The U.S. customs clearance process for imports is very much hectic, especially for new importers. However, you will save a great deal of time and frustration if you prepare paperwork beforehand.
So, in this blog here is the list of main paperwork you need for U.S. customs clearance. Let’s start by examining the paperwork.
- Commercial Invoice
The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office should have enough information from a commercial invoice to determine if the goods you are importing are allowed. Since calculating tariffs is the main objective of the invoice, which is for foreign trade, the document must include as much accurate and comprehensive information as possible about the items, such as:
- The number of objects
- Origin Country
- Value (both in foreign currencies and US dollars)
- Purchase location
- The name, address, and location of the vendor or business selling the goods
- The U.S. address to which the shipment is being made
The business invoice is essential because it enables your goods to be cleared at the port of entry in the United States.
- Packing List
The packing list document is provided by the shipper or freight forwarder. The list must match the details on your commercial invoice, and the CBP may review it to verify the shipment. The list and invoice match and provide the right information for the customs clearance procedure.
- Certificate of Origin (C.O.O.)
The C.O.O. document declares the country where the goods or commodity was manufactured. It includes the exporting nation, destination, and product details. Certain commodities may be excluded from import duties by national rules and bilateral and unilateral business agreements. Depending on the availability and consumption of commodities locally or on the importation of goods from specific nations as a result of governmental actions, duties may be applied. Therefore, confirming the origin of commodities is essential for international trade between nations.
- Bill Of Lading (BOL)
A crucial and legally binding document that the carrier gives to the shipper, the Bill of Lading (BOL) specifies the kind, amount, and destination of the goods being transported. To put it another way, it gives the shipper and the carrier all the information they need to properly handle a package. It serves four main purposes.
First of all, it is a title document for the products listed in the BOL. Second, it acts as a receipt for the mailed items when they are delivered to the designated location. Thirdly, it symbolizes the terms and conditions that have been agreed upon for the items’ shipment. Finally, it guarantees that importers receive their goods and exporters are paid.
- Air Waybill (AWB)
Similar to a BOL, an Air Waybill (AWB), also known as an air consignment note, is used to trace items that are sent by air rather than by sea. The legally binding document acts as both a carriage contract between the shipper and the carrier and a receipt of the cargo by the airline. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has a standard form called the AWB.
Conclusion
All the required documents work together to deliver essential information throughout the customs clearance process. With the preparation of all the documents beforehand, you can save so much time and money.
Prakriti Export is a trusted name in the global market. We have a strong connection in exporting items from India to the USA and other countries. We manufacture and deal in products like textiles, footwear, and baby care.
