No matter if you are a big corporation, or just an individual trying to import a rare piece of art to the US, there are specific criteria you need to fulfill. These conditions are as per the rules and regulations stated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It is important for you to keep in mind that their laws apply to anyone and everyone who is trying to bring foreign items into the US. Here comes the need of a US importing guide.
Important points to keep in mind
- If you want your goods to reach the US, you must make sure that it has cleared customs clearance and duties.
- Also, the importer needs to go through the following steps:
Entry
The importer, or the customs broker, on behalf of the importer or owner, needs to fill in the entry documents at the entry point.
Examination
Next, comes the examination stage where the CBP officer checks out if the goods included in the shipment are allowed to cross the borders.
Appraisal and Classification
The two most important factors that decide customs duties are classification and liquidation. The classification is provided at the entry stage itself, and here, you should also have a look at the tariff schedules. Although the classification is done in the first stage itself, the fixed value of the item is decided by the CBP officer only after the appraisal.
Liquidation
This is the final stage, and it is at this stage that the CBP officer comes up with the final amount of duty. Also, you must keep in mind that this stage must take place within one year after the entry of goods is done.
Summing Up
It may seem to you that importing goods to the US is quite difficult and complex, but with the right knowledge, you can get it done with ease. However, if you still feel that you can’t manage it on your own, no need to worry, as you can get in touch with a customs broker. They will help you throughout the entire shipping procedure and will make sure that everything is done in a hassle-free manner. They are professionals who are trained to make import and export easy and having them by your side, you no longer have to spend sleepless nights worrying about importing to the US.
