Introduction and Scope

This Privacy Policy explains how Importer Handbook ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, shares, and protects personal information when you use our website at importerhandbook.com and our related services (collectively, the "Services"). We provide tools and resources for importers, including guidance on Incoterms, customs procedures, trade documents, and supplier payments. This policy applies to all users of the Services, including visitors, registered users, and business customers. It does not apply to third-party websites or services that we do not control.

By using the Services, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy.

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly, information collected automatically, and information from third parties.

Information You Provide

• Account and profile data: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, company name, job title, and password.
• Transaction and shipment details: To provide Incoterms guidance, customs documentation support, and supplier payment processing, we collect details such as shipment values, product descriptions, Harmonized System (HS) codes, country of origin, Incoterms rules selected, and supplier payment amounts.
• Import documents: You may upload or generate documents such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, and customs declarations. These documents may contain personal information about you or your contacts.
• Payment information: For supplier payments, we collect payment account details, bank information, and transaction history. Payment card data is processed by our payment processors and is not stored on our servers.
• Communications: When you contact us for support or privacy inquiries, we collect the content of your messages and any attachments.

Information Collected Automatically

When you use the Services, we automatically collect:

• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, search queries, and actions taken within the Services.
• Device and technical data: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and referring URLs.
• Cookies and similar technologies: As described in the "Cookies and Tracking Technologies" section below.

Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from customs brokers, freight forwarders, payment processors, identity verification services, and other partners you authorize to share data with us. We may also receive information from publicly available sources, such as trade registries, to verify business details.

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

• Provide, operate, and improve the Services, including generating Incoterms recommendations, customs documentation, and supplier payment instructions.
• Process transactions and send related notices, such as payment confirmations and document status updates.
• Communicate with you about your account, respond to inquiries, and provide customer support.
• Personalize your experience and deliver content and features relevant to your importing activities.
• Monitor and analyze usage trends to enhance the Services.
• Detect, prevent, and address fraud, security, or technical issues.
• Comply with legal obligations, such as customs and anti-money laundering requirements.
• Enforce our terms and policies.

We may combine information collected through the Services with information from third parties to better tailor our Services to you.

Legal Bases for Processing (Where Applicable)

If you are located in a jurisdiction that requires a legal basis for processing (such as the EEA or UK), we process personal information based on: performance of a contract, legitimate interests (such as improving the Services and preventing fraud), compliance with legal obligations, and your consent where required.

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

• Service providers: Companies that perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, document storage, analytics, email delivery, and customer support. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us.
• Customs brokers and freight forwarders: When you use our Services to facilitate customs clearance or shipping, we may share shipment and document details with your designated brokers and forwarders.
• Payment processors and financial institutions: To process supplier payments, we share necessary payment information with our payment partners and banks.
• Legal and regulatory authorities: When required by law, such as for customs compliance, tax reporting, or in response to a valid legal request.
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
• With your consent: We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

We may also share aggregated or de-identified information that cannot reasonably be used to identify you.

Data Security

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. These measures include encryption of data in transit and at rest, access controls, regular security assessments, and employee training. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for notifying us of any unauthorized access.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain exceptions (such as legal retention requirements).
• Restriction or objection: Request that we restrict or object to certain processing.
• Portability: Request a machine-readable copy of your information.
• Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in the "How to Contact Us for Privacy Inquiries" section. We will respond within the time required by applicable law. You may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

California Residents (CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), including the right to know, delete, correct, and opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise CPRA rights, contact privacy@importerhandbook.com.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to operate the Services, remember your preferences, analyze usage, and assist with our marketing efforts. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Services. We do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals. For more information, see our Cookie Policy.

Third-Party Services

The Services may integrate with or link to third-party websites and services, such as customs databases, payment gateways, and freight tracking tools. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing them with personal information.

International Data Transfers

We are based in the United States and may process and store information in the US and other countries. If you access the Services from outside the US, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US or other jurisdictions that may not provide the same level of data protection as your home country. Where required, we implement appropriate safeguards for such transfers.

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. For example, we retain transaction and customs documentation for the period required by customs and tax regulations. When information is no longer needed, we delete or anonymize it.

Children's Privacy

The Services are not intended for individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the "Last Updated" date. If changes are material, we will provide additional notice, such as by email or a prominent notice on the Services. Your continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

How to Contact Us for Privacy Inquiries

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have a privacy concern, please contact us:

• Privacy email: privacy@importerhandbook.com
• Phone: +1 206-812-4473
• Mailing address: 1201 Western Avenue, Suite 450, Seattle, WA 98101

We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible and within any timeframe required by law.

Last Updated: October 29, 2026