Customs Clearance Documents

Freightclear provides all the documentation needed for clearing your freight

Shipment related documents needed for clearing your USA Imports

These transactional documents are issued by your supplier, manufacturer or shipper in the country of origin. US Customs requires you to be in possession of these documents which you will then share with your customs broker ( Freightclear ). The data within these documents helps Freightclear generate the customs documents needed to transmit your entries and clear your freight.

Bill of Lading

A bill of lading serves as a receipt for the goods that have been shipped, and it also serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier. The bill of lading includes important information such as the names of the parties involved, the destination and origin of the shipment, and a description of the goods being shipped. It also specifies the terms and conditions of the transportation, including any restrictions or special instructions.

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice is a document that is used in international trade to provide detailed information about the goods being sold. It is typically prepared by the seller and sent to the buyer, along with the shipment of goods. The commercial invoice is used for customs purposes, as well as for payment and accounting. Customs authorities require the commercial invoice when importing goods into a country. It must include detailed information about the goods being imported, such as the quantity, value, and country of origin. It must also include the name and contact information of the seller and the buyer, as well as the terms of sale and the method of payment.

Packing List

A packing list for freight is a document that outlines the items that are being shipped in a particular freight shipment. This list can be used to ensure that all of the items in the shipment are accounted for and to provide information about the contents of the shipment to parties involved in the transportation process, such as customs officials. The packing list should include a description of each item, the quantity of each item, and the total weight and volume of the shipment. In some cases, it may also include information about the packaging used for each item, as well as the total value of the shipment.

ISF Info Sheet

The ISF (Importer Security Filing) filing sheet is a document that must be submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by the importer or their authorized agent at least 24 hours before the shipment is loaded on a vessel destined for the United States. The ISF filing sheet is also known as the 10+2 filing, as it consists of ten data elements provided by the importer and two data elements provided by the carrier. By filing the ISF filing sheet, the CBP is provided with advance information about the shipment, allowing them to better identify and assess potential security risks associated with the importation of goods.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes one person or entity to act on behalf of another (the principal) in certain shipping or customs clearance-related matters. The POA is typically used by importers or exporters to grant authority to a freight forwarder, customs broker, or other shipping agent to act on their behalf in various shipping-related matters. The POA must be signed by the principal and may be either general or limited in scope. A general POA grants broad authority to the agent to act on behalf of the principal in all matters related to shipping and customs clearance. A limited POA, on the other hand, grants authority only in specific matters or for a limited period of time.

Arrival Notice

The arrival notice is usually sent by the freight terminal at destination/receiving port to the consignee or their authorized agent. It serves as a notification to the consignee that they need to arrange for the clearance and delivery of their shipment from the port or airport. The arrival notice may also include other important details such as the amount of freight charges due, any customs or clearance fees that need to be paid, and any additional instructions or requirements for clearing the shipment through customs and taking delivery of the goods.

Customs documents issued by Freightclear

Freightclear generates the following documents on your behalf to transmit your entries and clear your shipments through US Customs.

Entry Summary 7501

Entry summary form 7501 offers comprehensive details about the imported commodity. It also provides information about the appraisal, origin, and classification of the item. Using Form 7501, CBP identifies merchandise entering the U.S. market, as well as documents duty and/or tax payments. CBP Form 7501 is submitted by the Freightclear for each import transaction. The data on this form is used by CBP as a record of the import transaction; to collect the proper duty, taxes, certifications, and enforcement information. A CBP Form 7501 must be filed within 10 working days of the entry of merchandise into the country.

Certificate of Origin Form 3229

Customs Form 3461

This is the first document that CBP receives. In some cases, CBP requests a hard copy of the 3461 and other shipping documents. As soon as CBP signs off on this shipment, you can proceed with the 7501 or mark it for exam. Within ten days of release, you or the CHB must submit a more detailed Entry Summary. If you are using Freightclear, we produce this form on your behalf.

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