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Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires multiple documents when importing electronics to the USA. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) also have to approve the goods. Finally, importers need a Certification or Declaration of Conformity from the Federal Communication Commission for their electronics to make it bast customs.
Importing electronics to the USA is a complex undertaking that requires a deep understanding of customs regulations and procedures. Numerous government entities oversee these products due to the danger they can pose to users. Fortunately, we have information that will help you through these challenging guidelines.
When most people hear the term ‘electronics’, images of cellphones or laptops might come to mind, but there are actually many types of electronics that can be imported. Sellers tend to think of big consumer electronics, but other categories of these products carry high dollar value as well.
Consumer electronics are goods used by everyday people for personal use.
These items include:
Compared to other kinds of electronics, these products are much cheaper to purchase, which can reduce the costs importers will have to pay.
Related: How to Import Air Purifiers to the US
Medical electronics are used in hospitals and doctor's offices. Professionals in the health industry use these devices to perform their jobs and help those in need.
Hospitals across the U.S. have a shortage of medical supplies, including electronics. This presents an opportunity for importers to bring these goods into the country and sell them to different medical institutions.
Vehicles have numerous electronics that allow them to perform a variety of functions. Certain components are made in only a few countries. Therefore, dealerships often need to import these parts when completing repairs to vehicles.
Automotive companies that can efficiently import supplies for their vehicles can more efficiently finish vehicle repairs.
Military and aerospace electronics can also be imported from other countries. These items are typically expensive and require more oversight by additional government organizations when importing
Military and aerospace electronics include:
Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, importers need to stay up-to-date on the latest developments to avoid stocking outdated inventory.
Digital electronics are typically smaller items used in a variety of devices. Due to their size and fragility, it’s essential they’re handled with care while in transit.
Determining the accurate customs value of digital electronics can be challenging. Importers must adhere to international valuation rules and accurately declare their amount.
Check out our article on How to import Speakers and headphones to the U.S.
Several government agencies regulate the importation of electronic devices. It is important to be familiar with all agencies and requirements, to ensure an import doesn’t get held up on its way through the U.S. customs system.
The CBP is part of the Department of Homeland Security. They’re the primary agency that regulates the imports coming into the country.
The CBP’s purpose is to prevent counterfeit, unsafe, or fraudulent goods from coming into the U.S., and stop illegal trafficking before it gets through the border.
Import documents required by the CBP include:
A CBP Form 7533, also known as an Entry Manifest, is required for goods to make entry at a port. This document includes information about the vessel, provides details of the cargo, and other information required for compliance with customs regulations.
The Application and Special Permit for Immediate Delivery, or CBP Form 3461, is another document that can be used for entry. It contains details on the importer and shipment.
Other information includes:
CBP Form 3461s can be submitted electronically.
Next, an importer will need a bill of lading (BOL) or airway bill, depending on the mode of transport used. The BOL is a detailed receipt of the goods being shipped.
There are two main ways that a CBP entry can be categorized, which include:
An informal entry is a shipment of goods valued under $2,500 and a formal entry is valued at $2,500 or more. All formal entries require the addition of a customs bond, which ensures that the importer will pay back all dues and fees.
The customs bond acts as a contract between the importer and the CBP. Since electronics are high-value, most, if not all, shipments of electronics will require a customs bond.
There are two different kinds of customs bonds: single entry bonds and continuous bonds. Which one you choose to get will depend on your industry and how frequently you import goods into the U.S.
Commercial invoices are also required by CBP if the imported goods are to be sold. If this document can’t be provided, then a pro forma invoice will be an acceptable substitute.
Businesses that want to take advantage of available preferential tariff treatment will need a Certificate of Origin (CO). Regulations for these will vary based on the FTA or Trade Agreement.
With initial documentation completed, importers just need to follow through on the next few steps: :
An import must be classified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). This code is typically 10 digits long. The first 6 digits are universal worldwide, while the last 4 are country specific.
The code must correspond to a description provided for the products, but the process of finding the correct code can be difficult.
Importers can utilize the USA Customs Clearance HTS Look-Up Tool to narrow down the correct code based on the product description.
Some steps must be completed within specific time frames
All importers are required to keep a record of all documentation for 5 years following the successful import of their products, for record-keeping and legal purposes.
It might seem strange that the FDA has anything to do with the import of electronics.However, they regulate a variety of goods used or consumed by humans, which includes electronics.
The FDA outlines a specific set of guidelines to import electronics, including:.
Electronics that are denied entry could be destroyed, which means importers must take extra caution when labeling and filing all required paperwork. All entries submitted through the CBP are heavily reviewed to make sure they are also compliant with all FDA expectations and requirements.
Finding your HTS code doesn't have to be a struggle. With our HTS lookup tool, you can find your commodity simply by putting in a phrase or word related to your product.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a federal agency that is responsible for overseeing technological communication industries, like television, radio, and telephone.
