Import Agreement Template for England and Wales

An Import Agreement sets out the legal terms for bringing goods into the UK from overseas suppliers. These contracts spell out crucial details like delivery schedules, quality standards, and payment terms while ensuring compliance with UK customs regulations and import duties.

Beyond the basic commercial terms, these agreements protect both parties by clarifying who handles shipping costs, insurance, and customs clearance. They're especially important under English law because they help businesses navigate complex trade rules, including VAT requirements and product safety standards that apply when importing goods into Great Britain.

Use an Import Agreement when starting a new trading relationship with an overseas supplier or significantly changing terms with an existing one. This contract becomes essential before placing large orders, dealing with high-value goods, or importing regulated products like food, electronics, or chemicals into the UK.

Many businesses implement Import Agreements when expanding their supplier base internationally or when shifting from informal to formal trading arrangements. It's particularly vital for protecting your interests when dealing with suppliers from countries with different legal systems, or when handling products that require specific certifications under UK standards.

• Standard Import Agreement: Covers basic trading terms, payment schedules, and delivery arrangements for routine international purchases
• Distribution Import Agreement: Combines import terms with distribution rights for companies bringing goods into the UK for resale
• Framework Import Agreement: Sets up long-term trading relationships with multiple shipments over time
• Regulated Goods Agreement: Contains additional provisions for importing controlled substances, food products, or items requiring special permits
• Customs-Focused Agreement: Emphasizes duties, tariffs, and customs clearance procedures for complex import situations

• UK Importing Companies: Businesses bringing goods into Britain, from small retailers to large manufacturers who need to secure their supply chains
• International Suppliers: Overseas companies exporting goods to UK buyers, responsible for meeting agreed quality and delivery standards
• Customs Brokers: Professionals who handle import documentation and ensure compliance with UK customs regulations
• Legal Teams: In-house or external solicitors who draft and review agreements to protect their clients' interests
• Freight Forwarders: Logistics companies managing the physical movement of goods and associated documentation

• Supplier Details: Gather full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of both parties, plus any necessary import licenses
• Product Specifications: Document exact descriptions, quantities, quality standards, and packaging requirements
• Delivery Terms: Specify Incoterms, shipping methods, timelines, and responsibility for customs clearance
• Payment Structure: Define prices, currency, payment terms, and any letter of credit requirements
• Compliance Requirements: List applicable UK import regulations, product standards, and certification needs
• Risk Management: Detail insurance requirements, liability limits, and dispute resolution procedures

• Party Details: Complete legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of importer and supplier
• Product Details: Precise descriptions, specifications, quantities, and quality standards
• Commercial Terms: Pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and Incoterms designation
• Compliance Clauses: UK import regulations, customs requirements, and product certification standards
• Risk Allocation: Insurance requirements, warranties, liability limits, and force majeure provisions
• Governing Law: Clear statement of English law jurisdiction and dispute resolution procedures
• Termination Rights: Conditions for ending the agreement and consequences of breach

Import Agreements are often confused with Agency Agreements, but they serve distinct purposes in international trade. While both deal with bringing products into the UK market, they operate quite differently in practice.

• Primary Purpose: Import Agreements focus on the direct purchase and movement of goods across borders, while Agency Agreement establishes a relationship where an agent represents the foreign supplier in the UK market
• Control and Liability: Under Import Agreements, the importer takes ownership of goods and handles customs directly. Agency arrangements keep product ownership with the supplier, with the agent acting as an intermediary
• Payment Structure: Import Agreements typically involve direct purchase payments, while Agency Agreements usually operate on commission-based compensation
• Legal Obligations: Import Agreements focus on delivery terms and customs compliance, whereas Agency Agreements emphasize representation rights and performance targets