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How we use cookies.

Cookie Policy

Cookie Policy

This Cookie Policy explains how Importer Handbook ("we," "us," or "our") uses cookies and similar technologies on importerhandbook.com (the "Site"). It describes what cookies are, the types we use, how they support our services for importers, and the choices available to you.

By using the Site, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy, unless you have disabled them through your browser settings or our cookie preferences tool.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that a website stores on your device (computer, tablet, or phone) when you visit. They help the site remember information about your visit, such as your language preference or login state, so that the site functions properly and can improve your experience.

Cookies are not programs and cannot carry viruses. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently and to provide information to site owners.

We also use similar technologies such as web beacons (pixel tags) and local storage. References to "cookies" in this policy include these technologies unless stated otherwise.

Types of Cookies We Use

We use the following categories of cookies on importerhandbook.com. You can manage your preferences for non-essential cookies at any time via our cookie consent tool.

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for the Site to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually set in response to actions you take, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.

Examples on our Site:

  • Session management: To keep you logged in to your account while you access Incoterms guides, customs document checklists, or supplier payment resources.
  • Security: To authenticate users and protect against fraudulent activity, including on pages where you submit trade documents or payment instructions.
  • Load balancing: To distribute traffic across servers and ensure reliable access during peak usage.

Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use the Site, such as which pages are visited most often and whether users encounter error messages. They help us improve the Site's performance and usability.

Examples on our Site:

  • Analytics: We use Google Analytics to understand traffic patterns. Google Analytics sets cookies such as _ga and _gid to distinguish users and sessions. The data is aggregated and does not directly identify you.
  • Error tracking: To identify broken links or pages that fail to load, particularly within our Incoterms reference library and customs document templates.

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you disable them, some or all of these services may not function properly.

Examples on our Site:

  • Preference storage: To remember your selected Incoterms version (e.g., Incoterms 2020) or your preferred currency for supplier payment examples.
  • Language and region: To display content in your chosen language and to show relevant customs information for your region.
  • Chat support: If you use our live chat feature, a cookie helps maintain your chat session.

Targeting/Advertising Cookies

These cookies may be set through our Site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant advertisements on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device.

We currently use targeting cookies only in limited circumstances:

  • Remarketing: To show our resources (e.g., guides on Incoterms or customs documentation) to visitors who have previously engaged with similar content, through platforms such as Google Ads or LinkedIn.
  • Campaign measurement: To measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns and to limit the number of times you see an ad.

We do not use targeting cookies to make automated decisions that affect your access to trade information or services.

How We Use Cookies on importerhandbook.com

Cookies help us deliver a functional, secure, and useful experience for importers. Specific uses include:

  • Account access: Essential cookies keep you signed in so you can save Incoterms comparisons, customs document checklists, and supplier payment schedules.
  • Content personalization: Functional cookies remember your preferences, such as your default Incoterms edition or the countries you frequently trade with, so you see relevant examples.
  • Site improvement: Performance cookies help us understand which resources are most valuable (e.g., guides on letters of credit or commercial invoices) and where users encounter difficulties, allowing us to improve navigation and content.
  • Security: Essential cookies help detect and prevent fraud, including unauthorized access to account areas that may contain sensitive trade documents.
  • Marketing: Targeting cookies help us reach importers who may benefit from our resources and measure the performance of our outreach.

We do not use cookies to collect sensitive personal information such as payment card details. Supplier payment information you enter in our tools is processed securely and is not stored in cookies.

Third-Party Cookies and Services

Some cookies are placed by third parties when you use our Site. We do not control these third-party cookies, and their use is governed by the respective privacy policies of those providers. The third parties we currently work with include:

  • Google Analytics: For website analytics. See Google's Privacy Policy and opt-out options.
  • Google Ads: For remarketing and campaign measurement. You can manage Google ad personalization in your Google Account settings.
  • LinkedIn: For remarketing and campaign measurement. You can adjust LinkedIn ad settings in your LinkedIn account.
  • Stripe: For secure payment processing on any paid services. Stripe may set cookies to facilitate transactions and fraud prevention.
  • Intercom: For live chat support. Intercom sets cookies to maintain chat sessions and remember your preferences.

These third parties may change over time. We encourage you to review their privacy policies for more information.

How to Manage or Disable Cookies

You have several options to control or limit how cookies are used on our Site:

  • Cookie consent tool: When you first visit the Site, you can accept or reject non-essential cookies via our cookie banner. You can change your preferences at any time by clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer.
  • Browser settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies. The method varies by browser; consult your browser's help menu. Note that blocking essential cookies may prevent you from logging in or using certain features.
  • Opt-out of analytics: You can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent Google Analytics from collecting data about your visits to our Site.
  • Opt-out of targeted advertising: You can opt out of interest-based advertising through the Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA) or the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI). You can also adjust your settings directly with Google and LinkedIn.

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of importerhandbook.com, including your ability to access saved Incoterms comparisons or customs document templates.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Cookie Policy or how we use cookies, please contact us:

We will respond to cookie-related inquiries within a reasonable timeframe.

Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page indicates when the policy was last revised. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Last Updated

October 29, 2026