There are two ways that the FCC can register an electronic product, which include:
A certification procedure is the most rigorous approval process that can be applied to an electronic radio-frequency device. The device must contain a radio transmitting device in order to be evaluated using these criteria. Items like this include remote control transmitters, land mobile radio transmitters, and wireless medical telemetry transmitters.
An SDoC Procedure is used to determine whether the electronic product complies with the appropriate technical standards. Electronics that fall under this classification include microwaves, computer peripherals, LED light bulbs, and television interface devices.
If the electronic product does not compare to the baseline expectations for its category, it may be deemed as unreliable or unsafe. Products that qualify for the SDoC approval also have the option to pursue a certification for importation.
There are occasions in which both procedures could apply to a product, and this is becoming more common with the advancements of modern technology.
Products that may be evaluated under both procedures include:
Any other equipment featuring radio transmitters, like Bluetooth capabilities and digital circuitry, will be applicable as well. The FCC requires importers to follow KDB Publication 784748 for labeling guidelines.
These requirements are split into separate parts, which include:
When importing radio frequency devices into the U.S., importers will need to meet at least one of the FCC’s 11 conditions.
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a certification company that works mainly with electronic products. UL provides many services to assist with authenticating products, including inspections, advising, training, testing, certification, and verification.
It also serves as a quality assurance that customers have learned to trust over the course of its 120-year existence. The expectations for companies pursuing this certification are as follows:
UL certification isn’t mandatory, but may be required when selling electronic items to retailers.
To start an import business, owners will need products to offer from overseas. This is why finding a reliable supplier is essential.
There are a few ways importers can find a manufacturer of the items they wish to sell:
Using specialized online directories is the best place to start searching for potential suppliers. Websites like Alibaba and Bambify are streamlined, easy-to-navigate directories that make it easy to find a variety of different imports available around the world.
Another option for finding a supplier is by using something called the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. Just about every type of product that you could think of has a unique code attached to it. This can then be confirmed on the U.S. Census Bureau website.
Since some suppliers list their products by the NAICS code, it allows potential importers to find them more easily.
Building relationships with others in the international trade community can lead importers to finding a supplier that makes or sells the items they want to ship to the United States.
Once a supplier has been identified, importers should establish contact with them and ask them some important questions about their operations.
Standard inquiries should include:
Some suppliers do not respond to every email because of the number of offhand buyers they have to deal with. Therefore, it’s essential for importers to make sure their email is formal and concise when asking for a quote.
After deciding on a supplier, businesses may be able to negotiate terms and conditions. Some suppliers have set prices. Others are willing to provide discounts based on order quantities. If you need some kind of customization, prices tend to go up.
There are also import fees, taxes, and shipping costs to consider. Regardless of the supplier, product, or location, these must be considered.
Once an agreement has been reached between an importer and supplier, a clear and comprehensive agreement can be drafted. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a purchase invoice. In any case, an agreement between the importer and the supplier is not a guarantee of smooth importing.
The importer will still be responsible for ensuring their purchase meets U.S. standards.
This is where importers must now finalize the details that will actually permit their purchased products entry into the country.
The FDA has numerous guidelines for the importation of electronic medical devices. These items require more documentation to clear customs.
We’ll outline eight steps the FDA can require importers to follow.
Importers that want to bring their medical electronics import to the USA will have to register with the FDA.
After registering, they’ll need to verify their information between October 1st and December 31st of each year for as long as they continue to import.
All medical devices being imported must be listed beforehand. Details on both variety and quantity must be included.
They are also expected to be manufactured in accordance with the quality systems regulation, to ensure consistency with their products and quality overall.
A Premarket Notification 510(k) must be sent to the FDA to prove that the device will perform safely and as expected. This requires comparing it to several similarly performing devices legally on the market already, to see if it is Substantially Equivalent (SE).
Until the importer receives confirmation on whether the device is SE or not, they must not continue with the process of importing.
There are electronic medical devices that are considered to be more high risk than others. Different class levels denote how much risk is associated with any product.
If the electronic being imported is a Class III device, meaning that it has an inherently high risk associated with it, then importers will need to get PMA before continuing.
Importers may be assist clinical studies in bringing in electronics that need to be further tested. These would be products that are not being distributed within the U.S. market.
The exemption allows the device to be imported for use in a clinical study that will collect data on the safety and effectiveness of the item. If the medical electronic poses a significant risk during the study, it will need to be approved by the FDA and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
The Quality System Regulation essentially requires manufacturers to establish a testing system that ensures their products meet applicable specifications. These are known as current good manufacturing practices (CCGMPs).
Similar to the FCC, the FDA has labeling requirements that importers are expected to follow. These guidelines are broken down into multiple parts.
These include :
Be sure to read the Code of Federal Regulations requirements carefully to ensure no mistakes are made.
All medical devices being imported are subject to Mandatory Medical Device Reporting (MDR). This regulation requires importers to provide information on incidents in which a certain medical device may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury.
This includes reporting all cases of malfunctions by submitting an MDR event file for each instance. All complaints are then forwarded to the manufacturer of the product.
Reporting works in combination with Medical Device Tracking, which follows the movement of certain medical devices through the supply chain.
