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Import & Export FAQ

We have answered the most frequently asked questions about importing and exporting goods in and out of the U.S. below. If you need additional assistance, please feel free to contact us directly with your specific questions.

What does the import procedure look like?

Category: import, import procedure

 

  1. Pre-import Consultation & Paperwork

  2. Provide Shipping Documentation: ISF (10+2) filing for ocean shipments, commercial invoice, packing list, & bill of lading

  3. Send payment to freight forwarder per amount specified on Arrival Notice

  4. Customs Filing: once Inter-Orient receives the Arrival Notice, we will file entry with Customs

  5. Government Exams (if required): if Customs or any Other Government Agency requires additional exams, Inter-Orient will notify you of the exam and any additional charges

  6. Customs Clearance: if Customs is cleared, we will send you the Customs Release paper

  7. Logistics & Delivery: Inter-Orient can help coordinate logistics and transportation (rail and/or trucking) to your final destination

  8. Additional Procedures for Food, Drug, and Medical Device Imports: FDA and/or Other Government Agencies (OGA) Release is required for these imports. These goods cannot be shipped out or sold until FDA and/or OGA release is received

What does the export procedure look like?

Category: export, export procedure

 

  1. Research receiving country requirements

  2. Obtain necessary documentation for receiving country

  3. Make a booking on an export (ocean or air) carrier

  4. Submit export documents, and if required, file export entry or AES as required by U.S. Customs

  5. Submit export instructions to export carrier to receive Bill of lading

Why do I need a Customs Broker?

Category: import, customs broker

 

  1. Save Time: the trade industry is complex and constantly changing. Working with experienced Customs Brokers who make sure to stay up-to-date with all the new U.S. import requirements will help you save time and ensure that the customs clearance process goes as efficiently as possible.

  2. Ensure you are in compliance: we do all the research needed to ensure that you comply with all Customs and Other Government Agencies’ (OGA) requirements

  3. Expertise & know-how: experienced customs brokers have the know-how to classify your goods (and corresponding duty rates) correctly

  4. Minimize mistakes & delays: by working with an experienced and licensed US Customs Broker like Inter-Orient Services, you can rest assured that we will do everything possible to prevent any mistakes and unexpected delays 

  5. Additionally, experienced brokers like Inter-Orient Services are qualified to apply for import permits, licenses and registrations required by Other Government Agencies (OGA). Again, this helps expedite the import and customs clearance process.

What do I need to provide to import goods into the U.S.?

Category: import, import procedure

 

  1. Import Documentation

  2. Bond Application

  3. CBP Form 400 (US Customs’ recommended method to pay Duty)

  4. Import POA & Supporting Documents (if working with a licensed US Customs Broker)

 

Please refer to our required forms page to download and reference all documents required to import goods into the United States.

What documents are required to import into the U.S.?

Category: import, import documentation

 

Import Documentation:

 

  1. ISF (10+2) filing for ocean shipments

  2. Commercial invoice

  3. Packing list

  4. Bill of lading

What is my duty rate?

Category: import, import duty rate

 

Duty rates vary from product to product. If you decide to work with us, we offer free consultations, during which we sit down with you and determine the correct duty rate for each item you are looking to import into the U.S. During the consultation, we will also discuss any documents, requirements or additional fees needed to import your goods into the United States. To ensure accuracy of duty rates (especially for obscure or rare import goods) we offer an additional service to apply for a binding ruling from US Customs headquarters. 

Is my product subject to Other Government Agency (OGA) jurisdiction?

Category: import, OGA, OGA jurisdiction

 

Whether or not your import product will be subject to OGA jurisdiction is determined on a case-by-case basis. However, as a general reference, common import goods that are subject to OGA jurisdiction are:

  • Chemical substances

  • Vehicles

  • Engines & fuels

  • Pesticides & Devices

  • Cosmetics

Is my product subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duty?

Category: import, anti-dumping duty, countervailing duty

 

Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are protectionist tariffs that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value. Anti-dumping duties are imposed on import products at a company-specific level, where the duty makes up for the gap between the foreign manufacturer’s pricing and fair market value. Countervailing duties are determined on a country-specific level, and the duty rates counteract the subsidy or foreign government assistance’s value.

 

Whether or not your product will be subject to anti-dumping or countervailing duty is determined by the product type and its country of origin. Please contact your Customs Broker to help you research if your specific import product will be subject to any additional duties.

Is my product subject to importing quotas?

Category: import, import quotas

 

An import quota is a trade restriction that sets a physical limit on the quantity of a good that can be imported into a country in a given period of time. There are different types of quotas which can be country or product-specific. 

 

Whether or not your product will be subject to import quotas is determined by the product type and its country of origin. Please contact your Customs Broker to help you research if your specific import product will be subject to any additional duties.

Need more details? Contact us

We are here to assist. Contact us by phone or email.

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