What’s an Importer of Record (IOR)?

If you’re expanding your business internationally, importing goods can feel pretty overwhelming. One important part of the process is the Importer of Record (IOR) — basically, the person or company responsible for making sure your shipments follow all the rules in the country you’re selling in.

Let’s break down what an IOR does, why it matters, how freight companies fit in, and how LumioPro can take this off your plate.

What is an Importer of Record?

The IOR is the official party responsible for:

• Filing customs paperwork

• Paying import taxes, VAT, and duties

• Making sure your goods are correctly classified and valued

• Keeping records ready for any audits

Usually, the IOR needs to be registered locally — which can be tricky if you don’t have a business setup in that country.

The Role of Freight Companies

Freight companies handle the physical transportation of your goods — by sea, air, or land — and coordinate the logistics of moving your products from origin to destination. While they manage shipping and delivery, the IOR handles all the legal import responsibilities, including customs clearance and compliance.

Working together, freight companies and your IOR ensure your goods arrive safely and legally, without delays or unexpected fees.

When Do You Need an IOR?

You’ll need an IOR if:

• You’re shipping to a country where you don’t have a local company

• You’re moving equipment like machinery across borders

• You want to make sure customs go smoothly and without surprises

Having an IOR means you can focus on growing your business while someone else handles all the import rules and paperwork.

IOR vs. Customs Broker — What’s the Difference?

These two often get mixed up:

• Importer of Record: Takes legal responsibility for the goods entering the country (and all the risks that come with it)

• Customs Broker: Helps with clearing customs but doesn’t carry legal responsibility

At LumioPro, we coordinate both so your goods clear customs quickly and correctly.

How LumioPro Supports You as Your IOR

We offer IOR services designed for businesses of all sizes, including:

• Acting as your IOR in the UK and via trusted global partners — no need to set up a local company

• Managing customs clearance with accredited brokers

• Handling import VAT and tax compliance, including VAT reclaim where possible

• Preparing and keeping all the necessary paperwork in order

• Advising on product-specific rules like safety certifications, licences, or CE markings

Whether you’re shipping retail products, tech equipment, or medical devices, our team makes sure your imports are fully compliant and hassle-free.

Why Choose LumioPro?

We combine deep know-how in customs and tax with a practical, hands-on approach. Our clients trust us because we’re proactive, easy to work with, and focused on keeping their shipments moving without costly delays.

Customs delays can get expensive, but with LumioPro as your IOR, you can relax knowing the legal and logistical details are covered.

Let’s Talk

Planning to import goods into the UK or beyond? Reach out to us today. We’ll listen to your needs and craft a simple, affordable plan to keep your shipments compliant and on time.