Importing Animal Food

In addition to staying compliant with US Customs, animal food is also regulated by two other government agencies upon importation: 1. USDA Assuming the animal food product is made out of meat (beef, lamb, pork, poultry), the importer will need to apply with the USDA for VS import permit (VS16-3). The importer can apply online…

Antidumping and Countervailing Duties

What are Anti-dumping and Countervailing Duties? Domestic U.S. industries have the right to petition with the U.S. government for relief from imports of products that they believe to be dumped (imported at less than “fair value”) and/or benefiting from foreign government subsidies.  The U.S. government has the ability to impose Anti-dumping and/or Countervailing duties respectively…

Importing Alcohol

Licensing/Documentation/Permits: 1. Basic Permit– Under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, a Federal Basic Permit must be held by any person or business enterprise importing distilled spirits, wine, or malt beverages into the United States. The Basic Permit is good at any port in the United States and must be obtained prior to the first importation.…

Binding Rulings

If there is ambiguity with determining the HTS classification of a product, the importer can submit a binding ruling request to Customs. There are three ways submit a binding ruling request. You can file an e-binding ruling request yourself. Customs does not charge any fee for filing and they usually respond in 30 days. Here is…

What is a Carnet?

Carnets are used to allow the temporary entry of items without having to pay duty or taxes.  This is particularly useful for when shipping tools/equipment, commercial samples, or goods for exhibitions and conventions. Carnets can be used in 86 countries (and counting).  A carnet is a physical document that acts like a passport for cargo.…

Importing Cosmetics

When importing cosmetics, the most important thing is to determine whether the product may also be considered a drug. If the importer makes any medical claims regarding the product, then it will be considered a drug. If it is a drug, importers likely will have much more difficulty importing the product. If it is only…

Importing toys and children’s products

All children’s products need to meet CPSC regulations. Specifically they need to meet CPSIA requirements regarding lead and possibly phthalate testing. (https://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Phthalates-Information/) Testing must be done by a CPSIA certified laboratory. This can be done either by the importer or the factory. Most importers ask the factory to contract out work with a certified laboratory in…