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US Customs Clearance & Import Requirements

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Welcome to our guide on US Customs clearance and import requirements. This page aims to provide you with an overview of the customs clearance process and the necessary import requirements to bring goods into the United States.

Import Requirements

Before you import goods into the United States, it's important to understand the various import requirements that you need to meet. Here are some of the most important import requirements to consider:

Customs Bond: A customs bond is required for all imports into the United States. It is a legal document that guarantees that the importer will pay all duties and taxes owed to the government.
Importer Number: All importers need an importer number, which is assigned by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This number is used to identify the importer in all customs transactions.
Tariff Classification: All imported goods must be classified according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). The HTSUS is a system of codes used to classify goods for duty and statistical purposes.
Country of Origin Marking: All imported goods must be marked with the country of origin. This marking must be clear and permanent.
Importer Security Filing (ISF): The ISF, also known as the “10+2” rule, requires importers to submit 10 data elements and 2 carrier-related data elements to CBP at least 24 hours before the goods are loaded onto a vessel.

Customs Clearance Process

The customs clearance process involves several steps that must be completed before your goods can be released into the United States. Here are the basic steps involved in the customs clearance process:

Arrival of Goods: The goods arrive in the United States and are taken to a port of entry.
Entry Summary: The importer or their customs broker files an entry summary with CBP. This summary includes information about the goods being imported, such as their value and country of origin.
Examination: CBP may examine the goods to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Duty and Taxes: The importer pays any duties and taxes owed to the government.
Release: Once all requirements are met, CBP releases the goods to the importer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, importing goods into the United States requires compliance with various import requirements and completion of the customs clearance process. It's important to work with a knowledgeable customs broker or freight forwarder to ensure that your goods are imported legally and smoothly. If you have any questions about US customs clearance or import requirements, feel free to contact us for more information.

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Customs Bond

When you are importing goods into the United States for commercial purposes and the value of the goods is over $2,500, a customs bond has to be posted by importers as well as by international carriers who transport or carry imported goods through the U.S. To set up your Customs bond with your customs broker, you will need to complete a Power of Attorney (POA) and bond application. Read more…

Importer Security Filing

Importer Security Filing (ISF) and Additional Carrier Requirements (commonly known as “10+2”) apply to import cargo arriving to the United States by vessel. In general, the ISF Filing is due 24 hours before cargo is loaded onto a ship that is bound for the U.S. We can assist you with meeting the ISF Filing Deadline. Read more…

In-Depth Coverage: Country of Origin

Classification and HTSUS

When goods are imported into the customs territory of the United States (the fifty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), they are subject to certain formalities involving the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). In almost all cases, the goods are required to be “entered,” that is, declared to the CBP, and are subject to detention and examination by CBP officers to insure compliance with all laws and regulations enforced and administered by the CBP. Read more…

Customs Broker

Customs Broker and Importer Identity Verification

The importation of goods into the United States is complex and involves compliance with numerous requirements ranging from agricultural safety to intellectual property rights, to the payment of appropriate duties and fees. Customs broker is the only person who is licensed to transact customs business on behalf of others. Before a customs broker may transact customs business on behalf of a client, the broker must obtain a valid power of attorney (POA). Read more

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Customs Clearance

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and Automated Broker Interface (ABI)

ACE offers a centralized Single Window System where the trade community can submit their common data and documentation, such as commercial invoices, certificates of origin, export/import trade declarations and customs manifest declarations, once and simultaneously to CBP and PGAs for admissibility review, and thus dramatically reduce processing time, operational cost, and eliminate redundancy. Read more…

What is Reconciliation in ACE Entry Summary?

The reconciliation process known as the Reconciliation Prototype allows importers to file their entry summaries using the best available information they have on file and electronically “flag” estimated elements, with the mutual understanding that CBP will receive the actual information at a later date. Importers then provide the corrected information on a new type of entry called a Reconciliation. Read more…

Customs Ruling

Customs Ruling Request

There are many complicated factors involved in determining country of origin, classification, appraisement and valuation. In order to avoid potential problems in the clearance of your merchandise, CBP strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with CBP policies and procedures prior to actually importing/exporting your goods. Read more…

In-Depth Coverage: Importing Cosmetics

Country of Origin of Imported Merchandise

The country of origin of merchandise imported into the customs territory of the United States is important for several reasons. The country of origin of merchandise can affect, among other things, the rate of duty, the eligibility for special programs, admissibility, quota, procurement by government agencies and marking requirements. Read more…

Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports

Every article of foreign origin entering the United States must be legibly marked with the English name of the country of origin unless an exception from marking is provided for in the law. The purpose of country of origin marking is to inform the ultimate purchaser in the United States of the country in which the imported article was made. Read more…

Country of Origin and Country of Manufacture: CBP vs. FDA

When FDA-regulated products are imported into the United States, information is required to be reported to CBP and the FDA. The country of origin of the imported products must be reported to both CBP and the FDA. Unfortunately, the country of origin for the purpose of the report to CBP and FDA can be different. Read more…

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Entry Process

When a shipment reaches the United States, the importer of record (i.e., the owner, purchaser, or licensed customs broker designated by the owner, purchaser, or consignee) will file entry documents for the goods at the port of entry. It is the responsibility of the importer of record to use “reasonable care” to “enter,” “classify” and “value” the goods and provide any other information necessary to enable the CBP to assess the correct duties, collect accurate statistics, and determine whether all other applicable legal requirements are met. Read more…

Section 321 Entry

Section 321 is the statute that authorizes CBP to provide an administrative exemption to admit free from duty and tax for shipments of merchandise imported by one person on one day having an aggregate fair retail value in the country of shipment of not more than $800. CBP is accepting the Section 321 entry process through the creation of the new Informal Entry Type “86.” Entry Type 86 allows customs brokers and self-filers to electronically submit Section 321 entries through ABI, including those subject to PGA data requirements for clearance. Read more…

Ultimate Consignee

The ultimate consignee at the time of entry or release is defined as the party in the United States to whom the overseas shipper sold the imported merchandise. CBP requires to identify the ultimate consignee at the time of entry or release. A primary purpose of the ultimate consignee requirement is to enable CBP to have knowledge of both the person to whom and the place where the imported merchandise is going in the United States. Read more…

Valuation and Appraisement

It is the responsibility of the importers to determine the customs value of imported goods. Generally, the appraised value of all merchandise imported into the United States is the transaction value of the goods. We can assist you determine the correct value of your goods. Read more…

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Customs Clearance and Import Requirements

FDA-Regulated Products and Import Requirements

Guidance on Customs & Logistics Solution

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.

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 or customs clearance needs, we will do our best to customize a solution for your needs.

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 & 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 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.

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.

E-Commerce

The Internet has made it easy to find and purchase items from almost anywhere in the world. Our e-commerce experts will help you find the right solution for your international transportation, customs clearance, and delivery to your final destination. We also provide value-added repackaging, warehousing and distribution services.

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.