Binding Ruling
The binding ruling program enables importers and other interested parties to get binding pre-entry classification decisions prior to importing a product and filing entries with Customs and Border Protection. It is also to get binding guidance about other CBP regulations pertaining to marking of country of origin requirements. Binding classification advice can only be given by […]
Arrival of Goods to USA-process
Arrival Notice Process Imported goods may not legally enter U.S. commerce until the shipment has arrived within the port of entry and Customs has authorized delivery of the merchandise. This is normally accomplished by filing the appropriate documents, either by the importer or by the importer’s agent. To get a list of importers in the […]
Foreign Assets Control-Trade embargos
U.S. trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) generally prohibit the importation into the United States (including U.S. territories), either directly or indirectly, of most goods, technology, or services (except information and informational materials) from, or which originated from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, or Sudan; from foreign persons designated by the […]
Restricted Items for Import
A license or permit from the responsible agency may be necessary to import: alcoholic beverages animal and animal products certain drugs firearms and ammunition fruits, nuts meat and meat products milk, dairy, and cheese products plants and plant products poultry and poultry products petroleum and petroleum products vegetables There are also restrictions on the importation […]
Classification of Imported Goods
All goods that enter the United States are categorized according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The act of placing goods into the correct category is called classification. Classification determines how much duty will be collected. Classification is more than simply looking up an item in an index. It is a very complicated process requiring the […]
Basic Importing Requirements
Importing to the USA basics An individual may make his/her own Customs clearance of goods imported for personal use or business. All merchandise coming into the United States must clear Customs and is subject to a Customs duty unless specifically exempted by law. Clearance involves a number of steps: entry, inspection, appraisement, classification and liquidation. […]
Importer Security Filing-10+2
On January 26, 2009, the new rule titled Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements (commonly known as “10+2”) went into effect. This new rule applies to import cargo arriving to the United States by vessel. Failure to comply with the new rule could ultimately result in monetary penalties, increased inspections and delay of cargo. […]
Personal vs. Commercial Use
Many import regulations only apply to goods imported for commercial – business or resale – purposes. For instance, most goods imported for personal use are not subject to quota. The one exception to this is made-to-measure suits from Hong Kong, which are subject to quota restrictions regardless of the use they are imported for. On […]
Imports for Commercial Purposes
Goods imported for commercial purposes must comply with a variety of special requirements, such as marking of country of origin, which vary depending upon the particular commodity. Please see our publication, “Importing Into the United States,” for more detailed information. Be particularly aware that an invoice should always accompany commercial shipments.
Paying Duty to clear customs
Paying Duty The importer is ultimately responsible for paying any duty owed on an import. Determining duty can be very complicated, and while shipping services will often give an estimate for what the duty rate on an item might be, only CBP can make a final determination about what is owed. You should not be […]