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 […]
Informal Import Entries
If the value of your purchase(s) is less than $2000 and your goods are being shipped by mail or freight, they may, in most cases, be imported as an informal entry. However, there are exceptions to this. For instance, if the importation is determined to be for commercial purposes, the value limit for filing an […]
Formal Import Entries
If your goods are valued at more than $2000, or for commercial textile shipments (clothes/materials) regardless of value, you will be required to file a formal entry, which can require extensive paperwork and the filing of a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bond. As mentioned above and for various reasons, CBP may require a formal […]
Quotas and Imported Goods
Many kinds of goods imported for commercial use may be subject to a quota limit. It is the classification number of the article as identified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and the country of origin that determine whether or not an item is subject to quota requirements. In some cases, the […]
Customs Clearance Facts
Cleared and Delivered is a licensed customs broker that can clear your imports through any port in the United States. We streamline the clearance and delivery process on behalf of companies large and small. A customs broker is a valuable partner in the workings of any import intensive business. The customs broker has the legal […]
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 […]
HMF-Harbor Maintenance Fee for Ocean Imports to USA
What Is The Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) The main purpose of the Harbor Maintenance Fee is to help cover the costs of maintaining the Ocean Ports of the United States. Funds taken from the HMF fee are used for the Harbor Maintenance Fund which is controlled and distributed by Congress. According to the US Customs and […]
DDU Incoterms with Alibaba
I’m Importing from Alibaba, what Incoterms should I use? When ordering on alibaba, manufacturers and suppliers often offer DDU shipping as the default option. This puts the manufacturer in charge of your entire transaction where you, the buyer, ends up overpaying greatly for shipping services. You also risk doing so without having any control […]
Documents for Clearing Freight
Cleared and Delivered suggests being well prepared before clearing your goods through a U.S port. Below are 4 “must have” items for quick and easy customs clearance and delivery 1. The Commercial Invoice Have a detailed Commercial Invoice on hand-The Commercial Invoice (link) contains a vast amount of detailed information about your product, it’s manufacturer, […]