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Keep the following questions in mind before you buy something from a foreign source. - Can the goods be legally imported? Are there restrictions on, or special forms required, for your purchase's importation?
- Are you buying the item(s) for your personal use or for commercial purposes?
- Will you be responsible for shipping costs? If so, you should discuss with the seller how your purchase will be shipped. The choices are freight, courier service or international postal service. If you're not careful, transportation and handling costs could far outweigh the cost of your purchase. Sometimes, the seemingly cheaper methods can be more expensive in the long run because they are more susceptible to theft, misdeliveries and logistical problems. You should discuss with the seller what the exact delivery arrangements will be. If the seller does not make arrangements for postal or door-to-door delivery, you will either need to hire a customs broker to clear your goods and forward them on to you, or go the port of entry and clear them yourself.
- Can you trust the seller to provide accurate information about the item being shipped in the Customs section of the shipping documents? Giving misleading or inaccurate information about the nature of the item and its value is illegal. And it is the importer - YOU - who could face legal action and fines for this violation!
The following is a brief primer on the various factors that can impact the clearance of your goods through CBP. Follow the links for more detailed information.
Many items cannot be imported into the United States unless the importer has the proper permit or license from the appropriate regulatory authority. Some of the most common restricted items include food, plant and dairy products; alcohol and tobacco products; birds, fish or animals and products thereof, goods from embargoed countries, firearms and ammunition, cultural artifacts from certain countries, and copyrighted materials. The entry of prescription medicines is restricted and subject to the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Depending on the FDA review of the medicine, it may be released to the addressee or seized. There are, however, provisions allowing passengers to hand carry prescription drugs into the United States if they enter through a land border with Canada or Mexico.
Prior to Shipment
• Fax request for current status.
• Review shipping & payment terms.
• Confirm that Customs Broker has been selected.
• Does Broker have Purchaser’s Power of Attorney?
• Does Purchaser have Customs Bond (Either Single or Continuous)?
• Confirm that supplier will include any Assists in shipment value?
• Confirm that country of origin product marking instructions are being followed.
• Confirm that supplier will use purchaser supplied US Customs Harmonized Number in shipping description.
• Specify to supplier transportation method and routing
• Confirm consignee, notify party, port, & markings and that buyer will receive copy of shipping papers
• Specify forwarder & broker if not included in P. O.
• Confirm that supplier or forwarder has routing.
• Confirm that transportation has been arranged.
• Confirm that freight methods and rates used in original landed cost estimates are being used.
• Confirm that some form of proof of origin will be sent to purchaser (No longer required for Customs Clearance, but may be needed for Customs’ Audit)
• Is an inspection certificate or other certification required & if so, is it complete.
• Confirm special packaging arrangements.
• Confirm hazardous cargo compliance.
• Consider strikes or any other significant International events that may cause delay.
• Confirm that procedure for transportation insurance coverage is being followed.
After Shipment Leaves Supplier
• Confirm that freight forwarder has freight and that booking was made per routing instructions.
• Confirm shipment is on intended vessel/flight.
• Determine if pre-clear through US Customs is possible.
• Check Documents received to insure correct consignee, notify party, destination and markings.
• Confirm forwarder has sent copies of documents to purchaser & broker
• Confirm broker is aware of shipment, has all necessary documents, and has been given inland shipping instructions.
• Prepare info for special clearances such as FDA if required.
• Confirm arrival with broker.
• Confirm Custom clearance with broker
• Obtain pro number, trailer number, name & phone number of inland carrier.
• Confirm inland delivery with inland carrier
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