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Clearing U.S. Customs for the first time can be a daunting experience for new importers. Between the countless regulations and costly fines, it can seem impossible not to feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, that’s where we can help.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you plan on importing by air, land, or sea I’ll walk you through the customs clearance process and give you the confidence you need to import into the U.S. successfully.
Speak to one of our expert consultants and get personalized advice on how to clear your shipment.
Customs clearance in the United States is a crucial process that involves securing approval from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to bring your goods into the country.
CBP oversees all imports entering the U.S., so it's essential to ensure every detail is properly addressed. Key elements importers must focus on include:
Navigating the complexities of U.S. Customs can be a significant responsibility, especially for new importers. Therefore, many choose to partner with a Licensed Customs Broker. These professionals are industry experts and can help ensure a smooth entry for your goods into the country.
“The import process can be a complex process with many moving parts. As a new importer, I would highly recommend that you work with a Customs Broker that is willing to hold your hand through your first import,” said Sarah Jeris, a Licensed Customs Broker at USA Customs Clearance. “You will avoid many headaches and potential costly delays if done ahead of time.”
Related: The Complete Beginners Guide to Importing and Exporting
No, you are not required to hire a broker, but it is recommended by CBP. Clearing customs can be extremely complicated and confusing, and even the smallest mistake could be costly.
Something as simple as missing a paperwork deadline can result in a $5,000 fine. If an important regulation is missed, that could result in more serious delays, or even the seizure of your shipment.
“The biggest mistake that new importers make when importing to the U.S. would be not doing their due diligence on the specific products they are looking to import,” said Jeris, who provides consultations for importers daily. “There are many surprise duties and regulatory requirements out there. If they are not reviewed prior to importing, you could be looking at costly delays when the goods arrive in the U.S.”
It’s worth noting that the importer of record is the party responsible for ensuring that an international shipment is cleared through customs. While that person is typically the purchaser of the goods, it doesn’t have to be. If you’re working with a customs broker, they can assume the role of importer of record and handle these services for you.
Related: Is a Power of Attorney Required for International Shipping?
Responsibilities include ensuring:
All of that being said, if you still want to clear customs without a broker and you’re up to the challenge, handling these duties yourself may save you money in the short term. However, it is likely to cost you much more in the time and effort it requires, and in the worst case scenarios, it could cost you much more in potential fines and delays.
As complex as the process seems, gaining entry into the U.S. can generally be broken down into four steps. I’ll explore each of them, step-by-step, below.
The entry process starts with the submission of entry summary documentation, which includes the CBP Form 3461, CBP Form 7501 and other necessary invoices and documents. This paperwork is required in order to assess duties, collect statistics, and ensure compliance with all import regulations.
These documents include, but are not limited to:
CBP determines the dutiable status of merchandise based on the entry documentation that you submit. The duties and taxes owed on your shipment can vary depending on:
Any commercial freight will also require payment of a Merchandise Processing Fee, which is 0.3464% of the value listed on the commercial invoice. If imported into an ocean port of entry, you’ll also owe a Harbor Maintenance Fee of 0.125% of the shipment’s value.
CBP requires all duty payments be paid using U.S. currency in the form of a personal check in the exact amount, a government check, money order, or traveler’s check, or, at some ports of entry, a credit card.
Related: Taxes on Imported Goods: A Guide to Tariffs, Duties, and More
The shipment may be selected for examination to verify numerous aspects, such as the value of goods for customs purposes, their dutiable status, correct invoicing, and compliance with marking or labeling requirements. This step is crucial to determine if the goods meet legal standards, such as those set by other partner government agencies.
An intensive inspection, though less likely, may be conducted to check for prohibited items and narcotics, especially since cargo shipments are commonly used for smuggling. CBP officers thoroughly examine containers, pallets, boxes, and the actual products.
Related: Understanding Customs Examinations
If the goods meet all regulatory and legal standards without any violations, and after the necessary duties have been paid, the shipment will be released to you, your broker, or an authorized agent.
It’s worth noting that while these steps generally hold true for most international shipments, every import is unique, and the customs clearance process is not the same for everyone.
