Importation is the act of bringing goods, products, or materials into a country from another country to sell or use them. When a bookstore orders novels printed in England, or when a grocery store stocks bananas grown in Ecuador, that's importation in action.

Countries track their importation carefully because it affects their economy: what comes in, who's buying it, and how much it costs. The United States, for example, handles the importation of millions of products every day, from toys manufactured in China to cheese made in France.

Importation requires following rules and often paying fees called tariffs or duties. A business that wants to handle importation may need special licenses and must prove its products meet safety standards. If someone tries importation without following these rules, they might face serious legal trouble.

The word can also describe bringing in ideas or practices from elsewhere. A teacher might discuss the importation of mathematical concepts from ancient Arabia to medieval Europe, or historians might study the importation of architectural styles from one culture to another.