Documents You Need for Your Imports Into the US

Getting your products through customs can be a daunting process if you're new to imports. Take a look at government trade intelligence data, and you'll see that there are several logistical steps involved. Of course, that means you have plenty of documents to fill out, too.

Not sure what documents you need to import goods into the United States? We have you covered.

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice is one of the most important documents to provide. Customs and Border Protection officials review it to determine if the goods you're importing are admissible. Plus, it plays a big part in calculating tariffs.

The document should be thorough, including accurate descriptions of the items. Invoices should also cover quantity, value, country of origin, and other pertinent information.

Bill of Lading

The Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to shippers. Think of it as an agreement and assurance. The document ensures that you, the importer, get the goods you shipped. Meanwhile, it provides peace of mind to exporters that they will get paid.

Bill of Lading information and other relevant documents are usually part of government trade intelligence data for easy review. If you need government trade intelligence data, visit this website.

Packing List

The packing list contains much of the same information found on the commercial invoice. However, it's provided by the freight forwarder or shipper. Customs and Border Protection officials will review it to verify cargo and keep the process moving.

Arrival Notice

Lastly, there's the arrival notice. This document is a form of communication to let the recipient of shipped goods know that their items have arrived. Typically, the carrier or agent prepares it.

The notice contains:

  • A general description of the goods
  • The quantity of cargo units arriving to the United States
  • Any charges due at pickup

Ensuring a Smooth Import Process

Each of these four documents is crucial. They provide valuable information that customs officials will use to clear your imports. Without them, you could face penalties and delays. Make sure to fill out your paperwork correctly to avoid any costly problems.

Read a similar article about world trade data here at this page.

  1. government trade intelligence
  2. search us trade database
  3. shipping supplier data
  4. trade logistics

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