Now that you have secured your supplier overseas, now it’s time to determine what documentation will be required to import your goods into the United States.
Importing into the United States is a bit more cumbersome than exporting from the USA. The 1st thing you will need to do is determine who will file the entry documents to the US Customs Port Director at the port of entry of your goods.
Customs Broker
Traditionally, most companies hire a customs broker who can submit the customs entry on their behalf. You are not legally required to hire a Customs Broker to clear goods on your behalf. Many importers choose to do so for convenience and expertise. Customs Brokers are licensed by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). A Customs Broker is very versed in all CBP regulations and requirements and can save you both time and money from potentially costly mistakes. The importer is always ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal rules and regulations and for knowing all CBP requirements for importing goods into commerce. A Customs Broker can take the burden of filling out paperwork, assist in obtaining a CBP bond for you and can guide you through the regulations that may apply to your goods.
US Customs Bond
A customs bond is required for all shipments entering the US Commerce. This is obtained through a surety licensed by the Treasury Department and insures the duties, taxes, and applicable fees due to federal government will be paid. There are 2 types of bonds available.
Single Entry Bond – This bond is executed for 1 single customs entry.
Recommended when an importer is importing very infrequently and/or low value goods.
You must have a customs broker at the US Port of Entry to clear your goods on a Single Entry Bond.
Continuous Bond – This bond will cover all shipments imported within 1 years’ time.
Recommended when an importer is bringing in multiple shipments through various ports of entry, and/or potentially high value shipments.
Continuous Bond allows shipments to be cleared at multiple ports of entry.
Now that you have decided on your broker and have your bond in place, let’s talk about the basic document requirements for entry into the United States.
- Commercial invoice *REQUIRED*- This will be the main document customs will use in the U.S. and should include all pertinent details of the shipment. Minimum commercial invoice requirements for customs entry are Seller/Shipper (full name and address) Sold To/Consignee (full name and address), Ship To (full name and address) if different from Sold To/Consignee, Description, quantity and price of goods, Currency used, HTS Code for each product, Terms of Sale/Incoterms (Incoterms Article) being used and Country of Origin. See Commercial Invoice example.
- Air Waybill or Bill of Lading *REQUIRED*- This will need to be created by the freight forwarder you will use, but be sure to get a copy to send to your customer and keep in your records. This will also be a key part of the clearance in the country you are exporting to. See Bill of Lading and AWB examples.
- ISF Filing Information – *REQUIRED for Ocean Import Only*
ISF (Importer Security Filing) is required for all shipments moving via ocean transportation into US Ports of Entry. ISF must be filed with US CBP 24 hours prior to cargo laden aboard a vessel destined to the United States. There are 10 data elements required in an ISF Filing:
- Seller
- Buyer
- Importer of Record / FTZ Applicant Id Number
- Consignee Number
- Manufacturer (or supplier)
- Ship to party
- Country of Origin
- Commodity HTS Code(s)
- Container Stuffing Location
- Consolidator
Read More: Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements
- Packing List *May be required*– This document will give more specific details about the size, weight and dimensions of the goods you are shipping. You will want to have one attached to the box, pallet, etc. as this will always be helpful with customs as well. Here is an example of Packing List. These are the basic requirements and documentation needed for getting your shipment cleared through CBP most efficiently and cost effectively.
Should you have any additional questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me at across@supfrt.com or 952-854-5053.
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