How to Import into the US

What 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 in the United States, and
(c) international organizations, foreign governments and any part of a foreign government (e.g., foreign diplomatic missions).

What is a U.S. persons?

The term U.S. person encompasses lawful permanent residents of the United States; protected individuals as defined by 8 USC 1324b
(a)(3); any corporation or other entity incorporated to do business in the United States; and any governmental (federal, state or local) entity.

Who can apply for an export or temporary imports license?

U.S. persons and foreign embassies in the United States are authorized to apply for such licenses.

What is the meaning of the term defense service?

Defense service means:
(a) furnishing of assistance to foreign persons in the design, development, engineering, manufacture, production, assembly, testing, repair, maintenance, modification, operation, demilitarization, destruction, processing or use of defense articles, whether in the United States or abroad;
(b) furnishing to foreign persons of any technical data controlled by the ITAR; and
(c) military training of foreign units and forces, regular and irregular, whether in the United States or abroad, including by correspondence courses, and through media of all kinds, training aids, exercises and through the furnishing of military advise.

What do you mean by technical data means:

For ITAR purposes, the term technical data means:
(a) information, other than software as defined in 22 CFR 120.10(4), which is required for design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance or modification of defense articles, including information in the form of blueprints, drawings, photographs, plans, instructions and documentation;
(b) classified information relating to defense articles and defense services;
(c) information covered by an invention secrecy order; and
(d) software, as defined in 22 CFR 121.8(f), directly related to defense articles. (Note that technical data does not include basic marketing information on function or purpose or general system descriptions of defense articles. Nor does it include information concerning general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles commonly taught in schools, colleges and universities or information in the public domain).

I 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.

How can I tell if something is SME?

Its easy. Just take a look at the USML. All items preceded by an asterisk are SME. The term SME also includes all classified USML articles.

What kinds of special export controls apply to SME?

In order to export SME to a foreign person you will need to obtain a signed DSP-83 from that entity providing assurances that it will not
(a) re-transfer the SME to anyone not specified in your approved license application, not
(b) allow the SME to be used for purposes other than those for which furnished, without the prior written approval of the U.S. Department of State. If you plan on having your foreign customer manufacture any item of SME under a Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) or Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA), Congress must be notified before State can approve the TAA or MLA.

Before you can make a proposal to foreign person for the sale or manufacture of SME, you must obtain ODTCs approval if
(a) the value of the item is $14 million or more,
(b) the item is to be sold to a country other than NATO, Australia, Japan or New Zealand, and
(c) the identical item has not been previously licensed for permanent export or approval for sale under the Foreign Military Sales program to any foreign country. If the item has been licensed previously for permanent export or approved for sale under FMS to any foreign country, you must notify ODTC at least 30 days prior to issuing a proposal. In each case (prior approval or prior notification), an approval license, TAA or MLA will be required in order to export any technical data as part of the proposal effort. If the SME article has a nonrecurring cost of $50 million or more, or a total production cost of $200 million or more, it is categorized as Major Defense Equipment (MDE). Any export of MDE valued at $14 million or more requires Congressional notification prior to receipt of export approval from the Department of State.

What is an export?

For ITAR purposes, the word export means:
(a) sending or taking a defense article out the United States in any manner. It also means transferring registration, control or ownership to a foreign person of any aircraft, vessel or satellite covered by the U.S. Munitions List, either in the United States or abroad;
(b) disclosing (orally or visually) or transferring in the United States any defense article to an embassey, any other part of a foreign government, or to a foreign person; or
(c) performing a defense service on behalf of a foreign person, whether in the United States or abroad.

How do you define United States for ITAR purposes?

For ITAR purposes, United States means the several states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any territory or possession over which the United States exercise any powers of administration, legislation, and jurisdiction.

What 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 a commodity jurisdiction decision?

You need only identify the item (or service) and include a history of the products design, development and use. Brochures, specifications and other documentation must be submitted in nine collated sets, plus a cover letter explaining the request. A Part 126.13 certification letter is not required.

What if the item is software?

Then you will need to identify the language level in addition to providing a history of the softwares design, development and use. In addition, you must comply with the Department of Defense Guidelines for International Transfer of Software Documentation (including Source Code).

What if theres an argument between State, Defense and Commerce over whether the item should be on the USML or the CCL? Who decides?

The Department of State.

Does the State Department control all exports and imports of defense articles and defense services?

No. The Treasury Department controls the permanent import of USML items. Nuclear propulsion equipment and nuclear weapons are under the export control of the Department of Energy.

Who 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 necessarily. If the item has dual (military-civilian) use, it is on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and may be licensable by the Department of Commerce pursuant to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

If Im not sure what list my item is on, USML or CCL, how can I find out?

