list for every product.
4. Separate the cost categories.
- Product purchase price and supplier charges.
- Freight and transport charges.
- Duties, taxes and applicable government charges.
- Brokerage, bond and other import-related services where applicable.
- Pontaren’s agreed service or distribution arrangement.
- Storage, handling and local deliveries where required.
Ask what is included, what is estimated and what depends on final shipment details. There is no single all-purpose IOR fee or duty rate for every product.
5. Plan the destination.
Confirm the receiving address, appointment rules, unloading requirements and the people responsible for receiving. For stock, agree on ownership, releases, reporting and replenishment before dispatch.
Official references
- CBP: Tips for new importers and exporters
- CBP: Importing through a foreign company
- CBP: Importer numbers
Reviewed September 2026. Requirements depend on the goods and transaction; confirm current requirements before shipment.
IOR, broker and warehouse: assign each role
| Role | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Importer of record | The named party and its importer obligations for the transaction. |
| Licensed customs broker | The authorized customs work, supporting information and instructions. |
| Warehouse operator | Receiving scope, custody records, storage conditions and release authority. |
| Buyer / stock owner | Purchase acceptance, ownership, insurance allocation and who authorizes delivery. |
Delivery terms such as DDP do not replace identifying the actual importer arrangement. Put the parties and service scope in writing before shipment.
An IOR quote is one part of landed cost
Ask which charges are included, estimated or passed through. Product value and classification, origin, shipment frequency, importer responsibilities and documentation affect the scope. Keep duties, brokerage, transportation and warehouse handling visible as separate categories; a service fee is not the total cost of bringing goods into stock.