Project Description
How to Import into the United States
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Before you jump into our guide, are you ready to start importing goods and want to get started with us? Book a meeting with one of our GHY Import Experts to get started today on importing your good(s) today.
If you plan to import goods into the United States, it is important to know what you need before getting started. Importing is a complex process. There are many requirements, restrictions and regulations involved. And as an importer, you are responsible for making sure that all of the correct documentation is filed and that everything complies with the specific rules and regulations of the U.S. government.
This guide will provide an overview of what you need to know and do before importing goods into the United States. We will also walk you through the importation process and documentation required to minimize complexities and time at the border.
U.S. Import Requirements:
What you Need and What you Don’t
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has defined requirements that must be met as a condition of entry into the U.S., while best practices are recommended activities that will help expedite the import process but aren’t mandatory.
- You will need an Importer Number, which you can get through the IRS if your imported goods are valued at USD 2,500 or more. This number will be required on all your import paperwork.
- You will not need an import license in general, but some imported items may require special permits from other government agencies (plants, animals, dairy products, medications, etc.)
The majority of goods do not require approval or certification by the U.S. government to be imported into the United States. However, there are some exceptions:
- Restricted goods. Goods restricted and controlled by multiple federal agencies (such as food, animal products, medical devices, and firearms) may require an import license or permit from the agency that regulates that product
- Government licenses and permits. Imported goods may also require an import license or permit from a specific government agency to enter the United States (for example, imports of agricultural products may require a USDA permit)
- Compliant imports. Certain goods imported into the United States must meet compliance standards enforced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and other federal agencies such as FDA for food, drugs, and cosmetics; DOT for motor vehicles; EPA for pesticides; and CPSC for consumer products. Compliance has nothing to do with collecting duties; it’s about ensuring that the imported items into the country are safe and legal while meeting various trade laws and agreements.
Expect to face two types of requirements: administrative and operational. Administrative requirements include how and where to file entry documents, how to pay duties, taxes, and fees, how to obtain duty refunds, who can act as your agent, etc. Operational requirements involve the actual goods themselves — their value, classification, country of origin, etc.
While CBP has clearly defined administrative requirements for importers, there is no comprehensive list for operational requirements. Rather than create one yourself (which would be nearly impossible), consult with CBP or your customs broker.
Importing into the United States in 7 Steps
The Role of CBP and Other Government Agencies
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the governmental agency any person or entity must deal with when importing goods into the United States. CBP requires that importers maintain knowledge of all relevant laws, regulations, and procedures relating to importing goods into the United States. Importing into the United States is governed by an extensive body of law that includes treaties and agreements with other countries, U.S. statutes, executive orders by various presidents, administrative rulings, and court decisions.
CBP are also responsible for enforcing hundreds of laws for 40 other government agencies, such as the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and even the Centers for Disease Control. These agencies have their own unique rules about what can be brought into the country.
If any of the other government agencies regulate your imported goods, then there may be additional requirements that must be met before importing your goods.
Importing under Free Trade Agreements
If you are a U.S. importer, you might be able to reduce or eliminate duty on your imports under a trade agreement. Benefits typically include lower duties and reduced paperwork, and duty-free treatment for eligible products
The United States has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with many countries worldwide. The most well-known agreements are NAFTA with Canada and Mexico, CAFTA with Central America, and the U.S.-Australia FTA. These agreements allow for significant preferential treatment to imports from certain countries by reducing or eliminating tariffs. When importing under an FTA, you can pay reduced or no duty on products that meet the eligibility requirements. Some of these provisions are:
- Elimination of duties on originating products (e.g., the Harmonized Tariff Schedule number begins with one of the FTA country’s codes)
- Reduction or elimination of duties over a set period of time
- Suspension of duties for a set quantity each year
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now known as USMCA/CUSMA/T-MEC, eliminated most tariffs between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They cover goods imported into the U.S. and products manufactured in the U.S. using foreign components or foreign products manufactured using U.S. components.
Confidently Import into the United States
Importing into the U.S. can seem overwhelming, and filing an import is a complex process. Moreover, understanding all the rules and regulations of importing can be a time-consuming endeavor and failing to do so can be costly. By taking the time to prepare, following these 7-easy steps, and partnering with the right U.S. customs broker like GHY, you can be confident that your goods will arrive without unexpected costs or delays.
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