You can submit a request for a commodity jurisdiction (CJ) determination. The request should be addressed to Mr. William J. Lowell, Director, Office of Defense trade Controls.

How long will it take to get an answer?

Commodity jurisdiction requests normally require processing times of 4 to 6 months, or even longer. So plan ahead.

What are the USGs criteria for determination?

The USG considers whether the items was specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted or modified for military application; whether it has predominately civil applications; whether it has performance equivalent to an item used for civil applications; or has significant military or intelligence applicability such that ITAR control is necessary.

Why do I need to get the U.S. Governments approval to export and import defense articles and defense services?

Because Section 38 of the Arms Exports Control Acts (AECA) authorizes the President of the United States to control the export and import of defense articles and defense services and to establish regulations for that purpose.

How do I obtain approval before I export or import defense articles and defense services?

The President delegated export control authority to the Office of Defense Trade Controls in the State Departments Bureau of Political-Military Affairs through the Secretary of State.

What are the penalties for violating the AECA?

The civil penalties are a fine up to $500,00 per violation and up to five years in jail. The criminal penalties are a fine up to $1 million per violation and up to ten years in jail. In addition, the violator can be debarred for a period of time from obtaining export licenses and possible debarment from receiving any U.S. Government contracts.

The civil penalty of up to $500,000 per violation doesnt seen too bad.

It does when you consider that a single case may involve more than 100 alleged violations.

How does ODTC exercise its authority?

By administering the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). These regulations are found in Section 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.), Parts 120-130.

How do I know whether an article or service is controlled by the ITAR?

Defense articles are identified in Part 121.1 of the ITAR, known as the U.S. Munitions List (USML). Incidentally, the term defense article includes technical data recorded or stored in any physical form (such as on a computer disc or hard drive).

Because CBP officers are stationed at all ports of arrival in the United States, including Puerto Rico, they are called upon to enforce laws and regulations of other government agencies.
A license or permit from the responsible agency may be necessary to import:

• alcoholic beverages
• animal and animal products
• certain drugs
• firearms and ammunition
• fruits, nuts
• meat and meat products
• milk, dairy, and cheese products
• plants and plant products
• poultry and poultry products
• petroleum and petroleum products
• vegetables

There are also restrictions on the importation of certain trademarked and copyrighted articles. (For further information see Customs Publication No. 549 U.S. Customs and Protection of Intellectual Property Rights.)
Certain items in these categories may also be prohibited.
The following items must comply with applicable regulations of other agencies:

• art materials
• cultural property
• hazardous/toxic/flammable materials
• household appliances
• some electronics products
• toys and children’s articles

Most of the above items are regulated, variously, by:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Washington, DC 20226
(202) 927-8110 (alcoholic beverages)
(202) 927-8320 (arms and ammunition)
Animal and Plant Inspection Service
(Animals/animal products)
USDA-APHIS-VS
Hyattsville, MD 20782
(301) 734-7885
Animal and Plant Inspection Service
(Plants/plant products)
USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Hyattsville, MD 20782
(301) 734-8896
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Management Authority
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, VA 22203
(703) 358-2104
Food and Drug Administration
Division of Import Operations and Policy
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-6553
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Compliance
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 504-0608
Today, an increasing number of goods and products such as textiles, clothing, automobiles, boats, radios, CD players, television sets, and medical devices, are subject to special standards, declarations, certification, marking or labeling requirements.
Other merchandise must be examined for fitness of use, freedom from contamination, or may be subject to quotas on the quantity imported.
All these requirements must be met before the merchandise may be released by Customs. Finally, many categories of goods are subject to quota or visa restrictions. Please see our brochure Import Quotas for a complete list.
Foreign Assets Control
U.S. trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) generally prohibit the importation into the United States (including U.S. territories), either directly or indirectly, of most goods, technology, or services (except information and informational materials) from, or which originated from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Serbia, or Sudan; from foreign persons designated by the Secretary of State as having promoted the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; named Foreign Terrorist Organizations; designated terrorists and narcotics traffickers; the Taliban, and areas of Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban. Vessels and aircraft under the registry, ownership, or control of sanctions targets may not import merchandise into the United States. The importation of Cuban cigars or Iranian carpets is subject to certain restrictions. Contact your local Customs office. Diamonds may not be imported from Angola without a certificate of origin or other documentation that demonstrates to Customs authorities that they were legally imported with the approval of the Angola Government of Unity and National Reconciliation.

Quota book transmittals provide up to date information on restricted products, and those recently added to the quota system. Below is a list of quota transmittals issued by US Customs.

