What is it?
Import is a contractual clause that governs the movement of foreign goods into the U.S. and the related customs compliance duties.
import
UCC / CommercialLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Import usually means bringing foreign goods into the U.S. In contracts, it matters because missing customs compliance can cause breach and duty liability. Before signing, check who bears the import‑clearance duty and the filing deadline.
Definitions
What is import?
Legal Definition
When a contract calls for an import, the buyer must bring foreign goods into the United States. That obligation triggers customs duties, compliance with 19 U.S.C. § 1501 and possible breach if the goods are not cleared. Practitioners watch for the Incoterms® rule that allocates import responsibilities.
Plain-English Translation
Think of an import like a hall pass that lets a student bring a book from another school into the library; the student must show the pass at the desk before the book is accepted.
Contract relevance
Why import matters in contracts
Failing to honor an import clause can void the purchase agreement and expose the buyer to liquidated damages; the buyer bears the risk.
Document context
Where import appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Order | Terms & Conditions | Defines who handles customs |
| Master Services Agreement | Schedule A | Allocates import responsibilities |
| UCC § 2-207 | Boilerplate section | Determines which additional terms survive |
| ISDA Master Agreement | Annex | Sets import risk allocation |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "Buyer shall be responsible for all import duties" | Buyer pays customs fees | Verify duty allocation |
| "Seller shall clear the goods through customs" | Seller handles entry | Confirm seller's capability |
| "Import compliance shall be performed in accordance with applicable law" | Follow U.S. customs law | Ensure statutory references |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Import costs"
Clearer wording
"Buyer shall pay all customs duties, taxes, and brokerage fees"
Vague wording
"Import compliance"
Clearer wording
"Seller shall file entry with U.S. Customs and pay all duties within 15 days of arrival"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Identify which party is designated as importor
2
Confirm the exact deadline for customs entry
3
Verify that the contract cites the applicable Incoterms rule
4
Determine who bears duty and brokerage fees
5
Check for any duty‑drawback or exemption provisions
6
Ensure compliance with 19 U.S.C. § 1501 and related regulations
7
Review indemnification language for customs penalties
Party impact
How import affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Buyer | Must budget for duties and ensure timely entry filing |
| Seller | Needs to coordinate freight forwarder and provide documentation |
| Customs Broker | Must receive clear instructions on who authorizes entry |
Comparison
import vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from import |
|---|---|---|
| Export | Sending U.S. goods abroad | Opposite flow of goods |
| Customs bond | Guarantee for duties | Provides security, not the act of bringing goods in |
| Domestic purchase | Buying U.S.-made goods | No customs entry required |
Missing or vague
If import is missing or vague
If the import clause is vague, the parties may dispute who pays customs duties, leading to unexpected invoices. Unclear timing can cause missed filing deadlines, resulting in penalties under 19 U.S.C. § 1583. The buyer might assume the seller cleared the goods, while the seller believes the buyer handled entry, creating breach claims.
These disagreements often require litigation in the district court where the goods arrived, increasing costs and delaying delivery.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for how "Import" is defined |
| Payment | Check duty allocation language |
| Delivery | Verify customs entry timing |
| Risk of Loss | See when risk transfers relative to import clearance |
| Termination | Identify breach triggers for failed import |
Visual model
Understand import fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
A retailer contracts with an overseas manufacturer to import 5,000 units of apparel; the retailer files the entry and pays duties, then sells the goods domestically.
02
A tech startup imports server hardware under a purchase agreement; failure to clear customs within 15 days triggers a breach and the supplier can terminate the contract.
Document context
How import shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Failing to honor an import clause can void the purchase agreement and expose the buyer to liquidated damages; the buyer bears the risk.
When does it matter?
When the seller ships the merchandise overseas, the buyer must file the entry with U.S. Customs within 15 days of arrival.
Where is it usually seen?
The term appears in UCC § 2-207 addenda, standard purchase orders, and import‑export sections of ISDA master agreements.
Who is affected?
The buyer gains clearance rights but risks duty liability; the seller gains assurance of payment upon successful import.
How does it work?
First, the buyer obtains an entry number from Customs. Then the buyer files the entry form and pays the assessed duty within the statutory period. Finally, the buyer releases the goods to its warehouse after Customs releases them.
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Wikipedia
Import
Import is the activity within international trade which involves buying and receiving goods and services produced in another country. An importer is a person, organization or country receiving imported goods which have been exported from another country....
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Where import connects to real contract work
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
Glossary
Use Cases
Purchase Order (PO)
Finance & Sales: A purchase order is a contract. Its terms govern your delivery, payment, and liability.
Analyze Freelance Contract
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Check Freelancer Agreement Risks
Freelance & Gig Contracts: Check a Freelance / Contractor Agreement for common risks and hidden one-sided clauses.
Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
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