The United States is a very big and profitable market, which is why all businesses love importing goods to the United States. However, not many get successful due to the US’s strict export-import and customs policies.
If you are dreaming of becoming an international brand and want to import to USA, you must know how it works. You must be aware of how to convince US customs so that you can expedite the clearance of your goods.
Remember that if you want to import products to the United States you have to be their rightful owners, you are their appointed Licensed Customs Broker. All this information should be included in our bill of sale, bill of lading, or AirWay bill.
Documentation
Since it is very hard to import products and goods to the United States, you may already have guessed that the documentation part will be the toughest.
You must be aware of what documents are required for shipments. Your documents must be one hundred percent accurate, or you may get your products stuck at the ports. Here are two important types of documents that you must have.
- A commercial invoice is also known as a bill of sale. Your commercial invoice must contain all the necessary information such as US port of entry, contact of the purchaser, vendor, and shipper, description of the goods, etc.
- A performa invoice in case there is no commercial invoice.
- PGA form, if required
There would also be other information that you would need to submit, but that will be received directly from your freight forwarder.
Suggestions for Importing Products Successfully to the US
Here are a few suggestions for you that will help you successfully import merchandise to the United States:
- Present the customs with a complete invoice that contains all required information such as item description, value, country of manufacture, HTS classification codes, etc.
- Keep the information on your commercial invoice as clear and accurate as you possibly can. Make sure you write the information such that the customs can easily read and understand it.
- Attach your packaging list along with other details.
- Mark all packages with accurate numbers, and put corresponding numbers on your commercial invoice as well, so that the customs can easily identify your items if needed.
- Read the US government’s policies and make sure all the information, documents, and products are compliant with them.
- Work with CBP to develop packing standards for the imported product.
- Keep your products and their packages safe and secure.
Conclusion
Importing products to the United State can dramatically increase the value of your brand and products, but it’s not an easy job.
The US has very strict customs policies. That’s why you need to have a competent Licensed Customs Broker on your side to make sure you submit all the required documents and do so accurately.