Introduction
This section outlines the process of managing imports within the eTIMS system, emphasizing the role of the HealthCloud eTIMS API in facilitating accurate tracking and reporting of inventory.
Understanding how to effectively handle imports is crucial for maintaining compliance and optimizing stock management.
According to the KRA Act, "imports" refer to the process of bringing goods or items into the country for sale, use, or any other purpose.
In the context of eTIMS, imports involve adding these goods or items to a business's inventory via the eTIMS system. This API-driven process is crucial for tracking and managing inventory levels, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and maintaining accurate records of stock movements.
The Slade360 eTIMS API will ensure that all your imported items carry one of the following statuses:
| Code | Code Name | Code Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unsent | These are items that have not yet been imported into the country, but an import order has already been placed. |
| 2 | Waiting | These are items that have already been imported and their arrival has been confirmed, but they are still awaiting customs clearance. |
| 3 | Approved | These are items that have been imported, cleared by customs, and are now available to the importer (owner). |
| 4 | Cancelled | These are items that have been imported but have not been granted entry into the country. |
Key Considerations for eTIMS Imports
When dealing with imports, there are several important factors to keep in mind:
Customs Clearance
Slade360 eTIMS APIs will assist businesses in fetching import data from eTIMS, assuming that all imports pass through the customs office. The HealthCloud eTIMS API facilitates this by providing the necessary data and documentation required for customs clearance, ensuring all checks are completed before the items enter the inventory.
Stock-Affecting vs. Non-Stock Items
Some imports will directly affect stock, meaning they are items purchased for resale. Others, such as office furniture, may not be intended for resale. eTIMS expects businesses to confirm which imports affect stock.
Items that do not impact stock levels or are incorrectly mapped do not need to be reported back to eTIMS.
Mapping Imports to Existing Items
Each import must be mapped to an existing item in a business inventory. The HealthCloud eTIMS API plays a critical role here, allowing businesses to associate each imported item with the corresponding item already in stock, even if customs uses different codes for identification.
Bulk Imports
Imports are typically conducted in bulk, meaning items are purchased in large packaging units. For example, a business might import not just one box of syringes but several tonnes. This concept, known as "breaking bulk," involves recording the total number of items. For instance, if a business imports 50 bales, each containing 30 items, they would map 150 items into stock instead of just 50.
Reporting Imports to eTIMS
Every import that affects stock must be reported back to eTIMS through two main updates, facilitated by the HealthCloud eTIMS API:
Stock I/O Update
This update reflects changes in stock levels, whether positive or negative. For example, if a business imports 30 boxes of syringes, each containing 50 syringes, they will report a net increase of 150 syringes in their stock using the API.
Quantity Update
After the stock change has been enacted, the business must report the new total quantity in inventory.
For instance, if a business had 10 syringes before the import, they would now report having 160 syringes after the import is processed through the API.
By carefully managing imports and accurately reporting them using the HealthCloud eTIMS API, businesses can maintain a reliable inventory system and ensure compliance with regulations.
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Updated 6 months ago