Quota Notices

ABI Programming for Morocco FTA
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Sock Safeguard Staging
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

China Staging for Quotas filled in 2005
Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

China 2006 Visa and ELVIS Clarification
Fri, 27 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of February China Staging
Fri, 03 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Proration Instructions for China Category 332/432/632 pt and 620
Mon, 06 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

China Stage 2 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005
Tue, 21 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results China Stage 2 Opening – Proration Instructions
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

China Stage 3 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005.
Thu, 23 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 Nicaragua Textiles
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Amended CAFTA 2006 Nicaragua Textiles
Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 3 Opening Proration Instructions
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 4 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Chad AGOA Eligible
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

ABI and Quota Processing for CAFTA – Textiles
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 4 Opening – Proration Instructions
Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 5 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005.
Wed, 24 May 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 5 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2006 Import Limits under United States-Central America Free Trade for Textiles from Nicaragua – Certificate of Eligibility Requirement
Wed, 16 Jun 0006 00:00:00 EST

China Stage 6 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005
Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 6 Opening – Category 332 432 632
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 6 Opening – Category 620
Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 7 Opening for Quotas filled in 2005
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Bahrain FTA 2006 Textile TPL
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Bahrain FTA Ensembles
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Burkina Faso AGOA Eligible
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 7 Opening
Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Processing update for Bahrain FTA (textiles)
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China Stage 8 Opening for Quotas Filled in 2005
Tue, 22 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of China Stage 8 Opening Category 620
Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

China 2007 Restraint Limits
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Quota Preprocessing Extension
Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA Canada TPLs
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA Mexico TPLs
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile FTA 2007 Fabric Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile FTA 2007 Apparel Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Orig Apparel Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Non-Orig Textiles Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Sub-Saharan Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 FTA Textiles, Apparel, and Made-up Articles
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Singapore FTA 2007 Apparel Limits
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 CAFTA Nicaragua Textile Limits
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Vietnam Restraint Limits
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Quota/Visa Requirements for Textile Apparel from the Ukraine
Thu, 28 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

ABI Programming for Morocco FTA
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Refined Sugar Opening
Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Israel Butter Results of Opening
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of NAFTA Peanuts
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Tuna
Thu, 05 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Dairy Ch 4 AUSN 10 Results of Opening
Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Cond/Evap Milk Ch 4 AUSN 11 Results of Opening
Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile Artichokes (Note 12) Results of Opening
Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Refined Sugar Third Opening
Thu, 12 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Refined Sugar Fourth Opening
Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

2006 Australia FTA Correction
Thu, 26 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Refined Sugar Fourth Opening
Thu, 26 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Refined Sugar Opening
Thu, 09 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Refined Sugar Adjustment
Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Amended Refined Sugar Adjustment
Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Raw Sugar Adjustment
Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 Agricultural TRQ – El Salvador
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Revised 2006 Ethyl Alcohol Limit
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

2006 GATT Peanut TRQ Opening
Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 3
Fri, 17 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

2006 Tuna TRQ Protation and Liquidation Instructions.
Fri, 24 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

Raw Sugar 2004-2005 Year End Results
Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 El Salvador Sugar TRQ
Thu, 30 Mar 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2006 Agricultural TRQ Implementation for Honduras and Nicaragua
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 Sugar TRQ Implementation for Honduras and Nicaragua
Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 El Salvador Sugar TRQ Filled
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Peanut TRQ Opening
Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton Announcement Number 18
Fri, 14 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

ABI and Quota Processing for CAFTA – Agricultural TRQ
Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 4.
Fri, 02 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 4 (Amended)
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Specialty Sugar Period 4 Opening
Sat, 12 Jun 0006 00:00:00 EST

Clarification of Sugar Certificates for Quota Eligibility Requirements for Rail Cars and Truck Containers
Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

“Weekly” Special Import Quota Announcement Number 19 for Upland Cotton
Fri, 23 Jun 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 Agricultural TRQ Implementation for Guatemala
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

CAFTA 2006 Sugar TRQ Implementation for Guatemala
Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 ausn 6
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 ausn 7
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 ausn 8
Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Bahrain FTA 2006 Agricultural TRQs
Mon, 31 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Additional Refined Sugar Opening
Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 5 and 6
Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Beef Export Certificate Clarification
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Processing update for Bahrain FTA (non-textiles)
Wed, 09 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Refined Sugar Quota Processing Remarks
Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Specialty Sugar-Period 5
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton Announcement # 20
Fri, 18 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 21
Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Specialty Sugar Period 5 and 6
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Ethyl Alcohol TRQ Update for CAFTA
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Tobacco TRQ Limit
Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 22
Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 AUSN 10
Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 23
Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Global Refined Sugar Filled
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 CBTPA Quantitative Limits
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 24
Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 AUSN 5
Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Cotton 52 AUSN 9
Fri, 15 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Raw Cane Sugar TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Refined/Specialty Sugar TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Sugar Blends (17 AUSN 7) TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Sugar Blends (17 AUSN 8) TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Blended Syrups TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Mixes/Doughs TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 Mixed Condiments TRQ
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 25
Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 ATPDEA Quantitative Limits
Tue, 26 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

