How to Import Goods into the USA and Estimate Import Duties

A shipment held at customs because of missing paperwork can disrupt delivery plans. An Importer of Record (IOR) is legally responsible for bringing goods into a country, including filing customs paperwork and paying duties and taxes. An Exporter of Record (EOR) handles export responsibilities for goods leaving a country.

Understanding who handles each responsibility helps businesses plan imports and avoid gaps between shipping documents, customs declarations, and regulatory requirements. Good preparation starts with identifying the product’s requirements and deciding who is accountable for its entry.

This guide explains how to import goods into the USA, from identifying product rules and classifying merchandise to estimating duties and choosing an entry process. It also explains when customs brokers and formal entries may be involved, so you can plan the next steps with greater clarity.

What kind of license is required to import merchandise into the United States?

Most imports don’t require a general import license, but regulated products may need permits or certifications. Choose ocean freight for bulk shipments, air freight for high-value, time-sensitive, or small cargo, and express shipping when delivery urgency is central.

1. Check Whether Goods Need a License

   Start by identifying the exact product, its materials, intended use, and country of origin. Then find out whether a federal agency regulates it and requires an import license, permit, or other certification. Most goods do not need a general import license, but product-specific controls may apply. A supplier’s export approval does not necessarily satisfy U.S. import requirements.

2. Identify Product-Specific Agency Requirements

   Match each product category to the agency responsible for its requirements, then review relevant permits, certifications, and inspection conditions. Food products may need FDA approval and health certificates; certain foods also require a Prior Notice of Imported Food submission to the FDA before import. Agricultural imports may require phytosanitary certificates. Other products may need health, safety, or environmental certifications.

3. Map every requirement to the shipment. Prepare a product record with its commercial description, materials, intended use, and relevant classification details. Use it to compare the product with agency rules. For example, food and agricultural shipments can have different document requirements, even when both are packaged for retail. Identify every applicable government department before booking transport.
4. Apply to the agency that requires the permit. Each agency has its own application forms and procedures, so follow the responsible agency’s process rather than assuming one government application covers every product. Follow its instructions for supporting information, product details, and timing. Keep approvals and certificates with the shipment documents for customs review and any required inspections.
5. Match transport planning to compliance timing. Air freight can suit high-value or time-sensitive cargo, while ocean freight can carry bulk shipments. When coordinating international air cargo logistics, freight specialists such as aerowavetravel.com can help align transport timing with shipment requirements. Express shipping may fit urgent consignments, but compare its delivery terms with the product’s documentation and permit readiness. For U.S.-bound ocean cargo, the Importer Security Filing is due at least 24 hours before loading, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Build that deadline into the shipping plan.

When customs brokers and formal entries are required

Determine the entry type based on the shipment’s value, product rules, and applicable restrictions. A customs bond guarantees payment of required duties, taxes, and penalties. Importers can use a single transaction bond or a continuous bond.

1. Determine Broker and Entry Requirements

   Check whether the goods require a formal entry before arranging customs clearance. The Importer of Record (IOR) is the party legally responsible for bringing goods into the United States, filing customs paperwork, and paying applicable duties and taxes. Shipments regulated by the FDA, or subject to quotas or other restrictions, may require formal entry. CBP Form 7501 is used to declare imported goods to U.S. Customs.

   Prepare formal-entry documents before shipping, and determine whether a customs broker must submit the entry. Using a broker does not transfer the Importer of Record’s responsibility for accurate documentation or applicable duties, taxes, and fees.

2. Establish Importer Identity and Number

   Identify the Importer of Record and arrange an importer number for customs forms. A business may use its IRS business registration number; an individual without a business may use a Social Security number or request a CBP-assigned number. To request an assigned number, complete CBP Form 5106 and bring it to the entry branch at a CBP port of entry.

