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The Quick and Dirty Guide to Importing
import, export, customs
This free guide contains details on the 27 different topics that beginning importers most often ask about. It’s got phone numbers, web site addresses, procedures, forms, explanations, and more. The Quick and Dirty Guide to Importing will help you find answers to these questions: “Do I have to report to US Customs?” “How much is this going to cost?” “Do [...]
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How Much Does it Cost to Import?
import, export, customsHow Much Does it Cost to Import? Importers are expected to pay an import tax on virtually every item they import. But how much do you have to pay? Import tax (also known as an import duty or import tariff) is collected by US Customs on every import that comes into the US. Import tariffs are the second largest source of revenue next to the IRS.
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Find HTS Codes
import, export, customsHere’s a new HTS lookup service for anyone who’s ever had problems finding HTS tariff codes for their import or export shipments. Basically, you can use it to look up tariff rates for any item with a keyword search, or by typing in the HTS number directly. There are a few software packages that you […]
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BIS publishes Final Rule on Encryption Simplification
import, export, customs10/15/2009 – BIS publishes Final Rule on Encryption Simplification The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published the interim final rule entitled ”Encryption Simplification” on October 3, 2008 (73 FR 57495). This rule finalizes that rule, corrects errors published in the October 3, 2008 interim final rule, and resolves inconsistencies in that rule identified by […]
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Importer Security Filing (ISF), aka “10+2”
import, export, customsWhen does the ISF have to be filed? Not later than 24 hours prior to loading of the shipment to the vessel at the foreign port of lading. Does the effective date of Jan. 26th mean that any shipment which is departing from the origin port on or after Jan. 26th is required to have […]
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Import Duty on Returned Items
import, export, customsQuestion Do I have to pay import duty on items that have been exported from the United States that are being returned? Answer If you have an item that was previously resident in the United States, but for some reason was exported and is now being returned, be sure to inform US Customs about its […]
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ITAR Export Compliance
import, export, customsIf you’re one of the small minority of businesses that exports military and ITAR controlled products overseas, you’re not going to find much to help you on our site – sorry. You can download the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) from our site, but there’s not a lot of discussion on how to use […]
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Do I need a license to import fashion jewelry and fashion accessories?
import, export, customsQuestion My friend and I would like to purchase fashion jewelry and fashion accessories, such as: belts, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, etc. from countries outside of the U.S. and then sell them on e-bay or our own website. We have a sellers permit in California. Do we need any other kind of license and/or permit […]
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How to Import – Internet Purchases, Electronic Transmissions
import, export, customsInformation and materials downloaded from the Internet are not subject to duty. This applies to any goods or merchandise that are electronically transmitted to the purchaser, such as CDs, books, or posters. However, the unauthorized downloading of copyrighted items could subject you to prosecution. Downloading child pornography is also a crime. U.S. Customs Service has […]
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Customs Form 7501 Entry Summary
import, export, customsDownload Customs Form 7501 (.pdf) US Customs Form 7501 is one of two essential forms required for an import transaction. Form 7501 details origin and importer information, but its main purpose is to act as a receipt for US Customs. Blocks 27 through 40 are used for an imported item’s Harmonized Tariff Classification, the amount […]
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Wood Imports into the United States
import, export, customsQuestion I am considering importing items from New Zealand, made from ancient kauri wood, items ranging from jewelry pieces to coffee tables, for re-sale. What are the import/duty requirements of such an operation? Answer Country of Origin New Zealand maintains normal trade relations with the US, so there are no specific trade restrictions that would […]
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What should I consider before importing something?
import, export, customsRequirements for importing specific commodities depend on a wide variety of things. Some information, such as whether an item is subject to quota restrictions, eligible for reduced rates of duty, or restricted from entry because they originate in an embargoed country, can be determined only if you know the item’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification number. […]