Importing into the USA can be a nice venture for entrepreneurs looking to start or even expand a business. But the key to getting it right is to understand the laws and regulations in this space. The first thing to know is that there are quite a number of processes and regulations that can make the process slow, challenging, and costly.
So, if you are a beginner, adopt these useful tips on importing to the USA, to get on the right foot.
1. Prepare the Needed Import Documents
Import documents can break or make the process of importing into the USA. Like any other country, import documents are required in the USA clearance points to ensure compliance and smooth transition of products into the USA. Import documents give information about the parties involved in the trade and the products transacted.
Common import documentation includes custom/commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, bills of lading, exporter's FDA regulations, and licenses. Failure to produce these documents can dent your hopes of receiving these goods on time.
Sometimes, authorities can impose stern measures like penalties or charges if you fail to produce these documents. Therefore, be aware of the documents you need before importing products into the USA.
2. Hire a Licensed Import Custom Broker
It is hard to become a jack of all trades in matters of importing into the USA. The regulations and procedures make this landscape stiff, especially for beginners. Complacency and small mistakes can prove costly, and you don't want to go in this direction. Furthermore, the clearance process can become quite complicated and costly.
Fortunately, you can save yourself from costly mistakes by hiring an import broker. Finding the right brokerage is not a rocket science task. Search for a licensed import brokerage near me and settle for a suitable one. A licensed import broker ensures you seamlessly comply with regulations and avoid possible clearance mistakes. They will certainly simplify everything about importing goods into the USA.
3. Create Connections with the Exporting Country
As a beginner, you will probably trust the manufacturer or agents handling the process for you from the exporting country. While you possibly don't have much to do about it, it is important to know the people or company you are dealing with. You don't want to work with a supplier you are uncomfortable with.
Negotiating with these parties helps to create trust in business and obtain important information that simplifies your processes. Before committing to a supplier/exporting company, contact them via suitable means and learn more about them. Also, research their services, achievements, and potential red flags. This way, you ensure you are dealing with a supplier meeting service standards.
4. Ensure the Labeling is Correct
Product labeling may look trivial, but this alone can put you on a collision course with the authorities. Incorrect labels can deny the imported product a chance to enter the USA. The U.S. import laws and regulations require that goods be labeled per stipulated requirements. Labeling helps to easily identify products and inform authorities about the products' validity, valuation, quantity, and hazardous nature.
Double-check your goods before importing from the supplier to confirm that they meet the USA labeling requirements. Ask your supplier whether they are conversant with the USA labeling requirements before authorizing the importation of your goods.
5. Know the Regulations for Importing Goods into the USA
Different goods are subject to different regulations. Furthermore, the country of origin can also impact the regulations they will be subjected to. Irrespective of the product you are importing, you should comply with the laws and regulations of importing goods into the USA.
There are various government bodies tasked to check the respective compliances of products. They include the Consumer Product Safety Commission for fabric and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for food products. Therefore, educate yourself about the regulations for importing your product into the USA. Knowing the respective regulations allows you to easily make arrangements for compliance and avoid unnecessary delays or costly stalemates.
6. Check the Free Trade Agreements
The United States transacts business with many countries across the globe. However, other countries enjoy the Free Trade Agreement with the USA. While this may not immensely affect how you import your goods, importing goods from these countries can be less tricky.
The FTA allows importers to import goods from countries at a reduced duty rate. Therefore, importing from an FTA member country is cost-effective. Check whether your exporting country lies in the FTA zone and see if you can save some money. Some of the FTA countries include Canada, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, Israel, Korea, and Panama, among others.
Wrapping up
The key to success in importing goods into the USA is to understand the rules and regulations first. Frankly, all these can be confusing to a newbie but you can always seek professional help to avoid making costly importation mistakes. It will help your business thrive whether you are a manufacturer importing from places like China or you are simply purchasing completed goods for immediate sale, or even acting as a Non-Resident Importer (NRI) into the U.S. And when you have all these sorted, consider working with a business consultant to help strategize and set your business on cruise control.
