How Customs Clearance Works

How Customs Clearance Works

How US Customs Clearance Works

Welcome to our guide on how US customs clearance works. This page aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the customs clearance process in the United States.

What is Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance is the process of clearing goods through customs authorities. It involves complying with all applicable laws and regulations, paying duties and taxes, and obtaining permission to import the goods into the country.

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process can be complex, but it can be broken down into several steps. Here is a general overview of the customs clearance process:

  1. Documentation: The first step in the customs clearance process is to prepare all necessary documentation. This includes the bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and any other required documents.
  2. Arrival of Goods: Once the goods arrive in the United States, they are taken to a port of entry.
  3. Entry Summary: The importer or their customs broker files an entry summary with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This summary includes information about the goods being imported, such as their value and country of origin.
  4. Examination: CBP may examine the goods to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  5. Duty and Taxes: The importer pays any duties and taxes owed to the government.
  6. Release: Once all requirements are met, CBP releases the goods to the importer.

Customs Clearance Documents

Several documents are required for the customs clearance process. Here are the most common documents required for customs clearance:

  1. Bill of Lading: A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier that shows the details of the shipment, including the type of goods, quantity, and destination.
  2. Commercial Invoice: A commercial invoice is a document that shows the value of the goods being imported.
  3. Packing List: A packing list is a document that lists all the items included in the shipment.
  4. Certificate of Origin: A certificate of origin is a document that shows the country of origin of the goods being imported.
  5. Customs Bond: A customs bond is a legal document that guarantees that the importer will pay all duties and taxes owed to the government.

Customs Clearance Tips

Here are some tips to help make the customs clearance process smoother:

  1. Work with a knowledgeable customs broker or freight forwarder.
  2. Make sure all required documentation is complete and accurate.
  3. Stay informed about changes in customs regulations and procedures.
  4. Be prepared to pay any duties and taxes owed to the government.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the customs clearance process can be complex, but it is necessary for importing goods into the United States. Understanding the process and complying with all regulations can help make the process smoother and avoid any delays or issues. If you have any questions about US customs clearance, feel free to contact us for more information.

In-Depth Coverage: Country of Origin

1. Getting Started

Create your free client account and complete the online Power of Attorney (POA). POA is required for a customs broker to transact customs business on your behalf with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

2. Submit Your Request

We need some basic shipment details and require following documents uploaded

Required documents:

  • Importer Security Filing (ISF) (Ocean only)
  • Commercial Invoice
  • Bill of lading
  • Permits/Licenses/other PGAs Requirements (if applicable)

You can upload any additional documents at any time throughout the clearance process via our secure client portal.

3. Customs Broker Gets to Work

Your customs broker will review the documents and communicate with you via our secure client portal. If any further documents or information are required, you will be notified immediately. If everything is OK, the broker will submit customs declaration to CBP via our Automated Broker Interface.  

You can check the status of your shipment at any anytime throughout the clearance process via our secure client portal. Billing, payment and more processes will be done within our secure client portal.

4. Payment

Upon submission of the customs declaration to U.S. Customs your payment is required. We will guide you to our online payment portal to complete the transaction. This payment may include:

  • Duties (if applicable)
  • Customs fees/charges (if applicable)
  • Brokerage fee
  • Freight and warehouse payments (Upon request)
  • Disbursement fees (if applicable)

5. Release of goods

Once U.S. Customs confirms the clearance of your goods, your will receive copies of your 7501 (Customs Entry Summary Document). Your goods are released and ready for final destination. Upon your request, we can arrange the pickup, warehouse storage or delivery of cargo anywhere in North America.

In-Depth Coverage: Customs Valuation

In-Depth Coverage: Importing Medical Device 

In-Depth Coverage: Marketing and Advertising Compliance

In-Depth Coverage: Importing Cosmetics

In-Depth Coverage: Importing Food Products 

In-Depth Coverage: USDA-Regulated Products

Quick Link To U.S. Customs & Import Requirements

FDA-Regulated Products and Import Requirements

Customs Clearance and Import Requirements

Guidance on customs & logistics solution for traditional and e-commerce importers and exporters

Ocean Cargo

Importer Security Filing (ISF)

An ISF is required when cargo (ocean only) laden on vessel at a foreign port is destined for shipment to the U.S.  Under ISF rule, some importing information and details regarding cargo must be transmitted to the CBP at least 24 hours before goods are loaded onto the vessel.

Logistics Solution

Freight Forwarding

Looking for a freight forwarding partner?  To move your cargo from its current location through customs to its final destination we will partner with you to find the best way for your business. Whatever your transportation, logistics and customs clearance need, we will do our best to customize a solution for your needs. 

Customs Brokerage & Consulting

Customs Clearance

All goods imported into the U.S. are required to be declared to CBP. Our customs broker will help you stay in compliance with customs laws and regulations and clear your goods quickly and efficiently with our electronic Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Automated Broker Interface (ABI) Single Window System.


Warehousing & Logistics

Warehousing & Distribution

Our warehouse facility offers great potential for serving as a regional hub with over 145,000 SF storage capacity close to Los Angeles Airport & Los Angeles/Long Beach Sea port. With our extensive experience in freight services, your import/export cargo will be handled quickly and effectively.

Section 321 Entry

Section 321 Entry

Section 321 entry allows importing free of duty and tax for shipments imported by one person on one day having a fair retail value in the country of shipment not more than $800. We provide our resident and non-resident clients with dedicated ACE eManifest solutions for Section 321 entry of all modes of transportation. 

Country of Origin

Non-resident Importer Program

If you want to sell your products in U.S. marketplaces, but you are a business owner located outside of the U.S. and do not have an entity or presence in the U.S., you need to be established as a Foreign Importer of Record before your products can be imported into the U.S. We can help you.

Design your own logistics

To move your cargo from its current location through customs to its final destination we will partner with you to find the best way for your business.