exporter of record vs importer of record and Importer of Record (IOR) play crucial roles in international trade by ensuring compliance with legal, tax, and customs regulations. However, they serve different functions at opposite ends of the supply chain.
| Aspect | Exporter of Record (EOR) | Importer of Record (IOR) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Legally responsible for ensuring that goods leave the exporting country in compliance with regulations. | Legally responsible for ensuring that goods enter the importing country in compliance with regulations. |
| Primary Role | Manages export compliance, documentation, and tax obligations before goods are shipped internationally. | Manages import compliance, customs clearance, duties, and tax obligations upon arrival in the destination country. |
| Key Responsibilities | - Ensuring regulatory export compliance - Preparing and submitting export documentation - Paying any applicable export taxes or fees - Obtaining necessary permits and licenses - Handling customs clearance for outbound shipments | - Ensuring regulatory import compliance - Handling customs clearance and declarations - Paying import duties, VAT, and taxes - Obtaining necessary import permits and certifications - Ensuring product conformity with local regulations |
| Who Needs This Service? | Companies exporting products but lacking a legal entity in the exporting country. | Companies importing products but lacking a legal entity in the destination country. |
| Industries That Benefit | Technology, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, and industrial equipment. | IT hardware, pharmaceuticals, consumer electronics, industrial machinery, and regulated goods. |
| Compliance Risk Without It | Risk of non-compliance with export regulations, potential legal penalties, or shipment delays. | Risk of customs delays, fines, penalties, or product seizures due to improper documentation. |
When to Use an IOR vs. EOR?
If your business is exporting goods from a country but does not have a registered legal entity there, you need an Exporter of Record (EOR).
If your business is importing goods into a country but does not have a legal presence there, you need an Importer of Record (IOR).
Both services help companies streamline global trade operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce the complexity of cross-border logistics.
