Importing Goods

If you are interested in importing goods into the United States to either sell or distribute to other businesses, it's a good idea to hire a full-service, licensed customs broker. A customs broker prepares all the documentation needed for importing goods, just as a freight forwarder does for exporters. Customs brokers are licensed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service. Licensed brokers must have expertise in the entry procedures, admissibility requirements, classification, valuation, and the rates of duty and applicable taxes and fees for imported merchandise.

To learn about laws and regulations applying to custom brokers, including licensing requirements, and importing procedures, visit the Transportation and Logistics Guide.