Import / Export Regulations and Compliance

Confidently navigate import and export regulations in your target foreign markets with expert legal guidance, ensuring compliance and minimizing trade risks.

Importance of Jurisdiction-by-Jurisdiction Compliance

Each country has unique import/export regulations. Understanding and adhering to these rules in every market you operate in is essential to avoid fines and delays. Proper compliance ensures efficient and lawful international trade.

Understanding Compliance and Enforcement

Meeting legal requirements for documentation, tariffs, and safety standards is key to compliance. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, including fines and confiscation of goods. Staying informed and prepared helps navigate these regulations effectively.

Common Scenarios

Export and International Sales

Sale and export of goods and products to foreign markets, including direct sales and sales through distributors.

Import and Procurement

Purchase, import, and procurement of goods, products, and/or parts from foreign exporters and suppliers.

eCommerce

Online sales or purchases across borders on eCommerce platforms or your own online shops.

Foreign Direct Investment

Investment in, setting up, managing, and closing business entities in foreign markets, including subsidiaries, partnerships, or joint ventures.

Explore Legal Solutions by Country

Taiwan Image

Taiwan

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Labels must be in traditional Chinese and include detailed product information.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties and VAT are applied; VAT is5%.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Directorate General of Customs under the Ministry of Finance manages compliance.
Philippines Image

Philippines

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Labels must be in English or Filipino, including details like nutritional content for food products.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties range from 0%to 65%; VAT is 12%.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Bureau of Customs (BOC) oversees import/export compliance.
Canada Image

Canada

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Bilingual labeling (English and French)required, with specific details for food products.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties depend on the product; GST/HST applies.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for regulation and enforcement.
Hong Kong Image

Hong Kong

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Minimal labeling requirements, but specific rules apply for health products.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Generally, zero tariffs on most goods; excise duties on specific items like alcohol and tobacco.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Customs and Excise Department regulates and enforces trade laws.
Brazil Image

Brazil

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Labels must be in Portuguese, with details about the product and importer.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties vary significantly by product; IPI (industrialized product tax) and ICMS (state tax)also apply.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Receita Federal (Federal Revenue of Brazil) manages and enforces compliance.
India Image

India

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Detailed labeling requirements including the name and address of the importer, MRP, and manufacturing date.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties vary by product; GST applies to all imported goods.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) handles regulation and enforcement.
Vietnam Image

Vietnam

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Mandatory Vietnamese labeling for imported goods.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties range from 0% to 150%; VAT is 10%.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: General Department of Vietnam Customs oversees trade regulations.
China Image

China

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Strict packaging and labeling requirements, especially for food and pharmaceuticals.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: VAT at 13%, consumption tax on luxury goods, and various customs duties depending on the product category.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: General Administration of Customs (GACC) oversees compliance and enforcement of import/export regulations.
Indonesia Image

Indonesia

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Mandatory labeling in Bahasa Indonesia for specific products.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties range from 0% to 150% based on the product type; VAT is 10%.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Directorate General of Customs and Excise under the Ministry of Finance oversees regulations.
Malaysia Image

Malaysia

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Labels must include the country of origin, ingredients, and expiry date.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties vary, with an average rate of 5.6%; Sales and Service Tax (SST) may apply.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)is responsible for enforcement.
Thailand Image

Thailand

  • Product Labeling and Packaging Requirements: Labeling in Thai is required, especially for food, drugs, and cosmetics.
  • Tariff and Tax Obligations: Import duties vary by product; VAT is 7%.
  • Regulating and Enforcement Authority: Thai Customs Department is responsible for enforcement.

Simplifying Global Trade Compliance

Facing import/export challenges? Instantly connect with vetted trade lawyers and resolve issues in 4 easy steps — remotely, wherever you are.