   Provide the importer number on all CBP entry forms. Keep the importer’s identity distinct from the broker’s role: a broker may file documents, but the Importer of Record remains accountable for the information submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

3. Prepare Customs Documents and Valuation

   Assemble the commercial invoice, packing list, and any required permits or licenses before arrival. The commercial invoice should include each item’s description, quantity, unit price, total shipment value, and country of origin. These records give customs authorities information to review the goods and declared value during clearance.

   Before filing, compare invoice details with the packing list and other shipment records. Make descriptions specific, and ensure quantities and values match across documents. Inconsistent descriptions or valuation details can prompt questions or delay release.

4. Address Customs Bond Requirements

   Determine whether the entry requires a customs bond, then select the type that fits the import pattern. A single transaction bond covers a one-time import; a continuous bond is an option for frequent imports. The bond guarantees payment of required duties, taxes, and penalties. Its cost depends on the bond and import circumstances.

   Keep bond arrangements aligned with the importer named on entry documents. For support coordinating customs brokerage and entry documentation, discuss your import requirements with a customs professional.

Meet the filing deadline after arrival: importers must submit CBP entry forms within 15 calendar days after their shipment arrives at a U.S. port of entry, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

How Do I Determine My Tariff Classification?

Use the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to identify the classification that describes your imported product. The correct code helps determine the duty rate, alongside the product’s country of origin and any applicable trade program.

1. Classify Goods Under the Tariff Schedule

   Start with the product itself, not a supplier’s suggested code. Compare its material, function, and construction with the HTS descriptions, then narrow the classification using the schedule’s relevant categories and notes. The U.S. import classification number is 10 digits long, so don’t stop at a broad international code when preparing an entry.

   Record the reasoning behind your selection, including product specifications and the HTS description that fits. A component’s function or material can affect its classification. If two categories appear plausible, compare their wording carefully and consult a qualified classification professional before filing.

2. Check Origin Certificates and Preferential Tariffs

   Determine the goods’ country of origin separately from their shipping country. A certificate of origin can help establish whether goods qualify for preferential tariffs under trade agreements such as USMCA. Compare the agreement’s origin criteria with how the product was made, and retain records supporting the origin information declared to customs.

   Do not assume that shipping from a USMCA country automatically qualifies a product for preferential treatment. A certificate supports an origin claim, but does not replace the applicable agreement’s requirements. Compare the product’s origin evidence with the proposed tariff treatment before filing the entry.

3. Combine classification with origin. Estimate the applicable duty by identifying the HTS classification, country of origin, and any relevant trade program. Product classification determines the duty rate, while origin and program eligibility can affect the duty treatment. A supplier’s quote or an older import entry may not reflect the current product or its correct classification.
4. Review the duty estimate before shipment. Use the HTS code and origin information to assess the rate that applies to the goods. Compare the invoice description with the classification rationale, and keep supporting specifications available for customs review. This can help reveal mismatches before the goods reach the border.
5. Correct uncertain classifications early. Do not select a code solely because it produces a lower duty. Incorrect classification can result in penalties or increased duty bills. If the product’s construction or use makes the HTS choice unclear, gather technical details and consult a specialist before entry. Accurate classification supports an efficient customs process and a defensible duty calculation.

De minimis threshold and import duties

Estimate landed import charges before booking freight by reviewing duty treatment, taxes, and payment arrangements. For ecommerce shipments, do not base your budget on the former low-value duty-free threshold.

1. Assess the De Minimis Threshold

   Remove the former $800 duty-free assumption from low-value ecommerce calculations. The former $800 duty-free threshold no longer applies to low-value ecommerce imports into the United States, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment took effect on August 29, 2025.

   Assess each shipment under the duty rules that apply to its goods, rather than assuming a low declared value removes import charges. Use the commercial value and product details in your records, and do not assume a small parcel is duty-free. The value threshold alone no longer supports that conclusion for ecommerce imports.

2. Determine Applicable Duties and Taxes

   Build an estimate from the product’s tariff classification, country of origin, and any applicable trade program. Customs duties are imposed by the importing country and are typically calculated as a percentage of the imported products’ value. Classification determines the relevant duty rate, while origin and program eligibility can affect the treatment.

