What does importer mean?
An importer is a person or business that brings goods into a country from another country, usually to sell them to wholesalers, retailers, or consumers. The word commonly appears in discussions of international trade, customs duties, licences, shipping, and foreign investment. Importers may purchase goods directly from manufacturers overseas or work through agents, freight forwarders, and distributors. An individual importer is often called a small importer, while a major company handling substantial quantities may be described as a leading or authorized importer. The term can occasionally be used more broadly for anyone who brings something into a local market, but its standard sense concerns the international import trade. Its principal contrast is with an exporter, which sends goods out of a country rather than bringing them in. Knowing the word is useful when reading business news, understanding contracts, or describing the role of a company in the movement of goods across borders.
nounA person or business that imports goods, meaning to bring products into a country from abroad for sale or further distribution.
- A person or business that brings goods into a country from abroad for sale or further distribution.
"The importer paid the customs duties before releasing the machinery for delivery."
"The importer secured distribution rights for the brand across the country."
"Small importers often rely on freight forwarders to handle shipping and customs paperwork."
The regular plural is used for multiple importing businesses or people.
"Several importers attended the trade exhibition in Rotterdam."
An importer literally carries goods in: the word combines a prefix meaning “into” with a root meaning “carry.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does importer come from?
The word importer was formed in English by adding the agentive suffix “-er” to import, producing a term for someone who carries goods in. Import comes through Old French from Latin importare, built from in- meaning “into” and portare meaning “to carry.” Related Latin derivatives include export, portable, and transport, all associated with the same root of carrying.
Related word forms
How importer is actually used
The term is used especially in trade, customs, and business contexts. It may refer to an individual entrepreneur as well as a company, and is commonly used attributively before a type of product.
Easily confused with importer
An importer brings goods into a country, whereas an exporter sends goods from one country to another.