Importing Checklist

Statistical information
As the Importer of Record, we will require your complete corporate or business style, address and Federal
Tax Identification number. If you are a new importer, a registration may be required. Please be sure to include complete and accurate information as you would like it to appear on our application and registration forms.

Customs Power of Attorney (CF-5291) (View Forms & instructions)
A copy of this is provided for your completion, signature and return by email or fax. This will enable our firm to prepare and submit documents to Customs on your behalf in accordance with US Customs regulations. The POA must be properly executed and signed by an officer of the corporation and either witnessed by two employees or the corporate seal applied. Although a fax copy will be accepted to clear your first shipment, a hard copy will be required for our records.

Single Transaction or Continuous Customs Bond (CF-301)
All entries must be accompanied by evidence that surety has been obtained to cover any potential duties, taxes and penalties which may accrue. Surety is posted in the form of a bond secured by a resident U.S. Surety company but may also be posted in the form of United States currency or certain United States government obligations.

An importer may select either a Single Transaction Bond, which provides coverage for one shipment, or a Continuous Bond which provides coverage for a period of up to one year. Single Entry Bond amounts are calculated by the value of that shipment plus estimated duty and user fees. Amount for a Continuous annual bond is usually determined by Customs based on a percentage of the estimated duties accruing during the preceding calendar year. A minimum $50,000.00 bond is required, however, certain factors such the prior record of the principal in payment of duties and taxes, compliance of Customs laws and regulations, and the value and nature of merchandise are considered by Customs. Should you decide to apply for a continuous bond, we would need the Power of Attorney form and written authorization prior to submitting our application.

Documentation/information required
A complete description of the goods and detailed commercial invoices including description, purchaser, quantities & weights, purchase price, terms of sale and costs involved including goods or services furnished will be required. In addition, a packing list and certificates of origin will be required including any additional information such as Certificates of Analysis, Material Safety Data Sheets, Mill certificates, etc. all of which will assist in the classification and clearance of your products and must be included in our original entry documentation submitted to Customs.

Marking requirements
US Customs and Border Protection regulations require that all articles or its container be marked to clearly indicate the country of origin. It must be as legibly and permanently as the article or container will permit. Additional requirements are applicable to special kinds of merchandise including pipe, textiles, edible products and merchandise imported for repackaging and/or manipulation. There are also certain marking exceptions such as merchandise incapable of being marked under the J –list, and that for industrial use not to be resold in its imported state directly to consumers all of which require a “Waiver request” and must be approved by Customs

Verification of origin, import duties, fees and taxes (View Forms & instructions)
A certificate of origin will be required to determine eligibility for special tariff treatment under the North American Trade Agreement or other special provisions. Certain qualifying products from Mexico are under reduced tariffs and/or currently free of duty and MPF under NAFTA. If it is determined that your product does not fall under NAFTA preferential treatment, there will be in addition to the regular duty rate (if applicable) a Customs Merchandise Processing Fee of 0.3464 percent of the value – effective October 1, 2011 with a per shipment minimum of US$ 25.00 and a maximum of US$ 485.00.