The Importer's Notebook
Practical guides on duty, freight, VAT and unit economics — no fluff.
Cost management
63 articles
Top 10 Risks Every UK Importer Should Know About
From currency swings to customs seizures, importing carries real risks. Here are the ten biggest threats to your import business and how to mitigate each one.
Understanding CBM: How Cubic Metres Affect Your Shipping Costs
CBM (cubic metres) is the measurement that determines your sea freight costs. Learn how to calculate it, optimise it, and understand how it affects your landed cost.
Air Freight vs Sea Freight: Cost Comparison for UK Importers
When should you ship by air and when by sea? A detailed cost and time comparison to help UK importers choose the right shipping method.
UK Import Duty Explained: How Rates Are Calculated
A clear explanation of how UK import duty works, how rates are determined, and practical strategies for minimising the duty you pay on imported goods.
Understanding Profit Margins: Gross vs Net for Importers
Many importers confuse gross and net margins, leading to dangerously optimistic profitability assumptions. Learn the difference and why it matters.
How to Calculate Landed Cost for Imported Products: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to calculate landed cost with a step-by-step walkthrough, worked example, and cost breakdown table. Stop underpricing your imports.
12 Hidden Import Costs That Eat Into Your Profit Margins
Beyond duty and freight, there are a dozen hidden costs that catch importers off guard. Here are the 12 most common — and how to budget for them.
How to Work Out Your True Cost Per Unit When Importing from Overseas
Your per-unit cost isn't just the supplier price divided by quantity. Learn how to allocate shipping, duty, and fees across products to find your real cost per unit.
How to Use UK Trade Agreements to Pay Less Import Duty
UK free trade agreements can cut your import duty significantly or eliminate it entirely. Learn which FTAs are available, how to claim preferential rates, and common mistakes to avoid.
Wrong HS Code on Your Import? Here's What It Costs You in Duty and Delays
Using the wrong HS code can mean overpaid duty, HMRC penalties, customs delays, or even seized goods. Learn the real costs of misclassification and how to fix it.
What Do FOB, CIF, EXW and DDP Mean? Incoterms Explained for Importers
Incoterms define who pays for shipping, insurance, and customs. Learn what FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP and the other Incoterms mean and how they affect your landed cost.
Should I Buy FOB or CIF? How Your Incoterm Choice Affects Total Import Cost
FOB vs CIF which is better? Compare how each Incoterm affects your landed cost, insurance, and customs duty with worked examples and a practical decision framework.
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