Learn About Importing
Importing Into the U.S
When importing goods into the United States a customs entry is required in order for goods to be released for delivery. The importer or their licensed customs broker will file the entry with U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection that gives them detailed information about the goods that are being imported. It is the importer’s responsibility, with the help of their Customs Broker to ensure that their freight is classified correctly. Read more
Packaging Freight
Whenever freight is imported or exported overseas through air or sea it is vital to have it packaged properly. It also expedites customs examination, and protects your freight from being damaged in transit. If there is ever any questions about how to package your freight contact your freight forwarder for packaging information. Here are a few basic principals that all imported or exported freight should have
- The commercial invoice should have good listed in the order they were packed.
- Mark the exact quantity of each item on the box that it is shipped in
- Number each box
- Reference each box on your commercial invoice with detailed itemization of the goods
Transporting Merchandise In-Bond
When freight is imported into the U.S. the entry for the goods does not have to be filed at the port of arrival. The importer has the option to transport freight to any port within the U.S. A bond will have to be obtained while the cargo is in transit to the port of entry.
Intellectual Property Rights
Trademarked (™), registered (®), and copyrighted (©) material is prohibited for importation into the U.S. If an importer can establish that they own or have rights to use trademarked or copyrighted material then it is allowed. Freight has to be determined to be genuine and not restricted under United States law 198 CFR 133.21.
For example if you are importing music CD’s do you own the copyright or have authorization to use it? If so, importers will be required to provide necessary documentation.
Customs Bonded Warehouse
If an importer decides to have their freight stored before they make a customs entry, goods can be stored in a customs bonded warehouse. Not every warehouse is a customs bonded warehouse so consult your customs broker to arrange for freight to be stored before an entry is made. This is an option for importers who want to postpone filing an entry for a customs clearance. Freight can be stored for up to five years and exported without paying duty during that time. Prohibited and perishable goods are not allowed to be placed in a customs bonded warehouse.
