Find HTS Codes

Here’s a new HTS lookup service for anyone who’s ever had problems finding HTS tariff codes for their import or export shipments. Basically, you can use it to look up tariff rates for any item with a keyword search, or by typing in the HTS number directly. There are a few software packages that you […]

Posted on: 21 October 2009 | 3:52 pm

BIS publishes Final Rule on Encryption Simplification

10/15/2009 – BIS publishes Final Rule on Encryption Simplification The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published the interim final rule entitled ”Encryption Simplification” on October 3, 2008 (73 FR 57495). This rule finalizes that rule, corrects errors published in the October 3, 2008 interim final rule, and resolves inconsistencies in that rule identified by […]

Posted on: 19 October 2009 | 12:29 pm

Importer Security Filing (ISF), aka “10+2”

When does the ISF have to be filed? Not later than 24 hours prior to loading of the shipment to the vessel at the foreign port of lading. Does the effective date of Jan. 26th mean that any shipment which is departing from the origin port on or after Jan. 26th is required to have […]

Posted on: 31 March 2009 | 1:49 pm

Import Duty on Returned Items

Question Do I have to pay import duty on items that have been exported from the United States that are being returned? Answer If you have an item that was previously resident in the United States, but for some reason was exported and is now being returned, be sure to inform US Customs about its […]

Posted on: 4 June 2008 | 9:13 pm

ITAR Export Compliance

If you’re one of the small minority of businesses that exports military and ITAR controlled products overseas, you’re not going to find much to help you on our site – sorry. You can download the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) from our site, but there’s not a lot of discussion on how to use […]

Posted on: 28 May 2008 | 7:50 pm

What are Import Taxes?

Import tax or import tariffs (also known as import duties) in the United States generally refer to the taxes and fees charged by US Customs when importers bring goods into the country. They are assessed by government employees with US Customs at the port of entry, and are paid by the importer of record. All […]

Posted on: 28 April 2008 | 3:53 pm

Importing Knock-off Purses

This question came in response to the post entitled What is a Foreign Trade Zone? Sandra asks This customs thing is very confusing to me, but I keep reading more and more to try to understand.I am going to be very up front. I like to sell mirror image designer handbags like LOTS of other […]

Posted on: 29 November 2007 | 6:28 pm

What is a Foreign Trade Zone?

A foreign trade zone is a warehouse on US soil that acts like limbo for imported goods. If you have something that can’t come into the country, is just stopping off before being shipped to another country, or needs to operate outside of standard Customs procedures, a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) might be the way […]

Posted on: 29 November 2007 | 12:06 pm

Importing Process

Paying Duty: The importer is ultimately responsible for paying any duty owed on an import. Determining duty can be very complicated, and while shipping services will often give an estimate for what the duty rate on an item might be, only Customs can make a final determination about what is owed. You should not be […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 3:34 pm

Sample Import Requirements

Question I am interested in importing single samples of furniture from Bulgaria as showroom pieces. Each piece is valued at 90-150 Euros and I would like to find out the approximate import tax. The pieces are not for resale. Answer Importing samples into the United States allows companies to receive example goods from overseas and […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 3:07 pm

Importing Software from India to the US

Question A US company wants to outsource software development to India. Will the US company have to pay import duties on the software? If so, what is the tax or range? Answer Electronic transmission and data exchange have evolved at an alarming rate in the last ten years. Mulit-million dollar projects are outsourced and completed […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 3:05 pm

Do I need a license to import fashion jewelry and fashion accessories?

