The Importer of Record (IOR) service plays a crucial role in international trade by:
Providing accurate accountability for imports
Handling all necessary paperwork
Meeting all legal and regulatory requirements
Expediting customs clearance
Understanding Importer of Record
We Ensure Seamless Navigation of International Trade Regulations
With a seasoned team and strategic global network, we meticulously handle every aspect of the import process. From product classifications to customs clearance, we facilitate timely deliveries worldwide.
Explore Importer of Record Industry Insights
Autmotive
Our Importer of Record services simplify the complex automotive import process, ensuring compliance and efficient delivery to global markets.
Manage regulatory documentation for vehicle imports
Ensure timely customs clearance for automotive parts
Specializing in data center imports, we handle the intricacies of international shipping, ensuring secure and compliant delivery of high-value equipment.
Facilitate import permits and regulatory compliance
Coordinate safe, timely transport of servers and IT hardware
Each module features industry-specific insights, key statistics, and trends to help you understand the unique requirements and opportunities for importer of record services.
Provide customized import solutions for diverse sectors
Achieve compliance and efficiency in global supply chains
I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the outstanding service provided by two of your team members, Luna and Andrea. Andrea expertly managed my client’s shipments, ensuring a seamless transition from port to destination without a hitch. Luna faced an exceptionally challenging situation that was far from ideal for anyone involved. Nevertheless, she went above and beyond by assisting me and my client during the weekends, keeping me updated with all relevant information—whether it was good, bad, or downright difficult—throughout the entire process of the project. Thanks to their efforts, we successfully completed this task for one of my largest clients.
I firmly believe in recognizing hard work and exceptional performance, and it’s clear that you have some true stars on your team. Thank you once again!
AOP
Senior Sales Manager
Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to everyone involved—you’ve got an awesome team!
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say that EVERYONE on your team has really come together to help me with this Brazil nightmare order. There were so many issues on the customer side, and I ended up putting your group through a lot—both domestically and internationally. But we finally got it all sorted out, and Maria helped get everything scheduled for pickup today. Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU to everyone involved—you’ve got an awesome team!
Brandon Daniel
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IOR Direct Solutions has a top notch staff, friendly, and responsive. I recommend them over any other global logistics company around.
We have been partnered with IOR Direct Solutions for the past three years. Their response time, pricing, and services is one of the best in the industry. Many times we have complicated shipments that require special permits or are in remote areas and they come through every time. Their online portal is also very easy to use for sending messages, tracking and printing the necessary shipment documentation.
IOR Direct Solutions has a top notch staff, friendly, and responsive. I recommend them over any other global logistics company around. They make my job much easier and I absolutely appreciate it!
Dalton Brown
Warehouse Coordinator
Angelica at IOR Direct quickly understood our lack of experience and got everything sorted out right away
I will be honest, we were completely lost on how to get our goods into LATAM after two previous shipments got stuck in customs. We didn’t know the first thing about importing or shipping. Thankfully, we were referred to IOR Direct Solutions Inc. Angelica at IOR Direct quickly understood our lack of experience and got everything sorted out right away. She not only walked us through the process but also made it a great learning experience! What could have been a disaster went off without a hitch, all thanks to Angelica. If you ever need to ship products anywhere in the world, I highly recommend contacting IOR Direct Solutions Inc.
Jess Kelly
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Thanks to her relentless efforts and constant communication, what seemed like an impossible task was actually accomplished!
I want to give a huge shoutout, Luna G. We’re a national/international awards company specializing in plaques, trophies, acrylics, medals, and more—covering everything from corporate awards to major sporting events. Recently, we hit a snag with a rather large shipment for one of our major customers. One of our shipments got stuck in a customs, which, as we know from past experience, can cause a significant delay.
That’s when Luna stepped in, she is an absolute rockstar. She stayed on top of this shipment, providing updates almost daily and keeping me in the loop every step of the way. Thanks to her relentless efforts and constant communication, what seemed like an impossible task was actually accomplished! I work with a lot of logistics folks, but I’ve NEVER encountered anyone as dedicated and passionate about their job and customer care as Luna and the IOR Direct customer service team. I just want you to know how much our company appreciates all the hard work.
Director of Inventory
Leading National/International Awards Company
You guys always make shipping into LATAM so smooth!
You all are definitely the miracle workers!!! … Thanks so much for the extensive efforts. We had been burned pretty bad by our previous IOR company, and weren’t sure we should trust again. We found IOR direct and they took care of EVERYTHING. We know shipping to LATAM isn’t always easy, and this shipment by no means was but, IOR Direct made it so seamless. You sure did a wonderful job of handling this US to Brazil shipment for us. You guys always make shipping into LATAM so smooth!