   Then identify any applicable import taxes and list them separately in the landed-cost estimate. Keep the commercial invoice’s value and product description consistent with the customs declaration. For example, a change in product classification or country of origin can change the duty calculation, even when the freight route stays the same.

3. Arrange Prepaid Duties and Taxes

   Decide who will fund import charges before the shipment moves. Under a Delivered Duty Paid arrangement, the seller agrees to arrange delivery with duties and taxes paid; under other delivery terms, the buyer may handle those charges. Record the agreed responsibility in the sales and shipping documents so both parties share the same expectations.

   For a prepaid estimate, use the declared product value, applicable tariff, origin, and relevant taxes. Treat freight and duties as separate cost categories in the shipment budget. A customs broker can help coordinate entry and payment details, but the Importer of Record remains responsible for applicable duties, taxes, and fees.

4. Reconcile the final charges. After clearance, compare the customs entry with the invoice and payment records. Check that the declared value, classification, origin, and any preferential treatment match the supporting documents. Keep the calculation with the shipment file so finance and logistics teams have a consistent basis for reviewing charges and planning future imports.

Identifying the federal agency regulating an imported product

Product-specific federal regulations may require approvals, inspections, or additional records before customs release. Missing requirements or inaccurate declarations can lead to shipment delays, penalties, or increased duty bills.

1. Review Product Regulations and Approvals

   Start with the product’s exact description, materials, intended use, and country of origin. Use those details to identify which federal agencies regulate its import and what approvals they require. A product may fall under more than one agency’s rules, so do not assume one permit covers every requirement.

   Check the responsible agency’s guidance for permits, certifications, and inspection procedures. For example, certain products may require health, safety, or environmental certifications. Compare these requirements with the shipment documents before booking transport, and keep approval records available for customs review.

2. Check Product Categories and Compliance Risks

   Use product categories as a starting point, not as a substitute for product-level review. The U.S. Department of Commerce reported electrical machinery, machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and plastics as the leading imported product categories in 2020. Each category can contain goods with different federal requirements, classifications, and approval processes.

   Review descriptions and declarations for accuracy before filing. Inaccurate information about shipment contents on labels or customs documents can lead to customs holds or delivery delays. Incorrect classification can also result in penalties or increased duty bills. A customs broker can support the entry process, but the importer remains responsible for accurate, complete documentation.

3. Match each item to its regulator. Create a product-by-product record listing its commercial name, function, composition, and intended use. Use these details to identify federal agency requirements, then record the approvals or certifications that apply. If a shipment contains distinct items, review each separately rather than applying one agency’s rules to the entire consignment.
4. Resolve agency questions before shipping. Contact the federal agency responsible for a permit if you need clarification about its application process or documentation requirements. Each agency uses its own forms and procedures. CBP also recommends that importers speak with an import specialist at its Centers of Excellence and Expertise before importing, particularly when product rules raise questions about entry.
5. Align agency records with customs entry. Check that product descriptions, origin details, classifications, and agency approvals match across shipping and entry documents. Trade agreements may affect preferential tariff eligibility, but do not replace product-specific federal approvals. A customs broker can help coordinate clearance paperwork and identify missing records before filing.

For support coordinating customs entry documentation, discuss your import requirements with a customs professional.

Global4PL: IOR & EOR Services

Global4PL can help when U.S. imports require accountable importer representation and coordinated customs clearance. An Importer of Record (IOR) is responsible for bringing goods into a country, including customs paperwork and duties. An Exporter of Record (EOR) is responsible for export documentation and compliance in the shipping country. Global4PL provides IOR & EOR Services and Customs Brokerage, connecting entry responsibilities with customs filing. It is the only IOR/EOR service provider that is also a licensed U.S. Customs Broker.

For shipments where air transport fits the timeline or cargo, Global4PL also offers air freight and Air Freight Forwarding. These services can complement compliance planning with shipment coordination. To discuss your U.S. import requirements, contact Global4PL.

