When shipping to the US, providing the correct details and documents is the best way to clear customs and avoid delays. Regulated goods in particular, such as food or apparel, often have extra requirements – so make sure all your paperwork is in order before sending your package.
The most important documents you need are the commercial invoice and air waybill. If you’re sending regulated goods, such as alcohol, electronics or medical devices, then you and your receiver might need to provide extra documents.
Provide the following details in English:
Make sure you provide a full and accurate description of your goods. Be specific and try to avoid generic descriptions. See ‘How to provide a clear goods description’ for more information.
You can look up an item’s Harmonized System code online using an HS code search tool or on your country’s government website. See ‘What is an HS Code?’ for more information.
You should list the country of origin of your goods. This is where they were manufactured, not where you’re sending them from.
Provide your receiver’s details in case the US customs authorities need to contact them with any questions.
Shipping paperwork can exist in both paper and digital forms. The most convenient format often depends on the sender and receiver’s countries, and what goods are being shipped. While it’s becoming more common to transfer paperwork digitally, there are still many cases where printed copies are needed with the shipment.
Your receiver needs to comply with US regulations, so it’s important to check if they need any authorizations or certificates.
Send a copy of the commercial invoice to your receiver to ensure the details are correct before shipping. They may also need a customs broker (international trade experts who are responsible for preparing and clearing your goods through customs). If they do need a broker, remember to include the broker’s contact details on your invoice.
Finally, before shipping make sure you check the US regulations that apply to your product, as they’re frequently updated.
Customs clearance procedures can be quick and simple, or require additional paperwork and take a bit longer. This depends on the type of goods, their value and regulations in place.
Informal clearance
Shipments containing non-restricted goods with a total value up to 2500 USD will go through an informal procedure.
Formal clearance
Regulated goods and shipments with a total value above 2500 USD will clear customs in a formal procedure. This will require additional paperwork and a customs bond.
Customs bond
This is an agreement between an importer, customs and a bond security company to guarantee the payment of all fees. With the agreement in place, the security company pays the fees directly to customs who immediately release the goods into the country. The importer then reimburses the security company. A bond can be made for an individual shipment or a period of time (usually 12 months).
Informal Clearance |
Formal Clearance |
|
|---|---|---|
Eligible shipments and values |
|
|
Required documentation |
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Additional documents such as:
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Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) allow member countries to simplify the clearance procedure for goods traded between them and offer reduced customs tariffs. As of 2020, the US has 16 active trade agreements with over 20 countries.
The main US FTA is the one regulating its trade with Mexico and Canada – the largest US export markets. USMCA was introduced in 2020 as a replacement for NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). Keep in mind, unlike NAFTA, USMCA requires paperwork and claims for duty-free entry to already be filed at the time of entry. It also shifts the responsibility to comply with the regulations from the exporter to the importer.
The newest agreement on this list is the 2019 trade agreement with Japan. It currently covers certain agricultural and industrial goods with plans to continue negotiations and to subsequently expand the agreement.
Want to know if the country you're shipping from has a free trade agreement with the US? Check the US Customs website for the complete list as well as detailed information on all agreements.
When shipping to the US, it's a good idea to check if your goods are restricted or prohibited for import by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Product |
Personal shipment |
Commercial shipment |
|---|---|---|
Soil |
Prohibited except when the US importer has a USDA import permit. A copy of the permit should be included with the shipment. |
Prohibited except when the US importer has a USDA import permit. A copy of the permit should be included with the shipment. |
Switchblade knives |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Kinder Surprise Eggs |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Hemp products |
Restricted: Hemp food products are accepted if they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) |
Restricted: Hemp food products are accepted if they do not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) |
All pipes related to the use of illicit drugs such as "smoking pipes |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
Craft wood items from China that contain wooden logs, limbs, branches, or twigs greater than 1 cm in diameter and with intact woof |
Prohibited |
Prohibited |
They're governmental organizations that regulate specific products imported into the US. The most commonly imported goods are regulated by these five agencies:
Shipping regulated goods to the US? See the list below for a detailed guide on what documentation you need to provide.
ANTIQUE DECLARATION
I hereby certify that the items in this shipment imported on Federal Express air waybill number (insert number here) are 100 years old or older. These articles entered herein are being imported for (state whether for sale or personal use). These ethnographic objects are made in the traditional aboriginal style and the other antiques were made prior to 100 years before their date of entry; all the foregoing articles; including such articles that have been repaired or renovated, have not had their original form or character changed.
Manufacture period circa:
(Note: CIRCA represents the era in which the item was manufactured. Some examples of CIRCA are ''1872'' or ''The 1930s')
Signature:
Company name:
Date:
The receiver doesn’t need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
( Sunglasses/Prescription lenses/Spectacle frames/Magnifying spectacles)
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
BURMESE JADE ACT EXPORTER CERTIFICATION
I, (export company name), certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the jadeite and/or ruby gemstones that are the subject of this Exporter Certificate, whether they are exported as loose stones or incorporated in articles of jewelry, have been subjected to a system of verifiable controls from the mine to the place of exportation or final finishing that demonstrate the gemstones were not mined in, or extracted from Burma (Myanmar). I further certify that I have maintained records for all transactions involving the importation and exportation of rubies and jadeite from countries other than Burma (Myanmar) and that such record will be made available to the relevant government authorities upon request.
Name:
Signature:
Company:
Date:
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
VIDEO FILM DECLARATION
I/we declare that the film(s)/video(s) contains no obscene or immoral matter, nor any matter advocating or urging treason or insurrection against the United States, nor any threat to take the life of or inflict bodily harm upon any person in the United States.
Signed:
Name:
Date:
The receiver does not need to provide any additional documentation for customs clearance.
Entry 86 (ET 86) is a new regulation added under the existing Section 321. It allows goods regulated by the Partner Government Agencies (PGA) to enter the US tax and duty free. It applies to shipments with a total retail value under USD 800.
When multiple shipments addressed to the same importer enter the clearance procedure on the same day, their value is added up.
Not all PGA regulated goods qualify for ET 86 – there are some shipments that will still require formal clearance. These include certain tobacco and alcohol products, goods taxed under the Internal Revenue Code and goods that are subject to quota or anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
ET 86 is currently running in a test phase and is not mandatory for importers.
Keep in mind, that, even when duties and taxes are not levied, other fees may still apply like ancillary fees for handling the paperwork.
