Tips for new importers and exporters (2023)

To avoid potential problems clearing your goods, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that you familiarize yourself with CBP policies and procedures before importing/exporting your goods. You should also be aware of any entry requirements specific to the particular product you are importing/exporting, including those of other federal agencies. To help you, we offer the following tips for new importers and exporters.

What type of license is required to import goods into the United States?

CBP does not require a license or permit from an importer, but other agencies may require a permit, license, or other certification depending on the product being imported. CBP acts in an administrative capacity for these other agencies and you may wish to contact them directly for more information. For links to other government agencies and departments, see USA.gov. A list of other government agencies can be found in the appendix to the publication.Import to the United States. You may also need a license from state or local authorities to conduct business. CBP entry forms ask for your importer number – this is your IRS business registration number, or if your business is not registered with the IRS or you don't have a business, your social security number will do. Alternatively, you can request a CBP assigned number by completing aCBP-Formular 5106and presentation to the immigration office at a CBP port of entry.

The CBP website contains valuable information for the new or experienced importer.

We recommend importers to check the issues on the CBP trading site. In particular, we recommend that you read the information contained in the section titledBasic import and export. There are many topic-specific links to explore. This will take you to information on CBP import regulations, arrival of goods, formal vs. informal entry, classification, protest, mailings, restricted goods and more. For other agency requirements you need to meet and becoming a frequent importer with higher value shipments, we recommend readingImport to the United States. This publication contains further information and is worth reading for anyone who is serious about entering the import business.

We also ask you to read themInformed Compliance Disclosures. CBP has prepared a series of Informed Compliance Publications (ICPs) in the What Every Member of the Business Community Should Know About... series on a variety of topics. When your business makes youTravelinside and outside the country we advise you to read the travel information in theKnow before you go.

Before importing, you can contact the CBP office at the port of entry where your goods will enter the United States.

A complete directory of the variousports of entrycan be found on this website. If you are unsure or have not decided which port your shipment will arrive at, or if you are considering importing via multiple ports, you can contact a service port of entry near you. Ask to speak to a CBP import specialist responsible for the product you are importing. Import Specialists are a valuable resource for commodity-specific knowledge and can provide advice on classification, commodity-specific requirements, tax rates, and answer any questions you may have about filing an entry. In many ports, immigration specialists deal with issues related to the filing of immigration. Inbound Specialists work closely with Import Specialists and provide the technical processing knowledge needed to submit the required paperwork.

When calling the port, the importer should be able to provide as much detail about the transaction as possible. In order for the import specialist to be able to provide you with the best possible support, it is important that you can describe the goods you wish to import accurately. In order for the import specialist to provide you with the best possible support, you must provide a full description of the item and answer specific questions such as: B.: 1) country of origin and manufacturer of the goods; 2) the composition of the goods; 3) the intended use of the item; and 4) pricing/payment information (to correctly determine the value of the shipment). For more information on the classification of goods, see theHarmonisierter Tarifplan (HTS)with the actual HTS number and tariff classification guidelines that explain how the goods are to be classified correctly.

Importers can request a written decision from CBP on the correct HTSUS classification and duty rate for their goods.

For information on CBP decision letters, seeWhat are the ruling letters?. When applying for a binding decision, importers must follow the procedures outlined in Part 177 of the Customs Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). Research the results of previous references for a preliminary ruling using theOnline search system for customs clearance(CROSS). The CBP may already have rulings on products similar to yours that you can use as guidance. CROSS also addresses other issues such as value, country of origin labeling and the applicability of trade preference programs. The CROSS database can be searched for keywords.

The CBP website also contains valuable export information.

If your future plans involve exporting goods from the United States, you should read the information inExport section of this website.

Although CBP enforces many export regulations for various other government agencies, specific questions about licensing requirements for a particular product should be directed to that primary agency. For additional agency contact information and products that may require export licenses, visitUS Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and SecurityWeb pages. Questions about export licenses can also be directed to CBP officials at the port where the goods leave the country. Another resource is the Department of Commerce's Trade Information Center, which you can call at 1-800-USA Trade or visit their website.Exportar.gov.

Although certain resident importers and exporters may file entries on their own behalf, many first-time importers and exporters consult a licensed customs broker.

