Working with a Customs Broker
Working with a customs broker to import goods into the United States If you’re a business that is looking to import goods from overseas into the United States, you’ll likely need the services of a customs broker. A customs broker is a licensed professional who helps businesses navigate the complex process of importing goods across […]
What is U.S. Customs and what is their role?
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The CBP is responsible for enforcing the laws and regulations of the United States related to the import and export of goods. This includes regulating the flow of goods across U.S. borders, collecting duties and taxes […]
Carnet items for import
Eligible items for Carnets Commercial samples, professional equipment and advertising material can be imported into the United States by a nonresident. Other countries permit the use of a carnet to import the above materials and other categories of goods such as, ordinary goods like computers, tools, cameras and video equipment, industrial machinery, automobiles, gems and […]
Importing tea coffee or spices
Imports of tea, coffee, and spices are subject to review by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)and their admissibility is determined by the FDA. You may want to contact the FDA to obtain instructions on how to label the products (i.e., ingredients, nutrition, content etc.). FDA can be reached at 1-888-723-3366. or www.fda.gov. All commercial imports of food products require […]
Importing seafood
The importation of seafood is governed by the Food and Drug Administration, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The importation of marine mammals is also under the jurisdiction of the NMFS and FWS. Tuna and anchovies are subject to Quota. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife restricts the quantity of caviar […]
Import a motorcycle to the USA
Before you decide to import a motorcycle into the United States, you should ensure it conforms to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. These agencies have very detailed requirements that can make importing a motorcycle difficult. EPA advises importers of motorcycles to obtain a letter from the manufacturer stating it conforms to […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]