Question My friend and I would like to purchase fashion jewelry and fashion accessories, such as: belts, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, etc. from countries outside of the U.S. and then sell them on e-bay or our own website. We have a sellers permit in California. Do we need any other kind of license and/or permit […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 3:04 pm

How to Import – Internet Purchases, Electronic Transmissions

Information and materials downloaded from the Internet are not subject to duty. This applies to any goods or merchandise that are electronically transmitted to the purchaser, such as CDs, books, or posters. However, the unauthorized downloading of copyrighted items could subject you to prosecution. Downloading child pornography is also a crime. U.S. Customs Service has […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 2:46 pm

Customs Form 7501 Entry Summary

Download Customs Form 7501 (.pdf) US Customs Form 7501 is one of two essential forms required for an import transaction. Form 7501 details origin and importer information, but its main purpose is to act as a receipt for US Customs. Blocks 27 through 40 are used for an imported item’s Harmonized Tariff Classification, the amount […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 2:39 pm

Wood Imports into the United States

Question I am considering importing items from New Zealand, made from ancient kauri wood, items ranging from jewelry pieces to coffee tables, for re-sale. What are the import/duty requirements of such an operation? Answer Country of Origin New Zealand maintains normal trade relations with the US, so there are no specific trade restrictions that would […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:21 am

What should I consider before importing something?

Requirements for importing specific commodities depend on a wide variety of things. Some information, such as whether an item is subject to quota restrictions, eligible for reduced rates of duty, or restricted from entry because they originate in an embargoed country, can be determined only if you know the item’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification number. […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:20 am

How to Start an Import Business in Jewelry and Clothing from India

Question I am trying to start a business in jewelry and clothes from India. I do not know how and where to start from. I want to make sure I have all the necessary licenses or documents that I may need in order to do this….please advice. Where do I start from? Which licenses do […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:18 am

How to Import Granite

Question How Do Import Granite? I am interested in importing granite slabs into the U.S. for fabrication and re-sale purposes. I would like to know the following: What license or permits are required? What forms are necessary to obtain the licenses/permits? Where can I find the necessary forms? How much does it cost to obtain […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:17 am

What is the duty rate on rechargeable revitalizing skin care product using LED’s?

Question I plan to import on a commercial basis late this year a newly developed consumer product that uses Light Emitting Diodes and gentle vibration to revitalize facial skin. This is a consumer product similar to hair dryers and the Sonicare toothbrush that draws less than 500 W and is rechargeable with an electric charger. […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:16 am

Do I Need an Import License?

For general merchandise (those items not specifically regulated by another agency), importers may file Customs entries for their own account without applying for an import license and without the use of a Customs Broker. This is often the case when receiving a package via the US Mail from overseas, or travelers returning from business abroad. […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:16 am

Do I need a license to import something?

You do not need a license to act as an importer. However, some items require a license or permit from various government agencies in order to be imported. For more complete information, please see our publication “Importing Into the U.S.” The chapter on “Special Requirements” provides very complete information. (Some common items that may require […]

Posted on: 13 November 2007 | 12:15 am

Import Export Forum

Informed Trade International has made their import/export trade forum available to the public! Ask a Question If you have a question related to importing, exporting, or international trade, please feel free to post it in our online import forum or search through the database of import questions. Mission Statement Informed Trade International is an import/export […]

Posted on: 12 November 2007 | 7:09 pm

How to Import Textiles into the US

Textiles products have the benefit of inexpensive overseas production sources as well as a large US market demand and can be a highly profitable and popular import commodity. Due to the over-saturation of overseas textile manufacturers and the US socio-political agenda, however, the United States has developed a complicated system designed to regulate the importation […]

Posted on: 12 November 2007 | 7:04 pm

How to Import – Internet Purchases, Quota

Many kinds of goods imported for commercial use may be subject to a quota limit. It is the classification number of the article as identified in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States and the country of origin that determine whether or not an item is subject to quota requirements. In some cases, the […]

Posted on: 12 November 2007 | 7:04 pm

How to Import a Car to the US

The following provides information concerning the importation of a passenger car, truck, trailer, motorcycle, moped, bus, or MPV built to comply with the standards of a country other than the U.S. or Canada.� Importers of motor vehicles must file form HS-7 (available at ports of entry) at the time a vehicle is imported to declare […]

Posted on: 12 November 2007 | 7:03 pm