Import Business Guide

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

Privacy

Your privacy matters to us.

Privacy Policy

Introduction and Scope

This Privacy Policy explains how Import Business Guide ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and safeguards personal information when you use our website at importbusinessguide.com, our import management platform, and related services (collectively, the "Services"). We provide tools and guidance for importers, including Incoterms guidance, customs documentation preparation, supplier payment facilitation, and related resources. This policy applies to all users of the Services, including visitors, registered users, and representatives of importing businesses. It does not apply to third-party websites or services that we do not control. By using the Services, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services.

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly, information generated automatically as you use the Services, and information from third parties, as follows:

Information You Provide

  • Account and contact details: name, company name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and job title.
  • Import transaction data: shipment details, product descriptions, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, commercial invoice values, Incoterms selections (e.g., FOB, CIF, DDP), customs declaration information, and supporting documents such as bills of lading, packing lists, and certificates of origin.
  • Supplier payment information: bank account details, payment instructions, and transaction amounts for supplier payments you initiate or manage through the Services. We do not store full payment card numbers; payment card processing is handled by our payment processors.
  • Communications: messages you send to us, including privacy inquiries, support requests, and feedback.

Information Collected Automatically

  • Usage data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, links clicked, and time spent on the Services.
  • Device identifiers: unique device identifiers and mobile network information.
  • Cookies and similar technologies: as described in the "Cookies and Tracking Technologies" section below.

Information from Third Parties

  • Customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics partners: shipment status, customs clearance updates, and document confirmations.
  • Payment processors and financial institutions: confirmation of payment status and fraud screening results.
  • Public and commercial databases: company information and trade data used to verify accounts or provide services.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

  • Providing the Services: facilitating import transactions, generating customs documentation, calculating duties and taxes, and enabling supplier payments.
  • Incoterms and compliance support: helping you select and apply appropriate Incoterms, prepare customs declarations, and maintain compliance with import regulations.
  • Account management: creating and managing your account, authenticating users, and providing customer support.
  • Payment processing: executing supplier payments, screening for fraud, and complying with financial recordkeeping requirements.
  • Communications: sending transactional messages (e.g., shipment updates, payment confirmations) and, with your consent where required, marketing communications about our services.
  • Improving the Services: analyzing usage trends, troubleshooting, and developing new features.
  • Legal and regulatory compliance: complying with applicable laws, responding to lawful requests, and enforcing our terms.

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your import transaction data or supplier payment information for advertising purposes.

Legal Bases for Processing

If you are located in a jurisdiction that requires a legal basis for processing (such as the EEA or UK), we process personal information based on: (a) performance of a contract with you; (b) our legitimate interests in operating and improving the Services, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights; (c) compliance with legal obligations; and (d) your consent where required. For US residents, we process information as described in this policy and in accordance with applicable state laws.

Data Security Measures

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information, including:

  • Encryption of data in transit using TLS and encryption of sensitive data at rest.
  • Access controls and role-based permissions for personnel who handle import and payment data.
  • Regular security assessments and monitoring for unauthorized access.
  • Vendor due diligence and contractual requirements for third-party service providers.
  • Retention of records in accordance with customs and financial regulations.

No method of transmission or storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security. If we become aware of a breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by law.

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Import transaction records, customs documentation, and payment records may be retained for up to seven years to comply with customs, tax, and financial recordkeeping requirements. When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it.

Sharing and Disclosure

We may share personal information with:

  • Service providers: customs brokers, freight forwarders, payment processors, cloud hosting providers, and analytics providers who perform services on our behalf and are bound by confidentiality obligations.
  • Suppliers and financial institutions: as necessary to execute supplier payments you initiate.
  • Legal and regulatory authorities: when required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety.
  • Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subject to standard confidentiality protections.

We do not sell personal information. We do not share personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate the Services, remember your preferences, analyze usage, and assist with security. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Services. We do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Deletion: request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
  • Restriction: request that we restrict processing of your information.
  • Portability: request a machine-readable copy of information you provided.
  • Objection: object to processing based on legitimate interests.
  • Opt-out of marketing: unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in the "How to Contact Us for Privacy Inquiries" section. We will respond within the time required by applicable law. We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request.

California Residents (CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect, use, and disclose; the right to delete; the right to correct; the right to opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information (we do not sell or share personal information as defined by the CPRA); and the right to limit use of sensitive personal information. To exercise CPRA rights, contact [email protected]. You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.

Third-Party Services

The Services may integrate with or link to third-party services, such as customs filing systems, payment networks, and logistics platforms. This policy does not apply to those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties.

International Data Transfers

We are based in the United States. If you access the Services from outside the US, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US and other countries where our service providers operate. We take steps to ensure that transfers comply with applicable law, including using standard contractual clauses where required.

Children's Privacy

The Services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on the Services. Your continued use of the Services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

How to Contact Us for Privacy Inquiries

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

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

We will respond to privacy inquiries within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with applicable law.

Last Updated: October 29, 2026