Customs & Compliance

For US import clearance, the standard required documents are: Commercial Invoice (with shipper, consignee, description, value, country of origin), Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and ISF (Importer Security Filing) for ocean shipments, which must be filed 24 hours before vessel departure. Additional documents may be required depending on the commodity: FDA Prior Notice for food/devices, USDA/APHIS permits for agricultural products, ACE Manifest for trucks entering the US, or specific import licenses.

US import duty is calculated based on three factors: the HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code of your product, the declared customs value of the goods (CIF or FOB depending on the valuation method), and the country of origin. The formula is: Duty = HTS Rate × Customs Value. For example, if your product has a 5% duty rate and a customs value of $10,000, the duty owed is $500. Additional fees may apply: Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%), Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%, min $27.75), and any Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods.

The HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is a 10-digit classification number that identifies every imported product for customs purposes. The first 6 digits are internationally standardized (HS code), while the last 4 are US-specific. Your HTS code determines your duty rate, any Section 301/232 tariffs, and whether your product requires special permits or licenses. Misclassification can result in overpaying duties or facing penalties. Our licensed customs broker partners conduct proper classification for accuracy and to optimize your duty burden.

Under normal conditions, US customs clearance takes 1–3 business days for routine shipments with complete documentation. Air cargo is often cleared faster (same day to 24 hours) due to CBP pre-clearance processes. Ocean cargo typically takes 1–2 days after vessel arrival. However, clearance can be delayed by: incomplete or incorrect documentation, random CBP examination (X-ray or physical examination can take 2–5 additional days), commodity holds by FDA/USDA/FWS, or importer compliance issues. Our licensed customs broker partners file in advance to minimize delays.

If CBP places your shipment on hold, they will issue an exam order (X-ray, tailgate, or intensive exam). Our customs broker partners immediately notify you, coordinate with the exam facility, and prepare any additional documentation required. For agency holds (FDA, USDA), we work with the respective agency to resolve the issue — which may require lab testing, re-labeling, or additional permits. In most cases, holds are resolved within 3–7 business days. We coordinate the entire process and keep you informed at every step.

Yes. We regularly coordinate FDA-regulated products including food, dietary supplements, cosmetics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Licensed customs broker partners prepare FDA Prior Notice filings, coordinate with FDA for Prior Notice Confirmation Numbers, and manage FDA holds and refusals. For USDA-regulated products (plants, plant products, meat, dairy), they work with APHIS/FSIS on permits, phytosanitary certificates, and inspections. We follow agency rule changes with them to help keep your shipments compliant.

A US Customs bond is a financial guarantee required for commercial imports valued over $2,500 (or any FDA-regulated goods regardless of value). It ensures you will pay all duties, taxes, and fees owed to CBP. There are two types: Single Entry Bond (for a one-time importation) and Continuous Bond (covers all entries for 12 months — recommended for regular importers). Our licensed customs broker partners can arrange both types for you. The continuous bond typically costs $500–$600/year and is more cost-effective if you import more than a few times per year.

Yes. Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods (List 1–4) add 7.5% to 25% on top of standard duties for many product categories. We help you navigate this by: reviewing your HTS classifications for accuracy, identifying if any exclusions apply to your specific products, analyzing the potential benefit of sourcing from alternative origins (Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico), and providing tariff engineering advice to legally minimize your duty burden. Contact us with your HTS codes for a free analysis.