Importing and Exporting Regulations for the United States
Exports and imports constitute the basis of all global trade. Imports describe goods shipped into a country from abroad while exports describe goods shipped out of the nation. In the United States, Customs and Border Protection or CBP oversees exports and imports. Subsequently, it enforces the tariffs and regulations associated with products shipped out of or into the country.
If you’re looking to export or export bulk liquids using flexibags in the United States, we recommend you familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations as highlighted.
Imports versus Exports
We recognize that importing can be beneficial for various reasons. To begin with, it gives countries access to products they wouldn’t be able to produce. Importing allows a country to receive goods it needs while forging a positive relationship with the nation it’s importing from. On the other hand, exports allow a country to offer goods to a different country while profiting from the same.
Agencies that Regulate Exports and Imports in the United States
Various agencies in the U.S. determine which goods are allowed for importation and exportation. Depending on what you intend to export or import in flexibags, we recognize that various regulations and rules exist. They include:
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
While various American agencies are involved in global trade, they aren’t as involved as the CBP when it comes to the export or import process. This agency oversees all facets of the export or import process such as ensuring that the goods that enter into the nation are legal while ensuring they demonstrate compliance for customs clearance. They’re also responsible for collecting import tariffs and duties while simultaneously managing the documentation that permits goods out of or in the country.
It’s worth noting that this agency can help you throughout the import process. We recommend you contact a specialist before the arrival of your imported goods via flexitanks for sale at the port of entry. The CBP specialist will assist you by offering import classification, relevant duty rates, and answer your queries.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The agency is involved with importing and its goal is to check the safety of products meant for human and animal consumption. They regulate products, including food, animal feed, and cosmetics. We recognize that they have varied rules concerning different products. Therefore, we urge you to examine whether your product falls under any of their categories when importing bulk liquids in flexibags for sale.
Environmental Protection Agency
The agency monitors the foreign trade of goods that might cause environmental damage. The categories of goods they regulate include pesticides, chemical substances, and wastes.
Import and Export Regulations
Entry of Products
Once a shipment arrives in the U.S., the purchaser, owner, or designated customs broker should file entry documents for the products at the port of entry. For legal entry into the U.S., imported products should arrive within the port of entry and the CBP must authorize merchandise delivery. It’s worth noting that the importer of record is liable for arranging the release and examination of the products.
Product Examination
Typically, national security remains a top priority for the CBP. Therefore CBP officers examine imported shipments daily to determine whether goods are safe for crossing the border. Examination of products entering the U.S. is essential to establish whether the shipment comprises illegal narcotics, whether the goods have undergone correct invoicing, whether the shipment comprises prohibited articles, etc.
Classification, Liquidation, and Appraisement
Two significant aspects influencing custom duties are appraisement and classification. Commercial importers must offer valuation and classification once an entry is filed. Keep in mind that you must exhibit reasonable care as an importer when appraising and classifying merchandise.
Exporting Documents
Pro Forma Invoice
This important document functions as a negotiating tool between the buyer and seller before an export shipment. The seller should use the document to quote at the start of an export transaction. It comprises a description of products and is a seller’s declaration to offer services and products to the buyer at the stipulated price and date.
Commercial Invoice
This legal document between the buyer and exporter states the products being sold and the amount for payment by the customer. It’s a bill for the products from the seller and governments frequently use it to establish the actual value of goods when evaluating customs duties. Governments that use it to regulate imports will frequently specify its content, form, and language for use.
Packing List
This document is more informative and detailed than a typical packing list. It might function as a conforming document but it doesn’t substitute a commercial invoice. Furthermore, foreign and American customs officials might use it to examine cargo.
Importing Documents
Bill of Lading
Whether you need this document will depend on the shipping technique you use. If you decide to transport bulk liquids using flexibags through ocean freight, you’ll receive this document from your carrier.
Customs Bond
This describes an insurance policy between the CBP, an importer of record, and a bond surety company. Keep in mind that it’s mandatory for all shipments worth $2,500 or more entering the United States. CBP needs a customs bond to guarantee payment of all taxes and customs duties. You can obtain a continuous or single-entry bond. We recommend you consult a customs broker to establish the bond that suits your company best.
Government certifications
In certain instances, you’ll require unique certifications from different government agencies to import your products. When importing foodstuffs to the United States in flexibags, you might require additional certificates to facilitate customs clearance. We suggest you confirm with your customs broker to establish whether your products need additional certifications.
If your business deals with the transportation of bulk liquids using flexitanks for sale, we recommend you familiarize yourself with the relevant importing and exporting regulations.
