Leon Lacroix

Undoubtedly, import has its benefits. First of all, it gives citizens access to products that they would otherwise not have. Secondly, it makes possible for companies to produce goods even if they do not have all the necessary components or raw materials; they can simply import them. Imports contribute to the income of Government, because when goods are imported, often taxes and import duties are collected. These tax incomes are subsequently used by the Government to invest in social programs, in infrastructure and more. These are indirect benefits for society.

The 'phytosanitary certificate' issued by plant quarantine agencies of exporting country is indispensable.

In case when one shipment is composed of many items or varieties (a number of species of seedlings, seeds or cut-flowers), its packing list should be attached for the smooth and rapid processing of the quarantine inspection.

You are advised to inquire your importer what other documents are necessary or useful for the import plant inspection

There are four major types of import duty, which include the following:

Basic duty-It refers to the type of duty imposed on the value of products at a specified rate since it is fixed on ad valorem basis. It is relatively more or less the same as central excise duty.

Additional customs duty-It is the type of duty often levied on goods, which are imported from outside the country. Its application varies from one country to another.

However, in many instances, it is usually equal to central excise duty on the same products if they are manufactured in the same country.

True Countervailing duty – It refers to the type of taxes typically imposed on goods, which have received government subsidies in the original country importing or exporting the same.

Anti-dumping duty – It is a type of customs duty on imports, which protects against the dumping of goods in a particular economic trade region. The prices for this form of duty is usually a bit lower than the normal value of the product.

The FPPI (Foreign Principal Party in Interest ) is the party shown on the transportation document to whom final delivery or end-use of the goods will be made. This party may be the ultimate consignee. Generally the FPPI is the foreign buyer of the goods that are purchased or obtained for export. In a routed export transaction the FPPI is responsible for facilitating the movement of the cargo and authorizing a U.S. agent (freight forwarder) or the U.S. Principal Party in Interest to file the export information.

If you’re transporting goods supplied by or going to a designated person, you could be in breach of financial sanctions. Ports can also be subject to financial sanctions and two ports are on the consolidated list as of April 2018: Sevastopol and Kerch. If you pay any fees to these ports, you could be in breach of financial sanctions.