There are a number of different documents required to import your commercial shipment. I’ve listed some of the most common and important paperwork below.
Related: What Documents Do I Need To Import and Export?
A commercial invoice is provided by the supplier to the importer, detailing the payment required for the products shipped. It itemizes each product, their individual and total costs, and serves as proof of the transaction.
This document is crucial for CBP to assess the value of the goods and includes additional details like cargo size, weight, country of origin, and contact information of both the shipper and consignee.
Unlike the commercial invoice, the packing list details the items in the shipment without showing costs. This list is created by the importer, and informs parties such as banks, brokers, and transport agents about the shipment's contents.
This list is attached to each shipping container, providing customs agents with information about the contents and weight of the products. It's also essential for issuing a Bill of Lading, another critical customs document.
The Bill of Lading serves multiple functions, including acting as a contract between the shipper and consignee and serving as a receipt of the shipment. This document contains:
A customs bond guarantees that all duties and taxes will be paid to CBP, with a surety company covering any missed payments. It's required for imports over $2,500 USD or regulated items, regardless of value.
There are two main types: single entry bonds cover one shipment at a designated port, and continuous bonds cover multiple shipments for a year across any U.S. ports of entry.
Related: The Complete Guide to U.S. Import Bonds
CBP Form 3461, also known as the Entry/Immediate Delivery form, is used to allow the importation of goods into the United States under formal entry procedures before the final determination of classification and duty rates.
This form is submitted to CBP electronically and crucial for facilitating the swift release of the cargo upon arrival, pending a more detailed review and final duty assessment.
CBP Form 7501, also known as the Entry Summary, is used to determine the final customs duties, taxes, and fees applicable to imported goods entering the United States.
This includes the classification and valuation of the merchandise according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). It also finalizes the customs clearance process by summarizing the total entry information after the goods have been reviewed and classification decisions have been made.
This notice is issued to inform the consignee of the shipment's arrival at the port of entry, including any additional fees and special pick-up instructions, which helps streamline the pickup process and port operations.
For ocean freight, an Importer Security Filing (ISF), or "10+2", must be submitted to CBP 24 hours before the cargo leaves the originating country, detailing information about the cargo. This requirement is specific to ocean vessel shipments.
Depending on what’s being imported, various permits, certificates, and other entry documents may be required. For example, importing food products necessitates a prior notice form filed with the FDA, and electronics may require product testing and FCC certifications.
While ocean transport remains the most popular method of shipping for commercial imports into the U.S., containers can also enter by way of land or air. The procedures required for air and ground cargo are similar to those at an ocean port of entry, with some minor differences.
Clearing air cargo works similarly to shipments imported by sea or land. Obviously, transit times will be shorter due to the higher speed of air travel, so that will need to be kept in mind when submitting timely paperwork and arranging for pickup once your shipment clears.
As opposed to ocean freight, shipments imported by air freight do not require an ISF Filing. Otherwise, many of the same aspects of the process remain the same, with minor changes to some of the documentation (i.e. airway bill instead of bill of lading, or air pre-alert instead of an arrival notice).
Additionally, air freight may also have stricter regulations on the shipment of hazardous materials. Participating carriers must also submit required pre-arrival cargo data as part of the Air Cargo Advance Screening Program.
As with air freight, ground shipments do not require the importer to submit an ISF to clear U.S. Customs.
When a truck or trailer reaches the U.S. border, customs officers will inspect the cargo just as if the shipment had arrived at a port, ensuring compliance with rules and regulations, and payment of any duties and taxes. Once a Customs official provides approval, your ground shipment will be allowed entry.
Clearing U.S. Customs with cargo is not a part of the import process that you want to leave to chance. Minimize delays, gain peace of mind, and get the assistance you need to make your mission a success.
“Find a customs broker who prides themselves on their service. The right customs broker can simplify and streamline the complex import process into terms that the first time importer can understand,” said Jeris.