2007 AGOA Opening
Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 26
Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Refined Sugar Opening
Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Upland Cotton announcement # 27
Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 1
Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Mexican Raw and Refined Sugar
Tue, 17 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Tariff Rate Quota on Cocoa Powder
Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Results of Specialty Sugar Period 1
Fri, 27 Oct 2006 00:00:00 EDT

Opening Specialty Sugar Period 2
Thu, 02 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Mexico Certificate of Quota Eligibility Waivers for Sugar Imports FY 2006
Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

Results of Specialty Sugar Period 2
Mon, 13 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Wool TRQ Opening
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA/MX Peanuts TRQ Opening
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Mandarin Oranges TRQ Opening
Tue, 28 Nov 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Whiskbrooms
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Other brooms
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Peanut Butter and Paste
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Milk and Cream (4ausn5)
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Dried Milk, Dried Cream, and Dried Whey (Agriculture Licensing)
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Infant Formula
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ Animal Feed
Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Ice Cream TRQ
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Olives
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Dairy Products
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Whole Milk
Thu, 07 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Chocolate TRQ
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Chocolate Crumb TRQ
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Butter
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Dried Milk
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Cheese
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Peanuts
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Israel TRQ Ice Cream
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Jordan FTA Limits
Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Milk and Cream, Condensed or Evaporate.
Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Chile FTA 2007 Agriculture Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota on Tuna.
Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Morocco FTA 2007 Agriculture Limits
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Bahrain FTA 2007 Agr Limits
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Butter and Fresh or Sour Cream (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Dried Milk (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Dried Milk and Dried Cream (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Dried Milk and Dried Cream (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Butter Substitutes (Agriculture Licensing )
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Cheese And Substitutes for Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 NAFTA Mexico Orange Juice TRQ
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ and Agriculture Licensing on Cheddar Cheese and Cheese Substitutes
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Beef TRQ 2007 Limits
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Blue Mold Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Singapore FTA 2007 Agriculture Limits
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Australia FTA 2007 Agricultural TRQs
Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

CAFTA 2007 Agricltural TRQs
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act (ATPDEA) Quantitative Limitations
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota -Cheese American-type (Agriculture Licensing)
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Edam and Gouda Cheeses (Agriculture Licensing)
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Tariff Rate Quota – Italian-type Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Swiss or Emmentaler Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Cheese And Substitutes for Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 TRQ – Swiss Or Emmentaler Cheese (Agriculture Licensing)
Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

2007 Quota Opening Changes Due to Federal Office Closures on January 2, 2007
Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

Within 90 days after the date of liquidation or other decision, an importer or consignee may protest the decision and receive an administrative review. The protest is filed with the port director whose decision is being protested. At the time the initial protest is filed, the importer or consignee must make a request for further review if one is desired. Review of the port director’s decision by the Customs Service Center or Headquarters is then automatic. Notice of the denial of all or part of the protest will be mailed to the person filing the protest or to his agent. Any person whose protest has been denied may contest the denial by filing a civil action in the United States Court of International Trade.

Imported goods may be sent in-bond from the first port of arrival to another Customs port. In-bond entries postpone final Customs formalities including payment of duty and processing fees, until the goods arrive at the final port. Arrangements for in-bond shipments should be made before the goods leave the country of export.

Imported merchandise may also be sent to a bonded warehouse under a warehouse entry. Duties and processing fees are not paid on warehoused merchandise until the goods are withdrawn for consumption. Storage fees are paid to the warehouse proprietor by the importer.

Shipments by mail which do not exceed $2000 in value, whether commercial or noncommercial importations (except for commercial shipments of textiles from all countries and made-to-measure suits from Hong Kong, regardless of value), are entered under a mail entry prepared by a Customs officer after the Postal Service submits the package for Customs examination. The parcel is delivered to the addressee by the Postal Service and is released upon the payment of duty, which is shown on the mail entry accompanying the package. A postal handling fee will also be collected from the addressee at the time the package is delivered. This handling fee is not charged on packages sent through military mail channels.

A formal entry is required for any mail shipment exceeding $2000 in value. Formal entry is also required, regardless of value, for commercial shipments of textiles from all countries and made-to-measure suits from Hong Kong. Certain other articles valued over $250 require a formal entry (billfolds, footwear, fur, gloves, handbags, leather, luggage, plastics, rubber, textiles, toys, games and sports equipment, etc.) If formal entry is required on a parcel, the parcel is held at the Customs international mail branch and notice is sent to the addressee of the package’s arrival. The addressee can then go to the nearest Customs office to file the formal entry on the package. An entry must be filed in the same manner as for shipments arriving by vessel or airfreight. Once the mail branch has been notified that entry has been filed, the package will be released to the postal service and forwarded to its final destination.