Check with a Customs Broker before Importing

If you are planning to import goods into the United States, it is best to check with your Customs Broker regarding the import requirements and regulations which govern your product. Besides US customs clearance, there are also other government agencies which may affect the release of your goods. Products such as foods, medical devices and cosmetics require other government agency clearance such as FDA and USDA. For children's toys, cloths and other child products they are governed by the CPSC. This is to name a few of the government agencies.

Your customs broker will also advise you what documents and certifications, if any are required to import the goods. This will be a great time to inquire with your overseas foreign supplier if they have the necessary certifications and documents in order to clear your goods before you make that purchase. Goods that do not have the proper certifications or documents may have to be exported or destroyed as it will not be allowed into the United States.

Factors which will affect the release of your goods upon importation

1. Partnered Government Agency requirements for clearance (PGA)

Other government agencies work together in conjunction with CBP to ensure the goods imported into the US meet certain safety and standard requirements to protect the consumers and population in the US.

PGA Agencies

FDA - foods, cosmetics, medical devices etc...

USDA- goods which contain animal by products or ingredients

APHIS- importation of animals and live plants

EPA- products such as pesticides, certain industrial chemicals, vehicles & engines etc..

CPSC- children's toys, clothing & products. certain clothing & textiles, etc.

NHTSA (DOT)- motor vehicles, engines, trailers, etc...

FWS (Fish & Wildlife)- fish and wild caught seafood products, products that contain animal origin such as snakeskin belts and shoes.

2. Anti-Dumping/ Countervailing Duties

An anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value. Dumping is a process where a company exports a product at a price lower than the price it normally charges on its own home market.

CVD cases are established when a foreign government provides assistance and subsidies, such as tax breaks to manufacturers that export goods to the U.S., enabling the manufacturers to sale the goods cheaper than domestic manufacturers. CVD cases are country specific, and the duties are calculated to duplicate the value of the subsidy.

3. Quota Goods

Import quotas control the volume of goods entering the United States. There are two types of quota, Absolute (volume based) & Tariff Rate (higher duty) Quota. For example, if the Absolute quota is already full for the specified time period, the goods would not be allowed to import, and you will have the option of placing in a bonded warehouse until the next opening which will be an extra cost for storage.

*ACCB is a National Licensed Customs Broker in the New York/ New Jersey Area authorized to process Customs Clearance in any US Port*