The Importer of Record Plays a Critical Role in Global IT Deployments

Massive amounts of data travel around the world at the speed of light, so it’s easy to underestimate the complexities associated with moving physical IT equipment across international boundaries. However, organizations must navigate an array of laws, regulations and taxation requirements as well as the logistics of shipping the equipment.

The Importer of Record (IoR) is an invaluable ally in this process. The IoR is the entity or individual who assumes responsibility for complying with import rules. The IoR ensures that the equipment may legally be imported and that the appropriate documents are in place, and pays any fees, tariffs or other assessments that may be due.

Customs agents can and do demand to inspect the goods, audit documentation and even investigate the IoR’s business dealings. If any irregularities are found, the IoR may be assessed monetary, civil or even criminal penalties. In light of that, the IoR must be steeped in all the intricacies of import requirements to avoid any issues and ensure smooth transfer of the goods.

In most cases, the entity or individual who actually owns the goods being imported serves as the IoR. That does not mean, however, that the organization purchasing or moving IT equipment has to be the IoR for that transaction. The organization can appoint an IoR and temporarily transfer ownership of any equipment that’s already been purchased. Choosing an entity that’s involved in the transaction helps to streamline the process.

Even relatively small IT projects involve a lot of moving parts and multiple vendors. That’s why it makes sense to work with a technology solution provider such as Rahi Systems. If the equipment is purchased through the solution provider, that company can take ownership of the equipment and serve as the IoR. Focusing IoR responsibilities on one entity minimizes the risk of regulatory compliance violations, saving time and money for all parties to the transaction.

Few solution providers know all of the ins and outs of the import and export requirements. However, Rahi has finely tuned logistics and distribution processes that leverage our global network of warehouse and import clearing facilities. With offices on five continents and strong relationships with top distributors, we have served as both the single-source supplier and IoR on numerous projects.

These behind-the-scenes activities are often overshadowed by the work performed by our engineers and project managers. Our experts architect state-of-the-art IT and data center infrastructure solutions and ensure proper implementation. Our project managers keep track of every detail, keep in touch with every supplier and keep the customer apprised of the status.

But our logistics team plays a critically important role in multinational projects. They help ensure that orders are processed quickly and equipment is delivered on time to one of our logistics facilities. Depending upon the customer’s requirements, the gear can be staged, configured, kitted and asset tagged. The equipment is then prepared for shipment with the appropriate import documents.

Organizations with a global footprint recognize the complexity of multinational IT deployments. Rahi Systems can streamline the process by serving as Importer of Record, facilitating the delivery of multivendor IT solutions virtually anywhere in the world.