One of the big problems you will encounter when starting to import wood is not knowing the process as well as the related documents and procedures. In this article, I will show you how to import wood from Angola – one of the leading countries in the wood industry. As a customer in need, you will have to ensure the following process: choose a reputable wood supplier to choose the type of wood + appropriate quantity (usually MOQ will be 1 cont) + carrier, understand the necessary procedures and calculation of import duties and taxes. Each step will be clarified in this article.
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Choose Reliable Angola Suppliers For Timber
The first step when deciding to import wood from Angola is to choose a reputable supplier. If you choose correctly, you will not only get good quality wood at a reasonable price, but also you will not have to worry about legal paperwork later. Another advantage that maybe no one tells you is that large, reputable suppliers often have a network of shipping partners, and they can even help you negotiate for better shipping rates.
If you are wondering about suppliers, read the top 5 wood suppliers in Angola
Pick a logistics and shipping method
Sea Freight
Using ships to transport goods, you can transfer extremely large amounts of goods. Considering the same quantity and volume of goods, the shipping price by sea is much lower than other forms, helping you reduce costs when importing timber from Angola.
The biggest disadvantage of shipping by sea is that it depends a lot on weather factors. When the weather is bad, it can affect the cargo delivery schedule, delaying the ship for a long time, sometimes lasting more than 1 month. Paperwork for timber is complicated depending on the origin and type of wood.
In addition, sea freight shipments typically involve large volumes, as the goods are loaded into containers with dimensions of 40 feet in length (12.2 meters), 8 feet in width (2.44 meters), and 8.5 feet in height (2.59 meters). Specifically, a 40-foot container can accommodate a maximum weight of 40 cubic meters while a 20-foot can carry 25 m3 of timber
Road Transport
Using trucks to transport goods allows for a flexible and direct route to the destination, making it a convenient option for land-based logistics. When comparing the same quantity and volume of goods, the cost of transportation by road can be higher than sea freight, but it offers advantages in terms of speed and accessibility, particularly for short to medium distances. This can be particularly beneficial when importing timber from regions accessible by land.
One of the major drawbacks of road transport is its susceptibility to traffic conditions and road infrastructure quality. Congestion and roadworks can lead to significant delays, although these are usually shorter than the potential delays caused by bad weather in sea freight. Additionally, road transport requires thorough documentation and compliance with regulations, which can vary significantly from one country to another, especially concerning the transport of specific goods like timber.
Road freight shipments are generally less voluminous compared to sea freight, as the goods are transported in trucks or trailers with standard dimensions. This mode of transport is ideal for more targeted, just-in-time delivery schedules, offering a balance between cost and efficiency for certain types of cargo and distances.
Understanding the Required Documents for Importing Procedures from Angola
There are some documents that you should save in mind:
Commercial Invoice: Details about the transaction, including the description and value of the wood.
Packing List: Specifies the packaging details of the shipment.
Certificate of Origin: Verifies the wood has been harvested, processed, and shipped from Angola.
Phytosanitary Certificate: Ensures the wood is free from pests and diseases, crucial for avoiding environmental hazards in the importing country.
Bill of Lading or Airway Bill: Contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier (either a shipping line or an airline).
Import License: Required by some countries for specific types of wood to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Fumigation Certificate: May be required to prove the wood has been fumigated or treated before shipment.
Calculate Import Duties and Taxes
Import tariffs are applicable when you bring in goods exceeding a particular value limit, and this limit changes based on the import regulations of the destination country. Here are several resources to help you ascertain and compute import taxes for embroidered garments from Angola to your nation:
Customs Websites of the Importing Country: The official customs website for your country often provides comprehensive details on tariffs, taxes, and rules related to imports.
Trade Information Portals of Governments: Many nations maintain specific websites or portals focused on international commerce. These resources are valuable for understanding import duties, taxation, and government trade policies.
Online Tariff Databases: Access online databases that aggregate tariff information across different countries. The Harmonized System (HS) database by the World Customs Organization (WCO) is a notable example.
If navigating these resources seems daunting, you need not worry excessively. Your chosen Angola supplier or logistics provider will guide you through the process of understanding and handling import duties. The most crucial step remains selecting a dependable supplier from Angola.
In conclusion, to successfully import timber from Angola, it’s essential to grasp the entire process thoroughly, from selecting a trustworthy supplier in Angola to choosing the right shipping method, comprehending the necessary documentation, and calculating taxes and import duties. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out by filling out our contact form or leaving a comment below this article.
