- Decide who the importer of record is. A U.S. buyer, or the overseas seller acting as a non-resident importer. Everything else follows from this choice.
- Get an importer number. A U.S. company uses its EIN. A foreign company obtains a CBP-assigned number through CBP Form 5106.
- Post a customs bond. A continuous bond (minimum $50,000) for anyone importing more than a few times a year; it also covers ISF. Otherwise a single-transaction bond per entry.
- Sign a power of attorney. This lets the licensed customs broker file on your behalf. Foreign companies must also designate an agent for service of process.
- Line up the supplier documents. Commercial invoice with an accurate description, value, currency and country of origin; packing list; bill of lading or air waybill. Mismatches between these three cause most delays.
- Classify and estimate. Agree the 10-digit HTS code for each product and get a dated duty estimate, including any Section 232/301 exposure.
- Check product rules. Country-of-origin marking; FDA, CPSC, USDA, EPA, FCC and DOT requirements by product; wood packaging treated to ISPM-15; Lacey Act declaration for wood and plant products.
- Send ISF data before loading. Ten data elements, accepted by CBP at least 24 hours before the container is loaded at the foreign port.
- Decide on insurance. All-risk cargo insurance on value plus freight plus 10%, or accept the carrier's limited liability.
- Plan the delivery. Door, marketplace fulfillment center or warehouse; appointment and labelling rules; who unloads and with what equipment.
- Set up payment of duties. Through the broker at first, or through your own CBP ACH account for regular importers.
- Keep the records. Entry documents, invoices and correspondence for five years from the date of entry.
We set every item on this list up during onboarding. Send us the supplier's proforma invoice and we start from there.
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