Traffic Coordinator
Traffic Coordinator
We turned to IOR Direct Solutions’ Miami office, and they exceeded our expectations.
A few months ago, we reached out to IOR Direct Solutions for quotes on a few international shipments to LATAM (Argentina, Chile, Brazil). After receiving several quotes, we decided to go with a competitor whose cost was slightly lower than IOR Direct’s offer. Unfortunately, from the moment the competitor took over our shipments, it turned into a nightmare.
We faced major communication issues, and the costs kept changing drastically. While we understand that costs can vary, the difference between the initial quote and the final charges was significant. We also had serious concerns about the reliability of the information we were getting. To avoid further delays and escalating costs, we decided to take back control of our cargo.
That’s when we turned to IOR Direct Solutions’ Miami office, and they exceeded our expectations. They did an outstanding job of expediting material to a critical job site in Chile that was already behind schedule—a task we know is no small feat. They got us back on track with our additional shipments into LATAM and were fully transparent every step of the way. I can’t imagine how this project would have turned out if we hadn’t made the switch to IOR before the cargo took flight.
IOR Direct Solutions has proven to us that their value proposition is tremendous and well worth the cost. Thanks to the great support, trade knowledge, and professionalism of your team, we are now finalizing negotiations to move an anticipated 50,000 pallets through Miami International Airport to our LATAM job sites in the coming year.
Director of Operations, US-Based CDN, Cybersecurity Company
Director of Operations
US-Based CDN, Cybersecurity Company
Claudia stepped in without hesitation and handled everything promptly, ensuring everything could move forward without any delays.
I wanted to take a moment to share how much we truly value Claudia. As the Special Programs Leader, I’ve had the opportunity to work with Claudia for assistance on numerous occasions, and every single time, she has gone above and beyond. She’s always professional, courteous, and genuinely eager to help, no matter the request.
Recently, we found ourselves in a bit of a tight spot with an urgent request from US Customs. Claudia stepped in without hesitation and handled everything promptly, ensuring everything could move forward without any delays. Her quick action made all the difference.
Special Programs Leader
Global Operations – Fortune 500 Company
You all make our work so much easier, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to the entire IOR Direct team. They’re always quick to respond and get everything we ask of them done efficiently. We have some suppliers that can be a little less than easy to work with, which makes it all the more appreciated when we receive such outstanding service from your team. A big shoutout to everyone I’ve worked with so far—especially Jose and Laura. You all make our work so much easier, and it doesn’t go unnoticed.
Computer Part Manufacturer
This level of customer service was amazing, and the fact that she kept me in the loop the whole time gave me real peace of mind.
I have to give a shoutout to Maria this morning. We’re based in Georgia, and per our customer’s request, we used IOR Direct Solutions to pick up and deliver two boxes to a customer in Australia. I just wanted someone at your company to know that Maria kept us constantly updated on the whereabouts of these packages, any delays, etc. On Friday, I even got an email from her confirming that all boxes had been delivered (though one was delayed). This level of customer service was amazing, and the fact that she kept me in the loop the whole time gave me real peace of mind. I handle all the shipments here at our office, and Maria is the only person, across all carriers I’ve worked with, who’s gone out of their way to make a delivery truly ‘worry-free.’ She had this shipment on her radar the whole time and always kept me informed until it reached its destination. Thank you! I’ve also let our account in Australia know how awesome she’s been, so they know they have a great partner with IOR Direct Solutions! Thanks again!
AJ Bilyeu
South East Manufacturing Company
Thanks again for the awesome service. It’s been great working with you all, and I’m looking forward to keeping this partnership going strong!
Hey Alex, I know people usually reach out when things go wrong, but I wanted to switch it up and give some much-deserved praise. I’ve been working with Wil on a few of our recent domestic shipments, and honestly—she’s been amazing! She’s quick to respond, super detail-oriented, and has made the whole process a breeze.
It’s clear that Wil is really dedicated to doing a great job, and it’s so refreshing to work with someone who truly puts the customer first. I know that kind of commitment starts at the top, so I wanted to give a shoutout to you and the whole team.
Thanks again for the awesome service. It’s been great working with you all, and I’m looking forward to keeping this partnership going strong!
Carla Jefferson – President
Carla Jefferson
President
Keep up the fantastic work —you all doing an amazing job, and it’s appreciated more than you know!
I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere thanks to the IOR Direct team for all your continued efforts, hard work, and for always being such a pleasure to work with. In the in’s and out’s of daily tasks, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to acknowledge the dedication that each of us brings to the table.
You’re truly making a big difference, not just in the work we accomplish, but in the way we are able to always honor our commitments to our clients. Your contributions have a huge impact, and I genuinely appreciate everything you do. Keep up the fantastic work—you all doing an amazing job, and it’s appreciated more than you know!