Find Your Own Lawyer
and Get a Free Quote

Search, Connect, and Get a Free Quote from Our Experts

China

Sylvia Zhang

Sylvia Zhang
Subject Expertise
Corporate
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Employment
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
China

Hongli Sun

Hongli Sun
Subject Expertise
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Mergers and Acquisitions
,
Canada

Customer Support Trustiics

Customer Support Trustiics
Subject Expertise
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Regulatory Compliance
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Immigration
,
Canada

Martin Aquilina

Martin Aquilina
Subject Expertise
Commercial Contracts
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Mergers and Acquisitions
,
China

Emilia Shi

Emilia Shi
Subject Expertise
Capital Markets & Securities
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Employment
,
China

Maarten Roos

Maarten Roos
Subject Expertise
Corporate
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Employment
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
China

Susan Wang

Susan Wang
Subject Expertise
Corporate
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Mergers and Acquisitions
,
Other
,
Commercial Contracts
,
China

Guanglei Zhang

Guanglei Zhang
Subject Expertise
Dispute Resolution
,
Employment
,
Other
,
China

Jay Chen

Jay Chen
Subject Expertise
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Employment
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
China

Raoul Schweicher

Raoul Schweicher
Subject Expertise
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Regulatory Compliance
,
Corporate
,
Crisis Management
,
Employment
,
China

Mary Mao

Mary Mao
Subject Expertise
Corporate
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Mergers and Acquisitions
,
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
China

Yuxiang Hu

Yuxiang Hu
Subject Expertise
Dispute Resolution
,
China

Andy Qian

Andy Qian
Subject Expertise
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Mergers and Acquisitions
,
Private Equity / Venture Capital (PE/VC)
,
India

Abhishek Majumdar

Abhishek Majumdar
Subject Expertise
Dispute Resolution
,
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Capital Markets & Securities
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
India

Abhishek Esq.

Abhishek Esq.
Subject Expertise
Dispute Resolution
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Criminal Defense
,
Employment
,
Canada

Brian Heller

Brian Heller
Subject Expertise
Criminal Defense
,
Other
,
U.S.

Connie Dai

Connie Dai
Subject Expertise
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Employment
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Other
,
Indonesia

Fenny Tohir Tohir

Fenny Tohir Tohir
Subject Expertise
Dispute Resolution
,
Banking
,
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Capital Markets & Securities
,
Commercial Contracts
,
China

Grace Li

Grace Li
Subject Expertise
Other
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Regulatory Compliance
,
International Trade
,
Canada

Jasmine Landau

Jasmine Landau
Subject Expertise
International Trade
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Crisis Management
,
Immigration
,
China

Jianlin Ni

Jianlin Ni
Subject Expertise
International Trade
,
China

Marlow Sun

Marlow Sun
Subject Expertise
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Foreign Direct Investment
,
Other
,
U.S.

Robert Liu

Robert Liu
Subject Expertise
Banking
,
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Capital Markets & Securities
,
Dispute Resolution
,
Administrative
,
Indonesia

Roni Marpaung

Roni Marpaung
Subject Expertise
Dispute Resolution
,
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
,
Criminal Defense
,
Crisis Management
,
Other
,
Canada

Selma Paciornik

Selma Paciornik
Subject Expertise
Banking
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Corporate
,
Crisis Management
,
Family and Marriage
,
India

Adv. Soaham Panse

Adv. Soaham Panse
Subject Expertise
Maritime and Admiralty
,
Mergers and Acquisitions
,
Tax
,
Commercial Contracts
,
Dispute Resolution
,

The Most Overlooked Risks When Exporting to China (2024 Update)

Exporting to China offers immense opportunities but comes with unique risks, especially for SMEs. This guide outlines 8 common risks, including issues with contracts, trademarks, financial stability, and regulatory compliance, and offers actionable strategies to mitigate them.
Written on:
November 28, 2024
Introduction to Lao’s Intellectual Property Law: Key Updates for Foreign SMEs

Introduction to Lao’s Intellectual Property Law: Key Updates for Foreign SMEs

Written on:
November 7, 2024

Navigating Indonesia’s New E-Commerce Regulations

Indonesia’s Ministry of Trade has recently introduced new e-commerce regulations under MoT Regulation No. 31/2023 (“MOTR 31/2023”). This was meant to replace MOT Regulation No. 50/2020 (“MOTR 50/2020”). The spirit of these new rules is to protect local small and medium-sized enterprises in Indonesia, as the government views that foreign e-commerce merchants will adversely impact...
Written on:
October 10, 2024