Plan Your Next U.S. Import with Confidence

Treat the next shipment as an operating decision, not just a transport booking. Before issuing a purchase order, align procurement, finance, and logistics around the product data and commercial terms they will use. A shared record gives each team a consistent basis for supplier instructions, customer commitments, and landed-cost planning.

Build a repeatable import file for each product line, and assign an owner to maintain it as specifications, suppliers, or sourcing countries change. This turns learning how to import goods into the USA from a one-time compliance exercise into a process your team can apply to future shipments. It also makes exceptions easier to spot before they disrupt an order.

Global4PL can help businesses turn import requirements into coordinated shipment planning. To discuss an upcoming U.S. import or strengthen your process for recurring shipments, contact Global4PL about importing. Bring your product details, origin, and timing priorities to start a focused conversation. A deliberate plan supports clearer decisions, helping your next import move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Import Restrictions In Place That Would Prevent Me From Importing My Goods?

Yes. Product-specific restrictions, permits, and agency rules can affect whether goods may enter the United States. To understand how to import goods into the USA, identify the product’s materials, intended use, and origin, then determine which federal agency regulates it. Food or agricultural goods may involve additional health documentation. U.S. tariff-rate quotas can also allow a specified quantity to enter at a reduced duty rate, with higher rates applying after the quota is reached.

How Do I Calculate Duty?

Estimate duty using the product’s tariff classification, customs value, country of origin, and any applicable trade program. First identify the correct U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, then apply the relevant rate to the declared value. For example, products with similar descriptions may receive different classifications because of their materials or functions. Keep product specifications and origin records with the estimate to document the calculation.

How Do I Value My Goods For Customs Purposes?

Use a documented value that matches the commercial invoice and transaction records for the shipment. The invoice should identify each item, quantity, unit price, total shipment value, and country of origin. If an invoice lists multiple product lines, confirm that the quantities and prices add up to the stated total. Consistent records help customs review the declaration and identify discrepancies across shipping documents.

How do I obtain a permit to import from the USA?

If you mean importing goods into the United States, identify the federal agency regulating your product and follow its application procedure. Forms and supporting-document requirements vary by agency. Food shipments, for example, may require FDA-related submissions or health documents, while agricultural products may need phytosanitary certificates. If you mean exporting goods from the United States, applicable export controls and permissions depend on the product and destination.

What Entry Type Can I Use To Clear My Goods?

The suitable entry type depends on shipment value, product rules, and restrictions. A formal entry applies to certain regulated shipments, including goods subject to FDA requirements, quotas, or anti-dumping and countervailing duties. Other shipments may qualify for an informal entry, subject to applicable exceptions. Check entry requirements before dispatch, because choosing an entry type based only on shipment value can overlook product-specific rules.

What Is A US Customs Broker?

A U.S. customs broker is a professional who assists importers with customs entry and clearance procedures. A broker can prepare and submit entry documentation, helping coordinate the information customs authorities need to review a shipment. The importer remains responsible for accurate declarations and applicable duties, taxes, and fees. Hiring a broker does not make the broker the owner of the goods or transfer the importer’s legal responsibilities.

What Is Customs Compliance?

Customs compliance means meeting the requirements that apply to an imported shipment, including accurate declarations, required documentation, and payment of applicable duties and taxes. It also involves following product-specific permit, marking, and agency rules. For example, the invoice description, country-of-origin marking, and customs declaration should consistently identify the goods. Clear document ownership across purchasing, logistics, and finance helps keep these details aligned.

What are the steps to import goods into the USA?

To learn how to import goods into the USA, identify the product’s agency rules, confirm required permits, and determine its tariff classification and origin. Prepare the commercial invoice, packing list, and applicable approvals, then select the appropriate entry process and arrange transport. Coordinate responsibilities among the seller, importer, and broker before dispatch. For ocean cargo, include the Importer Security Filing deadline in the schedule so required data is filed before vessel loading.