Importing goods and customs clearance in the USA

If you want to ship your goods to the United States then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into the United States. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Container terminal where goods are cleared through customs

Importing goods

Importing goods into the USA is governed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which oversees import duties, documentation, and compliance with federal regulations. The CBP website provides detailed resources and tools for importers: CBP – Importing into the United States.

General Import Process

  1. Customs Declaration
    • File an Import Declaration electronically through the ACE (Automated Commercial Environment) system.
    • Required documents include a commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list.
  2. Import Duties and Taxes
    • Duties depend on the product’s HS code. Use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to check applicable rates (HTS Online).
    • No VAT applies in the USA, but state and local sales taxes may be levied depending on the destination.
  3. Additional Non-Financial Requirements
    • Certain products, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food items, may require compliance with regulations from agencies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture).
    • For specific import requirements by product, consult the Access2Markets portal (Access2Markets).
  4. Inspection and Clearance
    • Customs inspections are common, particularly for high-value or restricted items. Processing time varies but typically takes 1-3 days for complete submissions.
  5. Release of Goods
    • After clearance, goods can be moved to their final destination within the U.S.

Service Providers for Assistance

  1. FedEx Trade Networks – fedex.com
  2. UPS Supply Chain Solutions – ups.com
  3. C.H. Robinson – chrobinson.com
  4. Expeditors International – expeditors.com
  5. BDP International – bdpinternational.com

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, couriers like FedEx, UPS, DHL, and USPS (United States Postal Service) offer comprehensive services. Typical shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

  • From Europe: $30-$50 (€28-€47) for economy services.
  • From China: $25-$40 (€23-€38) for economy services.

Express shipping (2-5 days) is available at higher costs. Pricing varies based on provider, service, and destination. Check with couriers for exact quotes.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into the United States in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.

Import and customs in other countries

More about the United States