Tips and information regarding product entry.

First, the customs service does not notify the importer of the arrival of the shipment. The carrier of the goods usually provides notification of arrival. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the importer or their agent is informed immediately of arrival so that the entry can be filed and delays in obtaining goods avoided. Other factors include:

• Customs defines "entry" not merely as the arrival of goods at a port, but as the process of presenting documentation for clearing goods through customs. When your goods arrive at a point of entry the company will notify the recipient of the goods (as indicated on the documents).
  
  
  
• An individual may make his/her own customs clearance of goods imported for personal use or business. All merchandise coming into the United States must clear customs and is subject to a customs duty unless specifically exempted by law. Clearance involves a number of steps: entry, inspection, appraisement, classification and liquidation.

Again, using the USA as an example, shipments valued under $2,000 USD can be cleared with an informal entry form

• For shipments over $2,000, you have to complete an Immediate Delivery Entry Form (IDEF) and pay duty. It is advisable to leave the completion of these forms to a customs broker who is familiar with the sometimes specialized sections of the form
  
  
  
• After filing the IDEF, the broker has ten days to file an entry summary with the commercial invoice and other documents and a check for the duty. Customs then has 30 days to accept or reject it. Nowadays, many goods are pre-cleared, which means they are released from customs as soon as they arrive.
  
  
  
• The importer must declare the dutiable value of merchandise.
  
  
  
• The importer must determine the classification number of the merchandise being imported. Consult the The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)
  The importer must pay estimated duties and processing fees, if applicable. Customs makes the final determination of the correct rate of duty.

Informal versus formal entries (US)

• Informal entries cover personal shipments, commercial shipments and mail shipments that are being entered for consumption. In most cases informal entry can be used if the merchandise is valued at $2,000 or less.
  
  
  
• Shipments valued over $2,000 will require a formal entry. The difference between an informal entry and a formal entry is the bond requirement and the liquidation process. Liquidation is the final computation of duties or drawback accruing to an entry and is the final step in the entry process. The documents need for a formal entry include the following:
  
  
  1. A bill of lading, airway bill, or carrier's certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) as evidence of the consignee's right to make entry.
  
  2. A commercial invoice obtained from the seller, which shows the value and description of the merchandise.
  
  3. Packing lists, if appropriate, and other documents necessary to determine whether the merchandise may be admitted.
  

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