Regional Import Challenges Around the World

Imports and exports of goods and services are important for the development of a country's economy, fulfilling a need for resources or skills. Nevertheless, all countries impose certain trade barriers in order to protect their own domestic industries and businesses.

This can create complex regulation and compliance challenges, different in every region around the world, which can be problematic for importers.

Navigating the processes for the import and export of technology adds an additional layer of complexity, since they are controlled goods.

Here are some notable facts about the challenges created by trade barriers in different regions of the world, particularly with regard to technical hardware and machinery.

Imports to North America: rigorous and highly monitored

In 2018 imports of machinery to the United States, including computers, was circa US$386.4 billion (14.8% of total US imports). Additionally, imported electrical machinery and equipment amounted to around $367.1 billion (14%), meaning that IT Technology was one of the largest imports into the USA in 2018.

The United States is incredibly adept at importing and exporting, but as leaders in global trade their rules are rigorous and highly monitored. Ensuring the correct import documents are submitted by stateside legal entities is paramount.

With their streamlined processes for imports, it does, however, mean that the overall timescales for clearing goods in country is incredibly efficient.

Further reading for import guides to North America

• Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM Mexico) Certification

Imports to Africa: changeable and challenging

Botswana and South Africa are two of the biggest exporting countries in Africa, namely for goods such as palm oil and precious stones. Their main imports are for transportation goods; however, this is changing rapidly. South Africa has by far the most established customs process.

Most countries on the continent of Africa are developing countries, which means their procedures for importing can be ambiguous and can change from one country to another. Keeping ahead of the trade laws, regulations and requirements for each country can be challenging. However, our network of trusted, diligent Africa partners ensures we are always ahead of the curve.

Further reading for import guides to Africa

• Importing goods to South Africa
• How to import goods into Kenya

Imports to South America: complex procedures

The exportation of goods from South America (including the Caribbean) has grown in value substantially over recent years. The rise in prices for oil and minerals has also paid its dues, ensuring a healthy line of finance into the region. Changes in leadership have seen profound changes in policy and we are now seeing the effects of this.

Still, all the nations are developing economies with a strong requirement for services and goods that cannot be sought in country. With the need to try to establish themselves as competitors in the common market place, the increasing appetite for technology shows no signs of slowing down. 

However, the import processes and barriers remain in place. High import tariffs and complex import procedures are just a few of the obstacles that must be navigated when importing.

Imports to Asia: know the permit requirements

Asia contains some of the largest and fastest growing economies in the world: Singapore, China, Japan and Australia to name just a few. For many centuries these countries have been central to world trade, and the growth isn’t slowing.

Controlled imports require specific forms of permits such as the CCC licence for China, pre-approved TID license in Hong Kong to the CCATS requirements.

Further reading for import guides to the Asia / Pacific region

• Technology imports for Indonesia
• A guide to importing electronic goods to Malaysia
• Importing technology into China
• Importing goods into Hong Kong
• Importing goods into Australia
• Importing goods into South Korea
• Saber system replaces SASO for Saudi Arabia imports
• Importing technology products into India

Imports to Europe: unwavering trade rules

Imports to countries within the European Union – a corporation of countries that follow similar trade rules – may appear fairly simple compared to many of the other countries. 

The majority of EU countries have just one currency and a very clearly defined set of rules and regulations for importing goods. However, whilst the trade barriers are set out, the requirement to meet those rules doesn’t waiver. 

Further reading for import guides to Europe

• A guide to importing goods to Ukraine
• Importing goods to Turkey

Navigating complex global import regulation successfully 

This is a very simplified summary of the kinds of challenges facing imports in different regions around the world, but you’ll readily understand the vast range of knowledge required to navigate the various compliance requirements. 

Our global Importer of Record services provide specialist support, enabling your business to import its IT equipment almost anywhere in the world. 

Please get in touch for expert advice.