View Cart
Checkout
Free Download
The Quick and Dirty Guide to Importing
import, export, customs 
This free guide contains details on the 27 different topics that beginning importers most often ask about. It’s got phone numbers, web site addresses, procedures, forms, explanations, and more. The Quick and Dirty Guide to Importing will help you find answers to these questions: “Do I have to report to US Customs?” “How much is this going to cost?” “Do [...]
-
How Much Does it Cost to Import?
import, export, customs
How Much Does it Cost to Import? Importers are expected to pay an import tax on virtually every item they import. But how much do you have to pay? Import tax (also known as an import duty or import tariff) is collected by US Customs on every import that comes into the US. Import tariffs are the second largest source of revenue next to the IRS.
-
Find HTS Codes
import, export, customsHere’s a new HTS lookup service for anyone who’s ever had problems finding HTS tariff codes for their import or export shipments. Basically, you can use it to look up tariff rates for any item with a keyword search, or by typing in the HTS number directly. There are a few software packages that you […] -
BIS publishes Final Rule on Encryption Simplification
import, export, customs10/15/2009 – BIS publishes Final Rule on Encryption Simplification The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published the interim final rule entitled ”Encryption Simplification” on October 3, 2008 (73 FR 57495). This rule finalizes that rule, corrects errors published in the October 3, 2008 interim final rule, and resolves inconsistencies in that rule identified by […] -
Importer Security Filing (ISF), aka “10+2”
import, export, customsWhen does the ISF have to be filed? Not later than 24 hours prior to loading of the shipment to the vessel at the foreign port of lading. Does the effective date of Jan. 26th mean that any shipment which is departing from the origin port on or after Jan. 26th is required to have […] -
Import Duty on Returned Items
import, export, customsQuestion Do I have to pay import duty on items that have been exported from the United States that are being returned? Answer If you have an item that was previously resident in the United States, but for some reason was exported and is now being returned, be sure to inform US Customs about its […] -
ITAR Export Compliance
import, export, customsIf you’re one of the small minority of businesses that exports military and ITAR controlled products overseas, you’re not going to find much to help you on our site – sorry. You can download the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) from our site, but there’s not a lot of discussion on how to use […] -
State Department Questions
import, export, customsIf I have some technical data that I’d like to place in the public domain, how can I do it? By obtaining approval by the cognizant U.S. Government department or agency, or the DoDs Directorate for Freedom of Information and Security Review. How can I tell if a piece of information is really technical data? […] -
State Department Questions
import, export, customsWhat is a foreign person? A foreign person is any natural person who (a) is not a lawful permanent resident of the United States as defined by 8 USC 1101 (a)(20), has dual U.S.-foreign citizenship, or is not a protected individual, (b) any foreign corporation or other entity that is not incorporated to do business […] -
State Department Questions
import, export, customsI have an item that is on the U.S. Munitions List. Is that all I need to know about it for licensing purposes? No. You should determine whether it is designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME). SME means defense articles for which special export controls are necessary because of their substantial military utility or capability. […] -
State Department Questions
import, export, customsWhat if it was designed for military use but my foreign customer only wants to use it for civilian applications? The USG does not consider intended use to be a relevant factor in determining whether the item should be on the USML or CCL. What should I include in the package in order to obtain […] -
State Department Questions
import, export, customsWho determines what items are on the USML? The Department of State makes the determination, with the concurrence of the Department of Defense and in consultation with the Department of Commerce. If I have an item that is not on the munitions list, can I just go ahead and export it without a license? Not […]