diff --git a/hledger/Hledger/Cli/Commands/Import.md b/hledger/Hledger/Cli/Commands/Import.md
index bd691232b..288f22df8 100644
--- a/hledger/Hledger/Cli/Commands/Import.md
+++ b/hledger/Hledger/Cli/Commands/Import.md
@@ -19,3 +19,18 @@ to see only uncategorised transactions:
 ```shell
 $ hledger import --dry ... | hledger -f- print unknown --ignore-assertions
 ```
+
+Importing balance assignments:
+
+Entries added by import will have their posting amounts made explicit (like `hledger print -x`).
+This means that any balance assignments in imported files must be evaluated;
+but, imported files don't get to see the main file's account balances.
+As a result, importing entries with balance assignments
+(eg from an institution that provides only balances and not posting amounts)
+will probably generate incorrect posting amounts.
+To avoid this problem, use print instead of import:
+
+    $ hledger print IMPORTFILE [--new] >> $LEDGER_FILE
+
+(If you think import should leave amounts implicit like print does,
+please test it and send a pull request.)