Introduction
Starting an import business needs a proper guidelines and
understanding of the foreign market. Before starting an import, it is also
important for an importer to obtain all the necessary information in matters
associated with foreign trade agreement. Starting an import is not a
get-rich-quick-scheme. Like an export, import also requires a lot of
preparations.
Selecting the Commodity Market
Proper selection of the commodity market is an important factor before starting
an import. Commodity market data and information collected during research
helps to prepare the commodity market report. The right market can be selected by answering the following the
following questions.
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Is the product(s) an importer need to conducting his
business available domestically?
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Is there a lucrative and untapped domestic market for
an imported product?
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Does importing a product increase competitiveness as a
business?
An importer should only proceed; if he is determined that
importing certain goods will definitely make his business profitable.
Once the importer is confirmed about his importing
decision, then he should proceed towards the development of the proper import
business plan. While making the import plan, importer of India must evaluate the various
government policies and guidelines including the rules and regulation as
mentioned in the Foreign Trade Policy Procedures, 2004-09.
An importer is always free to import goods in India provided that such goods are
imported under the regulations of ITC- HS Classifications of Export Import
items. ITC-HS codes are divided into two schedules. All the rules and regulations
related to the Indian import is mentioned in the Schedule I of the ITC.
Prohibited goods and items are not at all allowed to import while restricted items are
only allowed to import though a special license issued by the Ministry of
Commerce, Government of India.
State Trading Corporation of India
There are certain goods that can be only imported outside the country through a
recognize agency. State Trading Corporation of India is also one of them that
import a number of essential commodities to cover the domestic shortfalls and
hold the price line. STC serves the national objective by arranging timely
imports at most competitive prices. In the process, the Corporation makes best
use of its strength in handling bulk imports, vast infrastructure and above all
an experience of over four decades in fulfilling the needs of the industry. The
STC is responsible for the import of goods such as bullion, vanaspati and edible
oils, pulses, hydro-carbons, metals and minerals and fertilizers.
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