Lastly, medical equipment and devices must comply with the rules of Reports of Corrections and Removals. Any time a device is recalled or corrected to remedy a violation or reduce health risks due to a certain issue, importers are required by law to report these instances to the FDA within 10 days of the incident.
Reports must be made even if issues arose out of misuse of the device. A record of all reports must be kept by the importer and the manufacturer.
Reports must consist of:
Reports can be submitted by email, to the FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs or Division Recall Coordinator, or they can be submitted using the FDA’s electronic submission software.
Any product that emits some sort of radiation falls under an additional set of FDA requirements.
Radiation-emitting electronics include any electronics that can produce any of the following:
The FDA imposes extra regulations to protect the public from unnecessary exposure to radiation-emitting electronic products. Responsibility for regulating these types of electronics fall into two different departments, depending on where in the production the product is being regulated.
When importing radiation-emitting electronic products, businesses have to submit a product report. The document will be reviewed by the CDRH to ensure the product meets all applicable performance standards.
Afterward, the CDRH will issue accession numbers, which are essential for importing. These numbers are used as identifiers for product reports in the FDA’s radiation-emitting electronic product database.
The accession number will need to be included on a Form 2877, which has to be submitted at the time of entry. Importers will need to keep records on manufacturing, testing, and distribution of their items.
There are numerous electronics that are imported into the U.S. every year. Consider some recent data we’ve included on some of the most popular ones that are brought into the country.
| Electronic | Amount Imported In USD |
| Computers | $102 Billion |
| Broadcasting Equipment | $101 Billion |
| Office Machine Parts | $55.1 Billion |
| Integrated Circuits | $30.1 Billion |
| Insulated Wire | $25.6 Billion |
| Video Displays | $23.3 Billion |
| Electrical Transformers | $20 Billion |
| Electrical Batteries | $14.9 Billion |
| Electrical Control Boards | $13.8 Billion |
| Low-Voltage Protection Equipment | 13.6 Billion |
Provided by OEC World
Each of these electronics are used for a variety of purposes in different industries. This leaves plenty of opportunities for importers that want to resell these items.
To learn more, check out our article on importing solar panels to the U.S.
Understanding the market is vital if importers want to succeed. Take a look at which countries are contributing to the electronics market, and what the individual import and export values are for each location.
Electronics are in high demand all over the world. We’ve included the data on the 10 countries that import these devices the most.
| Country | Amount of Electronics Imported |
| United States | $397 Billion |
| Hong Kong | $386 Billion |
| China | $314 Billion |
| Germany | $170 Billion |
| Vietnam | $106 Billion |
| South Korea | $101 Billion |
| Singapore | $99.2 Billion |
| Japan | $95.4 Billion |
| Chinese Taipei | $94.3 Billion |
| Mexico | $89.7 Billion |
Provided by OEC World
While many of the top electronics importers are located in Asia, the U.S. brings in more than all the others. With demand for these items being so high, importers will have plenty of opportunities to resell.
It’s important for importers to be familiar with the top exporters of electronics. This will help them determine the best places to purchase these items.
| Country | Amount of Electronics Exported |
| China | $947 Billion |
| Chinese Taipei | $242 Billion |
| South Korea | $205 Billion |
| Germany | $172 Billion |
| United States | $167 Billion |
| Vietnam | $141 Billion |
| Japan | $124 Billion |
| Malaysia | $119 Billion |
| Singapore | $110 Billion |
| Mexico | $88.7 Billion |
Provided by OEC World
Many of the countries that import electronics also export these items frequently. Fortunately for U.S. importers, a few of these countries have Free Trade Agreements (FTA).
These include:
Mutual trade agreements and FTAs allow U.S. importers to bring electronics into the country for a much cheaper price. That said, buyers will need to follow the unique rules of origin outlined by each agreement.
After completing paperwork, paying all the expenses, finding a supplier, and dealing with Customs regulations, it should be smooth sailing from this point on. But what if the electronics that arrive are damaged or faulty? What should importers do then?
The first thing to do is file a damage claim with the carrier. The window to submit a claim is 60 days, which means it’s vital importers don’t waste any time. Hopefully, you also added cargo insurance to your shipment, in which case, you must also report the incident to that provider.
Before submitting the claim, businesses should make sure they’ve gathered the appropriate evidence, and have informed the correct people of the incident.
Follow this checklist to ensure everything is covered:
If the claim is not acknowledged within 30 days, if the claim is not paid in 120 days, or if a status report hasn’t been received in 60 days, importers should reach out to the carrier once again.
At USA Customs Clearance, we know how difficult it can be to import electronics into the country. Our commitment is to empower you with the expertise and tailored services you need to get your goods into the country.
Services we offer include:
Take the first step toward seamless electronics imports by using one of the services offered by USA Customs Clearance.
We work with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and stress-free customs experience.
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I am looking to import chargers for phones tablets and laptops into the US. Please help and guide me how I can go about the documentation, necessary clearances, certification and required mandatory compliances including CBO clearances.
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