Incoterm (Acronym for International Commercial Terms) is a standardised trading agreement used by trading parties to facilitate transaction agreements as well as simplify shipping contracts. They help to clarify all the tasks, responsibilities, costs, and risk during the transaction of goods between Importer and Exporter This ensure importer and exporter to comprehensively perform their respective roles in movement of the goods.

Why is it important?
It determines job scope for the logistic partner to handle as well as affect your costing

The HS (Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System) Code is a 6–10 digit number that is required for all international shipments. This number is used by customs to identify the products shipped across international borders. Customs authorities use HS Codes to apply duties, taxes and regulations on internationally shipped products.

What is it important?
With the HS Code, we can generally determine the requirements as well as tax structure in order for importer/exporter to
1) Do Costing as the cargo may be incurred duty and tax
2) Prepare the necessary documentation prior to the shipment
3) Understand the restriction and regulation set onto cargo

During an import/export shipment, it is best to finalize on the movement of the cargo in order for correct and efficient custom declaration to be perform. Different movement of cargo in Malaysia requires different type of custom declaration.
Types: K1, K2, K3, K9, K8

Why is it important?
Once we know the actual movement of the cargo, we are able
1) Make sure a correct declaration of the import/export shipment
2) To ensure a smooth clearance
3) Determine the Duty and/or Sale Tax to be paid or it can be hold

Import and Export of goods in Malaysia does not just regulated by the Customs only. Some import of goods requires the approval of certain Other Government Agency. Other Government Agency (where its acronym is OGA ) is an organization established by the executive or legislative branches of the government to oversee and manage a specific government’s function.

Therefore, before planning for an import and export of the goods, it is strongly suggest that the importer/exporter consult the relevant OGA on the requirement to import/export their good.

Why is it important?
The consultation with OGA will assist us in
1) Knowing the proper documentation to prepare as supporting documentation for custom clearance
2) Ensuring all requirements (such as treatment of goods or packaging of goods) are meet before goods are imported into/exported out of Malaysia
3) Preparing for special handling methods of the goods upon import or export of the goods (if any)

The government earns revenues from various sources, and one of its principal means of income is tax and duty. During import or export, shipments may be subjected to duties and taxes as determined by customs in the destination country. However, for certain goods, the duty and sale tax may be exempted (partially or fully) depending on various reasons such as its country origin, government initiative for trade facilitation and etc. This exemption usually comes with a certain criteria and requirements by the government or its relevant agency. Hence, the importer/exporter has to ensure all these criteria and/or requirement are met before the arrangement of the shipment to qualify for these exemptions

Why is it Important?
- It will substantially affect the costing of your import/export shipments
- The exemptions cannot be accepted after custom clearance.

With international trade being a norm, almost everything can be delivered around the globe. Hence, different types of maritime transport are best-suited for specific kinds of cargo. Your choice ultimately depends on the goods that you need to transport. Transportation options by sea can range from general cargo ships to large vessels that are capable of carrying vehicles, heavy equipment, and numerous types of boats.

Below are 3 most common maritime freight arranged:
1) FCL (Full container Load) – the cargo is transported via container. It contains only the cargo of 1 owner
2) LCL (Less than container Container Load) – the cargo is shared among other cargo owners in container that to be send to a same destination
3) Conventional shipment – there is no container. The cargo is loaded onto the vessel or barge directly.

Why is it important?
- To ensure the movement of the cargo is delivered securely and correctly without any damages
- To prepare ourselves for proper handling of the cargo upon arrival or departure

Dangerous Goods or normally being called DG cargo need to operate with extreme care and consideration of its dangerous nature and any mis-declaration, mis-communication or incorrect documentation could have severe consequences and could prove disastrous to human lives on shore or on a ship.
Being a responsible importer/exporter, it is always important to inform the logistics arm on the nature of the cargo being transport. The fastest and simplest way to determine a cargo being DG cargo and its handling is via the information from Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). In the section 14: Transport Information of a complete MSDS, there are information on appropriate regulations for transporting the product via land, air or sea.

Why is it important?
- To ensure all the parties involve in the movement of the cargo handles the said cargo at the utmost care.