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US Customs Declaration Guide

Navigate US customs clearance with confidence. This guide covers CBP entry types, ISF requirements, the 7501 entry summary, and how to prepare complete, accurate documentation.

Complete Guide

Understanding the US customs declaration process is essential for avoiding delays, penalties, and unexpected costs at the border.

01

US Customs Entry Types

There are several types of formal US customs entries depending on the import scenario: Consumption Entry (Type 01): The most common type for goods imported for sale or use in the US. Duties are paid at time of entry. Temporary Import Bond (TIB — Type 23): For goods imported temporarily (trade shows, repairs, testing) that will be re-exported. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ — Type 06): For goods entering a designated FTZ for manufacturing or distribution, with duties deferred until the goods enter US commerce. Informal Entry: For shipments valued under $2,500, which can be cleared with simplified documentation. Formal Entry: Required for all commercial shipments valued over $2,500, which require a formal entry summary (CBP Form 7501) filed by a licensed customs broker.

02

ISF — Importer Security Filing

The Importer Security Filing (ISF), also called '10+2', is a CBP requirement for all ocean shipments to the US. It must be filed no later than 24 hours before vessel departure from the last foreign port. The '10' refers to 10 data elements the importer must provide: Seller, Buyer, Importer of Record, Consignee, Manufacturer/Supplier, Ship-To Party, Country of Origin, HTS numbers, Container Stuffing Location, and Consolidator. The '+2' refers to 2 elements the carrier provides (vessel stow plan and container status messages). Failure to file ISF on time can result in a $5,000 penalty per violation and cargo examination holds.

03

CBP Form 7501 — Entry Summary

The Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501) is the formal declaration filed with CBP after cargo arrives at the US port. It includes: the importer of record and their bond number, entered value of the goods, HTS classification for each line item, country of origin, duty rates and calculated duties owed, any anti-dumping/countervailing duty rates, and payment of all duties, taxes, and fees. This form must be filed within 10 working days of cargo release. Our licensed customs brokers prepare and file the 7501 on your behalf, ensuring accurate classification and duty calculation.

04

Documentation Checklist for US Customs

Required for every formal US import entry: Commercial Invoice (detailed, with all required fields); Packing List; Ocean Bill of Lading or Air Waybill; ISF confirmation (ocean only); Continuous or Single Entry Bond. May also be required depending on commodity: FDA Prior Notice Confirmation Number (food, drugs, devices, cosmetics); USDA/APHIS Permit (plants, plant products, meat, dairy); EPA Form (vehicles, engines, pesticides); Fumigation Certificate (wooden packaging); Certificate of Origin (for FTA qualification); Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duty case number.

More Useful Documents

Explore other guides and templates for your shipping documentation.

Commercial Invoice Template

The commercial invoice is the primary document customs authorities use to assess duties and verify the legitimacy of an international shipment.

View Guide

Certificate of Origin Guide

A Certificate of Origin verifies the country of manufacture and is essential for claiming preferential duty rates under trade agreements.

View Guide

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Our team prepares and files all required shipping documents on your behalf — from Bill of Lading to customs entries. Focus on your business, not the paperwork.

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Suaid Global

Independent freight orchestrator for global ocean, air, ground, customs and warehousing. Carrier-neutral routing, one accountable team, no carrier lock-in.

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