The HS assigns specific six-digit codes for different classifications and commodities. Countries can add longer codes to the first six digits for further classification. You should check with your carrier to ensure that the importer of record is notified of your shipment as soon as it arrives at U.S. customs. The registered importer is responsible for presenting all entry documents to the authorities at the port of entry. When exporting from Canada to the United States, the importer of record may be the exporter (you), your consignee/buyer or your U.S. customs broker. If your product is difficult to classify, the Customs Decisions Online Search System (CROSS) database can help you find the B list code. CROSS contains formal and legally binding decisions arising from requests from other exporters and importers for Annex B codes. Use this database to determine whether other exporters or importers have requested a ruling on the same or a similar product and, if so, what that decision was. Depending on the type of goods, the shipment may also need to be accompanied by other documents such as permits or licences (if controlled goods) or a packing list.
If your shipment is destined for official importation, you will need the following documents and information: The United States uses a 10-digit code to classify products destined for export, known as the Annex B number, with the first six digits being the HS number. There is a Schedule B number for every physical product, from paper clips to airplanes. Schedule B is administered by the International Trade Division of the U.S. Census Bureau. This has been explained above in Section 7.2, “HS Codes”. Our document and export data import solutions meet your actual import and export needs in terms of quality, volume, seasonality and geography. In addition, we help you get detailed information about important export and import fields, including HS codes, product description, customs, quantity, price, etc. Seair`s export import data paves the way for successful partnerships that generate profits in local and global districts. You will need both the U.S. Schedule B number and the country-specific version of your product`s HS code during the export process. You use it to: To find a U.S.
customs broker, visit the website of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) in www.ncbfaa.org. The site has a searchable directory of members that takes you to NCBFAA member websites and contact information. Your carrier, carrier or broker is responsible for completing it. No bill of lading is required for mailings. Inaccurate or incomplete documentation is the most common reason why export shipments have difficulty entering the United States. A little extra time spent on your paperwork goes a long way toward hassle-free customs clearance. The duty deferral program has three components: You prepare all export documents required by Canadian and U.S. customs. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada`s website contains a useful list of customs resources that apply not only to agri-food products, but also to most other sectors. See towww.ats-sea.agr.gc.ca/exp/con-eng.htm. Among industry classification systems, Harmonized System (HS) codes are widely used throughout the goods export process. The Harmonized System is a standardized numerical method for classifying traded products.
It is used by customs authorities around the world to identify products when setting duties and taxes and to collect statistics. Up-to-date information on the new Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and its benefits can be found at CUSMA and small and medium-sized enterprises. the customs and customs value of the goods; A broker will quickly clear your goods through customs and save you storage costs. This is also known as a commercial invoice and should accurately represent the content and value of your shipment. If you drop off a few promotional items at the last minute and they are not on the invoice, the customs inspector may hold your shipment at the border until you clarify what is going on. Also, never declare goods, such as promotional items or samples, as “of no commercial value.” U.S. customs officials may decide to charge their own value or even refuse to import the goods. The use of a U.S. customs broker is generally mandatory.
This has the following advantages for the exporter: To find the HS code of your product in another country, you can use a search tool in a foreign tariff database, such as the customs information database. This issue was discussed in Section 4.1, North American Free Trade Agreement. The HS is administered by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and updated every five years. It serves as the basis for import and export classification systems used in the United States and by many trading partners. U.S. Customs imposes severe penalties for fraud or negligence, so you need to make sure the information you provide about your exports is accurate and complete. If you discover defects after your goods enter the United States, notify your customs broker immediately. You may be able to avoid penalties by disclosing the error in advance (in other words, before U.S. Customs discovers it). if the shipment contains prohibited goods; and animals and animal products, meat and meat products, plants and plant products, poultry and poultry products, vegetables: see United States Department of Agriculture in www.usda.gov. Note that a U.S.
Customs inspector may, at his or her discretion, require official entry even if the goods are not inspected or even if they are valued at less than $2,000.00. Also known as the customs number, it is used by U.S. Customs to set up deposit coverage, release and receipt of goods, liquidation, issuance of invoices and refunds, and processing refunds. Your customs broker can help you obtain the number, or you can obtain it yourself by filling out Form 5106 with U.S. Customs, available at www.forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_5106.pdf. Your goods are considered informal imports if their value is less than US$2,000.00 and they are not controlled goods. As mentioned earlier, informal entry does not require a broker if the shipment is accompanied by the exporter or if the consignee presents itself at the port of entry to pick it up. Once customs officials determine that the shipment and its documents are in order, the goods are allowed to enter the United States. The broker then determines the duties or fees to be paid and submits this information to U.S. Customs along with any payments due.
After the official valuation of the goods, the entry is “liquidated”, i.e. the final calculation of customs duties and/or refunds is completed. The Census Bureau offers a free and widely used online search tool for Appendix B that allows you to classify your products. The Appendix B search tool is the most common method used to classify products. The site offers training resources to help you better identify your Schedule B number, as well as your contact information for assistance.