No matter what step of the import journey you’re at, USA Customs Clearance is here to help. Fill out our brokerage request form to help us determine how best to serve you. Already know what you need? Choose from our products and services to start your import journey:
Still have questions? Give our team a call at (855) 912-0406 and get the help you need to get started today.
Don't leave such an important step to chance.
Fill out a request for Customs Brokerage and we'll do the rest.
Your cargo will typically be released within 24 hours, but depending on the circumstances, it might take a week or even longer. Delays often occur if the cargo requires a detailed customs examination, or if there are issues with the paperwork being incomplete or incorrect. Additionally, items like pharmaceuticals or firearms face more stringent checks, which can prolong the clearance process.
In addition to the duties and tariffs owed on your shipment, CBP charges a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) on all formal entries. This fee is equal to 0.3464% of the value of your goods, however, it cannot be less than $31.67, or greater than $614.35. A Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) will be charged if imported via ship. You’ll also need to account for the cost of a customs bond, and any additional permits or certificates.
Once all relevant authorities, including CBP and other PGAs, have cleared your cargo, it will be released to the importer of record. After clearance, the goods are free to move on to their next destination, which could range from a local distribution center or directly to the final consumer.
Once the cargo reaches the port of entry, the importer has 30 days to clear it. If not cleared within this period, CBP will deem the cargo unclaimed or abandoned. Various issues such as disputes among the shipper, importer, and consignee, insufficient funds for clearance, or damage to the cargo might prevent it from being cleared. CBP disposes of abandoned cargo to conserve space, money, and time.
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Hi,
I am in the process of buying a 20ft with decorations PVC panels for interiors.
The value of the merchandise will be about 15k.The container will arrive to Miami.
How much you charge to clear customs.
Do you have transportation companies to move the container to my warehouse.
What do I need from the seller in China.
Thanks for your help
I want to import a 20ft container of home furniture from china for personal use. I would like to clear it myself. Is there someone that can help describe process please
What document proofs that the US customs has been cleared . What document is received after confirmation of customs clearance . Need the name of the document .
Is it custom clearance certificate or custom release certificate or is it CBP 7501 form endorsed by customs .
I have purchased a piece of equipment from China, weight is 750lbs item cost $1700.00 the shipping and charges were paid for from merchant to Oakland , CA port. What will I need to do to clear customs and pick up this item? It’s arriving via Ocean Frieght.
Thank you,
Does this outline also apply to household goods being shipped from Australia to Seattle?
Regards,
Marie
Hi Marie,
This guidelines applies specifically to commercial imports. However, we do have information on importing personal items. Feel free to check out our page below.
Importing Personal Items
If I wanted to buy a fish tank from China which is shipped to the USA via container LCL by sea, can I do custom clearance myself? Thanks
Hi Viet,
One of our customs experts will reach out to you shortly in regards to your inquiry. We look forward to helping you!
hi ,
If i want to import a container of construction accessories and I dont have a company only myself , can I import it and clear it and use to sell locally like online selling ?
Hi Saleh,
The scenario that you described will require you to register as an Importer of Record with CBP. Since you'll be reselling the products you're importing, this qualifies as a commerical import. Our Licensed Customs Brokers can help you register as an Importer of Record. One of our brokers will be reacing out to you shortly. We look forward to helping you!
Ordering a moped from China epa/dot approved. What do I need to know?
Hi Patrick,
If the moped is for personal use, I would highly recommend following the instructions provided in our Importing Motorcycle Guide. If the import is for commercial use, reach out to us at (855)912-0406 and we'll be happy to provide further assistance.
Hi Martha, thank you for contacting AFC International. One of our Customs specialist have reached out to you via phone and email. You can reach us via email at consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward in helping you!
Hello my name is Jonathan Heiland, I am one of the Customs Specialists with USA Customs Clearance. We will gladly assist you with your import but we will need more information about your shipment. For immediate attention please reach out to consulting@afcinternationalllc.com. We look forward to working with you!
Very concise and understandable. Knowing Airline and Maritime processes to release the cargo would be ideal as well.
Thank you Steve, we appreciate your kind words and suggestions!
Thank you Steven, we appreciate your kindness and your recommendations.