Expeditor – Promotional Products and Marketing Company
Expeditor
Promotional Products and Marketing Company
Whenever we will need to import/export anything from heavy machinery to the smallest part we will definitely be turning to IOR Direct!! Thanks again!!
I want to take a moment to express my appreciation to your team for their outstanding support with our recent shipment to Mexico, which included a variety of equipment that was successfully delivered today.
A special shoutout goes to the IOR Direct team, and especially to Angelica, the COO! This shipment was initiated by my coworker back in 11 months ago, but despite our efforts, we had no luck getting it to our location while working with a different IOR. Our manufacturing plant was starting to suffer production loss without this crucial equipment.
After almost a full year of frustrations, we finally reached out to IOR Direct Solutions, Angelica stepped in with her expertise in customs clearance for both Mexico and the US. She took the initiative, coordinated with the vendor, and worked closely with IOR Direct Solutions’ internal team to save our company both time and money.
Without her efforts, we would have been facing additional costs in the thousands on top of what we had already spent to release the cargo stuck in Mexico. Angelica gave this shipment special attention, closely monitoring the entire process to ensure everything went smoothly. Thanks to her dedication, the shipment arrived at our plant today.
I can’t thank you enough for all your help with this. Whenever we will need to import/export anything from heavy machinery to the smallest part we will definitely be turning to IOR Direct!! Thanks again!!
Fransico Pere
Project Manager – Strategic Sourcing
The IOR Direct Solutions team has constantly gone above and beyond for us in the Middle East and Africa regions, especially with our most recent project in Madagascar.
Just wanted to send a big thank you for all your amazing effort and support. Your professionalism has been top-notch, and we really appreciate everything you’ve done. The IOR Direct Solutions team has constantly gone above and beyond for us in the Middle East and Africa regions, especially with our most recent project in Madagascar. Importing into Madagascar is tricky and requires serious attention to detail, especially with the BSC declaration. But your team made it simple and easy for us. We’re excited to work with you on our future projects!
Gisela Rakoto – Madagascar – General Manager
Gisela Rakoto
General Manager – Madagascar
Your commitment to this project has been a key factor in making this project such a success.
We’ve successfully wrapped up the Saint Kitts & Nevis Project, and I’m thrilled to say that our customers are really happy with the results and the services we provided. Everything from the delivery to the logistics coordination went off without a hitch, and that simply wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication from you and your team.
I just wanted to take a moment, on behalf of myself and my management team, to send a big thank you your way. Your commitment to this project has been a key factor in making this project such a success. We’re confident that you and your team will continue helping us not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. Look forward to building a stronger partnership between our organizations, winning over the trust and confidence of our customers time and time again. We’re really excited to continue working with you on our upcoming projects.
Hospitality Regional Customer Operations Manager
Hospitality
Regional Customer Operations Manager
Because of your hard work, we’ve been able to meet our customers’ needs and deliver products on time, even in these unprecedented times.
I wanted to take a moment, on behalf of everyone here, to say how much we appreciate everything you and your team have been doing during these tough times. The work you’ve put in to keep our business running, especially with all the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, hasn’t gone unnoticed. Your commitment has been amazing, making sure our manufacturing plants around the world keep operating smoothly.
Because of your hard work, we’ve been able to meet our customers’ needs and deliver products on time, even in these unprecedented times. The way you’ve pushed through, despite all the challenges, is truly admirable, and we want you to know how much we value the vital role you play in our operations.
Thanks again for your continued support and partnership. We’re looking forward to navigating these challenges together and coming out even stronger.
-James Baez
James Baez
Joe was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process. He managed multiple personnel and tasks, keeping everyone in the loop.
Just wanted to let you know that the shipment you handled for us cleared customs in Qatar and was delivered earlier today. Joe was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process. He managed multiple personnel and tasks, keeping everyone in the loop. Our team—from our Operations Coordinator to our Director of Operations—has nothing but great things to say about him. He was working with our West Coast team well after 5 PM EST, and his communication via email and phone was top-notch, especially with this sensitive shipment. We’re all really happy working with you, and we’re looking forward to more shipments in the future. If you ever need a reference for any clients, I’d be more than happy to give one. We’re really grateful that we got connected with IOR Direct Solutions.
Lawrence Johnson, CEO
Lawrence Johnson
CEO
Thanks to Jose’s dedication, we were able to ship them out on Friday instead of having to wait until Monday.
I just wanted to give a big shoutout to Jose for going above and beyond last week. He stayed in the office until after 6:30 on Friday, making sure my documents were scanned into the portal. We had two critical shipments that our client in Australia urgently needed, and thanks to Jose’s dedication, we were able to ship them out on Friday instead of having to wait until Monday.
