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An Import Agreement sets out the legal terms between a Canadian buyer and a foreign seller for bringing goods into Canada. This contract spells out crucial details like product specifications, pricing, delivery schedules, and who handles customs clearance under the Customs Act.

Beyond basic trade terms, these agreements protect both parties by addressing quality standards, shipping insurance, and payment methods. They often include specific provisions about import duties, compliance with Canadian food and product safety regulations, and what happens if shipments face delays or customs issues. Most Canadian businesses use these agreements to create clear accountability and minimize cross-border trading risks.

Use an Import Agreement anytime your business plans to purchase goods from suppliers outside Canada. This becomes especially important when dealing with high-value shipments, specialized products, or items subject to strict regulations like food, pharmaceuticals, or electronics.

The agreement proves invaluable during first-time imports, when changing suppliers, or expanding into new product lines. It helps navigate complex situations like shared shipping containers, multiple delivery locations, or when dealing with customs brokers. Canadian businesses need this protection before making deposits, scheduling shipments, or committing to long-term supply relationships with international vendors.

• Standard One-Time Import: Basic agreements for single shipments, covering essential terms like product specs, pricing, and delivery details
• Long-Term Supply Import: Comprehensive agreements for ongoing relationships, including volume commitments and price adjustment mechanisms
• Specialized Product Import: Enhanced agreements for regulated goods like food or pharmaceuticals, with detailed quality control and compliance sections
• Distribution Import: Combines import terms with distribution rights, often used when the importer plans to resell throughout Canada
• Customs-Focused Import: Emphasizes customs clearance procedures, duties, and documentation requirements for complex shipments

• Canadian Importing Companies: Businesses that purchase goods from foreign suppliers, ranging from small retailers to large manufacturers
• Foreign Suppliers: Companies selling and shipping products into Canada, responsible for meeting product specifications and export requirements
• Customs Brokers: Licensed professionals who handle clearance paperwork and ensure compliance with import regulations
• Corporate Lawyers: Draft and review Import Agreements to protect their clients' interests and ensure legal compliance
• Freight Forwarders: Manage shipping logistics and often review agreement terms related to transportation and delivery

• Supplier Details: Gather complete legal name, address, and business registration of the foreign supplier
• Product Specifics: Document exact specifications, quantities, pricing, and quality standards for all imported items
• Shipping Terms: Decide on Incoterms, delivery schedules, and preferred shipping methods
• Compliance Requirements: Check Canadian import regulations for your specific products and industry
• Payment Structure: Define payment terms, currency, and any letter of credit requirements
• Risk Management: Plan for shipping insurance, quality inspection protocols, and dispute resolution methods

• Party Information: Complete legal names, addresses, and business numbers of importer and foreign supplier
• Product Details: Precise description, quantities, specifications, and quality standards
• Payment Terms: Price, currency, payment schedule, and financial security arrangements
• Delivery Terms: Incoterms, shipping method, delivery timeline, and risk transfer point
• Compliance Section: References to Canadian import regulations and required certifications
• Dispute Resolution: Choice of law, jurisdiction, and arbitration procedures under Canadian courts
• Force Majeure: Provisions for unexpected events affecting performance or delivery

Import Agreements differ significantly from Agency Agreements, though both involve international trade relationships. While Import Agreements focus on the direct purchase and shipment of goods from foreign suppliers, Agency Agreements establish a relationship where one party represents another in business dealings.

• Scope of Authority: Agency Agreements grant specific powers to representatives to act on behalf of the principal, while Import Agreements simply outline terms for purchasing goods
• Duration: Import Agreements often cover specific shipments or fixed periods, whereas Agency Agreements typically establish ongoing representation relationships
• Legal Obligations: Agency Agreements create fiduciary duties and representation rights, while Import Agreements focus on transaction-specific obligations like delivery and payment terms
• Risk Distribution: Import Agreements deal primarily with shipping and product risks, while Agency Agreements address liability for actions taken on behalf of others