Import Business Guide

Practical guides on importing goods, customs and supplier payments: clear explanations, step-by-step instructions and checklists.

Cookies

How we use cookies.

Cookie Policy

Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Import Business Guide ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on importbusinessguide.com (the "Site"). It describes what cookies are, the types we use, how they support features specific to import operations, and how you can manage them.

By using the Site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy, except where your consent is required by law and has not been obtained.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work, improve efficiency, and provide information to site owners. Cookies may be set by the website you are visiting (first-party cookies) or by third parties whose services appear on the page (third-party cookies).

Cookies can be "session cookies" (deleted when you close your browser) or "persistent cookies" (remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them). They may also be classified as "essential" or "non-essential" depending on their function.

We also use similar technologies such as web beacons, pixels, and local storage. References to "cookies" in this policy include these technologies unless stated otherwise.

Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies on the Site:

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the Site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling out forms. Without these cookies, services you request cannot be provided.

Examples on importbusinessguide.com:

  • Session management: Keeps you logged in while you move between pages, such as reviewing Incoterms guidance or customs document checklists.
  • Security: Helps detect and prevent fraudulent activity, including unauthorized access to supplier payment resources.
  • Load balancing: Distributes traffic across servers to maintain performance during peak usage.
  • Cookie consent: Remembers your cookie choices so you are not asked repeatedly.

Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use the Site, such as which pages are visited most often and whether users encounter error messages. They help us improve the Site's performance and usability. The information collected is aggregated and does not directly identify you.

Examples on importbusinessguide.com:

  • Analytics: Measures traffic to pages covering Incoterms 2020 rules, customs valuation, and document requirements, so we can prioritize updates.
  • Error tracking: Identifies broken links or forms, such as supplier payment calculators or document templates, to fix issues quickly.
  • Page load monitoring: Tracks load times for interactive tools like Incoterms selectors or duty estimators.

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you disable them, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Examples on importbusinessguide.com:

  • Language and region preferences: Remembers your selected language or region so content displays correctly on return visits.
  • Saved preferences: Stores your preferences for tool settings, such as default Incoterms or currency for supplier payment examples.
  • Embedded content: Supports embedded videos or document viewers related to customs procedures and trade documentation.

Targeting/Advertising Cookies

These cookies may be set through our Site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.

Examples on importbusinessguide.com:

  • Campaign measurement: Tracks the effectiveness of advertising related to import guides and supplier payment resources.
  • Retargeting: Shows relevant content to visitors who have shown interest in customs or Incoterms topics, subject to your consent where required.

We do not use cookies to make automated decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects.

How We Use Cookies on This Site

We use cookies for the following purposes:

  • Operate the Site: Enable core functionality such as navigation, secure login, and form submissions.
  • Improve content: Understand which guides on Incoterms, customs clearance, and trade documents are most useful and where updates are needed.
  • Personalize your experience: Remember preferences so you can return to tools and resources without re-entering information.
  • Measure performance: Analyze traffic and usage patterns to improve site speed, structure, and accessibility.
  • Support marketing: Measure the reach of our communications and, where permitted, deliver relevant advertising about import-related resources.
  • Maintain security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access to supplier payment information.

We do not sell personal information collected through cookies. Where we share cookie data with service providers, we do so under contracts that limit their use of the data to providing services to us.

Third-Party Cookies and Services

We work with third-party service providers that may set cookies on your device when you use the Site. These providers help us with analytics, advertising, embedded content, and site functionality. The specific cookies set may change as we update our services.

Categories of third parties include:

  • Analytics providers: Measure site traffic and usage.
  • Advertising partners: Deliver and measure advertising, subject to your consent where required.
  • Content delivery and security providers: Help deliver the Site reliably and protect against threats.
  • Embedded content providers: Support videos, documents, or tools embedded on the Site.

Third-party cookies are governed by the privacy policies of those third parties. We encourage you to review their policies for more information. We do not control third-party cookies and are not responsible for their practices.

How to Manage or Disable Cookies

You can manage cookies in several ways:

  • Cookie consent tool: Where available, use the cookie banner or settings link on the Site to accept, reject, or customize non-essential cookies. Essential cookies cannot be disabled through this tool because they are required for the Site to function.
  • Browser settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. The steps vary by browser; consult your browser's help section. Blocking all cookies may affect your ability to use parts of the Site, such as logging in or saving preferences.
  • Opt-out of analytics and advertising: Some third-party providers offer opt-out mechanisms. For example, you may be able to opt out of certain advertising cookies through industry opt-out pages. These opt-outs are managed by the third parties, not by us.
  • Do Not Track: Some browsers offer a "Do Not Track" signal. We do not currently respond to such signals, but you can use the controls above to manage cookies.

If you disable cookies, you may still use the Site, but some features and tools may not work as intended.

Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: +1 (206) 453-8712
  • Mailing address: 11900 NE 1st Street, Suite 300, Bellevue, WA 98005

We will respond to cookie-related inquiries as soon as reasonably practicable.

Last Updated: October 29, 2026