5 Useful Tips for Every New Importer
Last Updated: Aug. 25, 2026
There are many reasons businesses import goods from overseas, including meeting customer demand, expanding product offerings, and sourcing products or materials internationally. Importing into the United States involves requirements from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and, depending on the merchandise, other federal agencies.
If you’re a new importer, these five tips can help you prepare for the U.S. import process.
1. Know What You Can and Cannot Import
Before importing merchandise into the United States, determine whether it can legally enter the country and whether additional requirements apply.
CBP distinguishes between prohibited and restricted merchandise. Prohibited merchandise cannot legally enter the United States, while restricted merchandise may require a license, permit, or other authorization before it can enter. Importers can review CBP’s guidance on prohibited and restricted items to identify merchandise that may face restrictions.
Requirements can also come from other federal agencies that regulate specific products. CBP explains that some merchandise may require permits, licenses, or certifications from another government agency before importation. Importers should identify the requirements that apply to their products before shipping them to the United States.
A customs broker can help with customs requirements and entry procedures, but the importer remains responsible for complying with applicable U.S. laws and regulations.
2. Prepare Your Import Documents in Advance
Accurate documentation helps CBP process an importation and determine applicable entry requirements, classification, value, duties, and other charges.
Depending on the merchandise and type of entry, import documentation may include a commercial invoice, shipping documents, permits, licenses, and other information required by CBP or another federal agency.
For example, CBP requires a commercial invoice, or acceptable substitute documentation, to contain an adequate description of the merchandise, its quantity and value, and the appropriate HTSUS subheading in circumstances where a commercial invoice is required. Importers may refer to the current commercial invoice requirements before preparing their entry documentation.
Importers should also provide enough information for CBP to identify and classify the merchandise. CBP recommends providing details such as the merchandise’s country of origin, manufacturer, composition, intended use, and pricing or payment information when seeking assistance with classification and import requirements.
Review your documents before the shipment arrives and make sure the information accurately describes the merchandise. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to delays, additional costs, or enforcement action.
3. Determine Whether You Need a Customs Bond
A customs bond provides financial security to CBP for certain obligations associated with an importation.
CBP regulations require a customs bond for commercial imports valued at more than $2,500 or for commodities subject to requirements from other federal agencies, such as certain food or firearms. Importers can review CBP’s guidance on when a customs bond is required to determine whether a bond applies to their importation.
Informal entries are generally used for merchandise valued at less than $2,500 and can apply to both personal and commercial importations. However, some products cannot enter informally regardless of value. CBP also states that informal entries cannot be used for commercial importations subject to quota, antidumping duties, or countervailing duties.
Most formal entries require a customs bond, although other bond requirements can apply depending on the transaction. Importers can use different types of bonds, including single transaction bonds and continuous bonds, depending on their circumstances.
4. Prepare for a CBP Examination
CBP has the authority to examine imported shipments, and an examination can create additional costs for the importer.
CBP states that the importer must bear expenses involved in preparing merchandise for examination. If CBP selects a shipment for examination, the cargo may move to a Centralized Examination Station (CES), where the facility can charge for services such as unloading and reloading the shipment. Transportation and storage costs may also apply.
Importers should make sure their entry information and supporting documents accurately describe the merchandise. Organizing the cargo and documentation can also help facilitate the examination process.
5. Consider Working With a Customs Broker
Importers do not have to hire a customs broker to clear their goods through CBP. However, many importers choose to work with a broker for assistance with customs procedures and documentation.
Licensed customs brokers can conduct CBP business on behalf of importers. They can assist with activities such as preparing customs paperwork and obtaining a customs bond on the importer’s behalf.
Using a customs broker does not transfer the importer’s compliance responsibilities to the broker. CBP states that the importer remains ultimately responsible for knowing CBP requirements and ensuring the importation complies with federal rules and regulations.
For new importers, working with a licensed customs broker can provide assistance with the customs entry process while the business develops its own import procedures.
Consider Other Import Requirements
The five areas above provide a starting point, but importers may need to address additional requirements based on their merchandise and transactions.
These can include:
- Tariff classification: Importers need to determine the appropriate Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) classification for their merchandise.
- Country of origin: Country of origin can affect marking, tariff treatment, and other import requirements.
- Product-specific requirements: Other federal agencies may regulate particular products.
- Duties and fees: Importers may need to pay applicable duties, taxes, and fees when their goods enter the United States.
- Importer information: Importers may need to provide appropriate identification information when filing entries.
CBP’s Basic Importing and Exporting guidance provides additional information on the requirements importers should consider before bringing merchandise into the United States.
Be Aware of Current Low-Value Shipment Rules
New importers should also understand that the former $800 duty-free de minimis treatment no longer applies generally to low-value shipments. Effective August 29, 2025, goods valued at $800 or less generally became subject to applicable duties, taxes, and fees, with certain exceptions.
This change should not be confused with the $2,500 threshold for informal entries. The two thresholds address different customs rules. CBP continues to state that informal entries generally cover merchandise valued at less than $2,500.
For a more detailed overview of the U.S. import process, see GHY’s Ultimate Guide on Importing Goods into the United States.
Get Started With Your U.S. Imports
New importers should review applicable requirements before shipping merchandise to the United States. Understanding admissibility requirements, documentation, tariff classification, customs bonds, examinations, and broker responsibilities can help businesses prepare for the import process.
If you need assistance with importing goods into the United States, contact GHY International to speak with a trade expert about your specific importing needs.
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