Those who import goods for their own use often employ a customs broker, especially if they find the import procedures complicated. However, you can enter yourself. Importers who want to use the professional services of a customs broker can do so. Customs brokers are licensed by CBP, but not CBP employees. To view a list of customs brokers authorized to conduct CBP business in a specific port, select the port you plan to use. Many service port sites have a list of customs brokers. Please note that these lists may not be exhaustive and the brokers listed are not endorsed by CBP. There is also an informed compliance release oncustoms agents. Remember that even if you use a broker, you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the immigration documents submitted to CBP and for any applicable duties, taxes and fees.

Importer Security Record (ISF/"10+2") required for ocean shipments.

On January 26, 2009, the new rule titled Security File Importer and Carrier Additional Requirements (commonly known as “10+2”) went into effect. This new rule applies to import cargo that arrives in the United States by ship. Failure to comply with the new rule could ultimately result in fines, increased inspections and loading delays.

What is an importer security filing? Under the new rule, the Importer Security File (ISF) importer or their agent (e.g., a licensed customs broker) must electronically submit certain advance cargo information to CBP before inbound goods can be imported into the United States by ship in the form of a security file of the importer. This requirement only applies to cargo arriving in the United States by sea vessel: it does not apply to cargo arriving by other means of transportation. Remember that even when using a broker, the importer of record is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of the immigration documents submitted to CBP and for any applicable duties, taxes and fees.

Where can I find more information? More detailed information on importer security requirements can be found on the CBP website atPresentation security importer. You will find a link to frequently asked questions and recordings of recent ISF webinars for small and medium businesses. You may be able to obtain additional assistance from your licensed customs broker, freight forwarder, trade association and local shopping mall.

You should research general information about quotas and quota requirements for specific products before importing them into the United States.

Import quotas control the amount or volume of various products that can be imported into the United States during a given period of time. US import quotas can be divided into two main types: absolute and tariff. Absolute quotas generally apply to textiles and strictly limit the amount of goods that can enter US commerce during any given period. There are currently no products with an absolute quota. Tariff quotas allow a certain quantity of imported goods to be brought in at a reduced duty rate during the quota period. Once a quota has been reached, goods can still be imported, but at a higher duty rate.

Fee information can be found on theSplitPage. This section provides links to information on topics such as determining whether imported goods are subject to quota restrictions.A guide to import quotascontains additional information about quotas. Compliance levels for agricultural and textile quotas eligible for trade preference programs are tracked ingoods status reportfor tariff quotas. General quota information and instructions for specific quotas are available to CBP offices and tradersCharge Book Transfers.

You may receive an invoice when CBP examines your shipment.

Pursuant to Title 19, Section 1467, United States Code (19 U.S.C. 1467), CBP has the right to inspect any shipment entering the United States and it is important to understand that you, the importer, must bear the cost of that freight. Inspections Under CBP regulations, it is the importer's responsibility to prepare the goods for inspection: "The importer shall bear the costs associated with preparing the goods for CBP inspection and sealing the packages" (19 C.F.R. 151.6). Household items are not exempt. No distinction is made between commercial and private shipments. As part of normal operations, CBP does not charge for cargo inspections. Nevertheless, costs may arise for the importer. For example, if your submission is selected for review, it will typically be moved to a Central Review Station (CES) for CBP review. A CES is a privately operated facility where physical examination merchandise is provided to CBP officers. The CES facility unloads (devan) your shipment from its shipping container and reloads it after verification. CES will bill you for its services. There are also costs for transporting freight to and from the exam site and for storage. Prices vary across the country and a full renovation can cost several hundred dollars. The CES facility meets the needs of both the CBP and the importer by providing an efficient means of conducting examinations in a timely manner. CES facilities are discussed in Part 118 of the Customs Regulations.

Some of the information requested by CBP can only be provided through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) procedures.

When members of the business community or members of the public request information from CBP, there are circumstances in which the requested information can only be provided if the request is made in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The CBP website contains a full statement from the agency.FOIA Program, including background information and general information about the FOIA law, FOIA regulations, and specific instructions for making a FOIA request.

For general CBP inquiries, call the CBP INFO Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. m. and 5 p.m. m. Easter time.

General Enquiries: (1-877) CBP-5511

International calls:(202) 325-8000

TDD: (1-866) 880-6582

We recommend that you first try to find the information you are looking for by using theCBP Information CenterFAQ tool. It has over 500 answers on CBP policies and procedures.