Importing through the Mail - Part 7 of 7

welcome to the seventh and final part of this 7-part e-course on importing goods into the USA. In this final part we will review the steps to importing into the United States

Determine whether you need any special licenses or permits to import your goods; obtain if necessary.

The U.S. does not require a specific importer's license. However, many US governmental agencies require special permits to import specific goods. Consult Section II for a list of agencies and goods that may be subject to special requirements.

Determine whether there is special labeling or testing requirements for your goods.

Goods imported into the United States must meet U.S. standards. Review Section II for a guide to information about special requirements.

Determine how your goods will be classified under the US HTS.

All goods traded globally must be classified using an internationally accepted coding system. The United States uses an expanded version of the International Harmonized Classification Schedule to classify goods being imported into the U.S. Read Section III to learn how classification works.

Determine the expected tariff due on your goods.

The U.S. charges duty on many goods imported into the country. Duty is based on a combination of the classification of goods and the country of origin. Read Section III to learn how to read the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and determine the duty on your goods.

Advise your export source about testing and goods labeling requirements, classification information, packaging labeling requirements, invoice requirements and any other evidence or export certificates required.

There are a variety of packing and labeling requirements that must be fulfilled when bringing a shipment into the Untied States. Errors in this area can slow down your shipment clearing customs or can lead to penalties or seizure. Review Section IV to be sure you know what information to give your supplier.

Arrange for your goods to be facilitated through the customs entry process.

The customs process can be a bit tricky, Avoid problems by reviewing Section V so that you thoroughly understand your responsibilities.

Pay any required duty and arrange for transport of goods to your location.

Section V explains how to pay duty and liquidate your shipment.

In Section VI we looked at how importing through the mail can be beneficial when importing smaller amounts.

Although importing into the United States can be a bit complicated, once you understand the system, the advantages of being able to access unusual and sometimes less expensive internationally produced goods can be well worth the work of importation.