IMPORT PROCESS

It is important to have your customs brokerage in place prior to shipping. A customs broker can advise you as to whether the products will be admissible into the US, whether clearance with OGAs may be required, if anti-dumping or countervailing duties apply, and what paperwork will be needed. The broker can provide you with the duty rates and fees that will be applied to your merchandise. Below are simplified steps to importing. It is highly recommended that all importers read Introduction to Importing on the CBP website. (See Links)

1. Importer completes a Power of Attorney on behalf of the customs broker well before the arrival of the merchandise.
2. Importer provides import documents (commercial invoice, packing list, arrival notice, bill of lading, & others).
3. Importer assists the customs broker in the classification of the merchandise. A customs broker can only advise on the tariff codes. Ultimately, it is the importer's responsibility.
4. Customs broker files the application for a bond (single transaction or continuous transaction bond), logs the entry data, and transmits this to CBP.
5. Customs Broker assists in scheduling an exam if required.
6. Customs broker submits any additional data 10 business days after initial release and makes of duties to CBP. Note: It is the ultimate responsibility of the importer of record to make the payments of duties to CBP. The broker may pay duties if agreed to previously.