What is the ruling on importing, exporting, and selling supplies and spare parts if the price of the goods is paid to the supplier in advance, and then sold to the customer on credit, bearing the shipping and transportation costs?

If the supply contract is for a commodity that requires manufacturing, then it is a manufacturing contract (Istisna'a), and in this case, it is permissible to defer the entire price or pay it in installments. However, if the commodity is manufactured and ready and does not need manufacturing, then it is a condition that the full price be paid at the contract session, and it is not permissible to defer it for more than two or three days at most according to the Malikis, otherwise it would be a sale of "debt for debt" (Kalee' bi Kalee').

It is permissible to contract with an external supplier after completing the first contract. This would be a parallel manufacturing contract (Istisna'a Murakkab) if the commodity requires manufacturing, or a parallel salam contract if it is ready, provided that you bear the responsibility and do not link the two contracts.

It is also permissible to work as a commission agent for the local company, whereby you import goods for them in exchange for a known commission, and the company pays the price and expenses. It is not permissible for the agent to pay from his own money, for fear of combining a loan with agency.

Finally, the transaction can be executed through Murabaha for the one who commands the purchase, by promising to buy the commodity and then selling it to the client after taking ownership and possession of it. It is not permissible to take a deposit or a seriousness margin except under specific conditions, and the preponderant opinion is that this is not permissible.