Jose, your commitment and hard work didn’t go unnoticed—thank you so much! Keep up the fantastic work
Michelle Smith
Fulfillment Director
Everything went off without a hitch, and my products were accepted at Amazon with no issues.
As a new Amazon Seller, I brought on IOR Direct Solutions to handle shipping from Shenzhen, China to Dallas, TX. From start to finish, the service has been absolutely fantastic. They unloaded the container at their warehouse, sorted, and repalletized everything for Amazon. Luna, my contact, was always quick to answer my questions and was super helpful—nothing was too much trouble. She kept me updated every step of the way. Everything went off without a hitch, and my products were accepted at Amazon with no issues. I’ll definitely be using IOR Direct Solutions for my next shipment and highly recommend them to anyone needing to ship goods around the world.
-Molly Gordon, President
Molly Gordon
PresidentÂ
IOR Direct Solutions is a standout company that delivers unbeatable rates, fast transit times, and truly exceptional customer service.
I just have to share how incredible my experience has been with the team at IOR Direct Solutions. I’ve been a loyal customer for the past three years, and honestly, they never cease to impress. Working with them has been an absolute pleasure. Whenever I’ve called to check on our shipments, I’ve never had to dig up a reference number or any paperwork—they immediately know which shipment I’m referring to and exactly where it is on its journey Plus, their rates are super competitive. In short, IOR Direct Solutions is a standout company that delivers unbeatable rates, fast transit times, and truly exceptional customer service.
Riza M. , General Manager
Riza M.
General Manager
Having a partner like IOR Direct Solutions, who you can rely on to consistently deliver, is invaluable.
A lot of organizations talk about building strong business partnerships, but IOR Direct Solutions actually delivers on that promise. Their team is always available, dependable, and genuinely dedicated to our account and every shipment we send their way. Every time I work with them, it feels like they’re not just a vendor, but an extension of our company.
What really sets IOR Direct Solutions apart is their expertise and support. They’ve proven time and time again that we can count on them even with the most challenging circumstances, and they’ve never missed a deadline or milestone we’ve set. Having a partner like IOR Direct Solutions, who you can rely on to consistently deliver, is invaluable.
It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about the way they do it, with a level of professionalism and dedication that truly makes them stand out. They’ve earned our trust, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as we move forward.
Supply Chain Management
Program Director
FAQ
Your Importer of Record Questions Answered by Our Experts Professionals
Find answers to common questions about our Importer of Record services, covering topics such as documentation, compliance, and the benefits of using professional IOR services.
An Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible for ensuring that imported goods comply with local laws and regulations. This includes handling all necessary documentation, paying import duties and taxes, and ensuring that the products meet regulatory standards. The IOR acts as the official entity or individual who is legally liable for the import process.
An Exporter of Record (EOR) is responsible for ensuring that goods being shipped out of a country comply with export laws and regulations. The EOR handles documentation, export duties, and compliance with export controls.
The Importer of Record (IOR), on the other hand, is responsible for ensuring that imported goods comply with the laws and regulations of the destination country, handling import documentation, and paying any required duties and taxes.
In summary, the EOR manages the export process, while the IOR manages the import process.
An Importer of Record (IOR) service ensures that all legal requirements for importing goods are met, handling all necessary documentation, compliance, and financial responsibilities. This includes obtaining import permits, managing customs clearance, and paying duties and taxes.
IOR Direct Solutions acts as the official entity responsible for the importation process, ensuring your shipments adhere to international trade laws and regulations, thereby facilitating smooth and efficient import operations.
Accurate documentation is crucial for compliance with international regulations and avoiding delays. Proper documentation, such as Invoices, packing lists, and import permits, ensures that all necessary information is provided to customs authorities, preventing legal issues and streamlining the clearance process. IOR Direct specializes in preparing and managing the required documents, helping you maintain compliance and expedite the importation of your goods.
Our experienced ground staff handles all inquiries from customs officials to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your cargo. This includes responding to requests for additional information, providing necessary documentation, and addressing any compliance issues.
By maintaining strong relationships with customs authorities and staying informed about regulatory changes, IOR Direct can efficiently manage customs inquiries and facilitate smooth import processes.
Using an IOR service like IOR Direct Solutions offers numerous benefits, including compliance with international trade laws, reduced risks of fines and delays, and streamlined import processes.
Our team handles all the complexities of importing, allowing you to focus on your core business. Additional advantages include real-time shipment tracking, efficient customs clearance, and professional handling of all necessary documentation and financial responsibilities.
Professional Perspective: Explore Real-World Case Studies
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