Labeling Requirements - Part 4 of 7

welcome to the fourth part of this 7-part e-course on importing goods into the USA. In step 5 you tell your export source about testing and goods labeling requirements, classification information, packaging labeling requirements, invoice requirements and any other evidence or export certificates required.

Packing

You should tell your exporter to package goods coming to the United States so that they will move smoothly through the customs process. That means:

If possible, package like goods together rather than co-mingling.

Mark each package with marks or numbers that correspond identically to those marks and numbers on the invoice so that there will be less need to open packages and examine contents.

Leave room at the top of shipping containers and an aisle down the center to allow a narcotics-sniffing dog to enter.

Invoice

The invoice accompanying the goods must comply with US customs regulations by containing all of the required information:

Port of entry
Names of seller and buyer
Product classification
Detailed description of the merchandise
Quantity in weights and measures
Purchase price of each item in the currency of the sale with currency defined
All charges associated with the importation including packing, shipping, etc
The country of origin
All invoices must be in English.

Marking

All imported goods must be marked with a label that indicates the country of origin. All containers that carry imported goods must also be marked with a label stating the country of origin. Goods and containers not so marked, clearly, legibly and conspicuously, are liable to an additional 10% penalty assessment.

There are some items that do not require an individual origin mark such as works of art, wire, ribbon and so on as well as items that cannot reasonably be marked. Certain items such as steel pipes and compressed gas cylinders must be marked in one of several specified ways such as engraving or die-stamping. You can find a complete list of requirements on the customs website. It is also wise to check the website of any other agency that controls import of your goods.

Additional Labeling

As discussed in Section II, the goods you import must meet the applicable U.S. safety standards and may require marking or certification of compliance. For example, wood packing materials such as pallets and crates are required to undergo either specialized fumigation or heat treatment. These wooden packing materials must also be marked with the International Plant Protection Convention logo (see below).

Toys designed for children aged three to six that have small parts must be labeled as a choking hazard.

Refer to the US governmental agency that oversees you product for specific labeling requirements.

Standards Compliance

If your products must meet a U.S. standard, the supplier may be required to supply certification of standards compliance. Refer to the US governmental agency that oversees you product for specific certificate requirements.

Now that you have assured that your goods will arrive at a U.S. Port of Entry with all of the appropriate documentation, you need to assure that the goods are entered into customs and correctly handled. Section V explains the steps in customs processing of your shipment.