Top Import/Export Topics
第一问：在美国，我想进口是否需要什么证书？
Q: Do I
need a license to import something?
A:
You do not need a
license to act as an importer. However, some items require a license or
permit from various government agencies in order to be imported. For more
complete information, please see our publication "Importing Into the U.S." The chapter on "Special Requirements"
provides very complete information. (Some common items that may require licenses
or permits are food products ordered from a commercial vendor, plant, animal and
dairy products, prescription medications, trademarked articles such as
name-brand shoes, handbags, luggage, golf clubs, toys, etc. and copyrighted
material such as CDs, DVDs and tapes)
CBP paperwork does require an
"importer number" as a means of identifying who the final recipient of
the goods is. If you have a business tax number with the IRS, this number
should be used as the importer number. If you do not have a business tax number,
you may use your Social Security number.
If you do not wish to
give your SSN to a shipper, and your importation is for personal use, is under
$2500, and is being cleared by a Customs Broker (very common for goods shipped
by courier services), please see our information about using a third party's
Importer Number by typing "Social Security Number" in the word search field
above.
If you have neither a business tax number nor a social security
number, and you are a non-resident of the U.S., you may contact the port where
your goods will enter the country and ask them to assign an importer number to
you by filing a CBP Form 5106.
A license IS required to act as a
Customs Broker, which is someone who clears goods through CBP on behalf of
importers who do not want to handle the various technicalities that are involved
in importing themselves.
If you have ordered something from an overseas
seller over the Internet for your own personal use, you should also see our
information on Internet Purchases.
Trade Shows - exhibiting a product/ booths
Q: What do I need to know about exhibiting a product, bringing or shipping supplies for a Trade Show in the U.S.?
A:
If you are traveling into the U.S. to exhibit a product at a Trade Show/Fair, the following is a checklist of recommendations useful for the entry of the items:
Official documentation showing date and location of the Trade Show
Confirmation that you are an exhibitor
Documentation indicating value of items
Mark items "Not for Sale" or mutilate the items
Contact the Port of Entry prior to travel
Complete CF7523-"Entry and Manifest of Merchandise free of Duty" (For NAFTA Items only)
Check with the government agency that regulates your product for any possible restrictions or required documentation
Obtain the HTSUS code for your items
If shipping supplies and/or the value is over $2500, a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB) or Carnet is the best course of action. This applies to display booths or other items not remaining in the U.S. beyond your intended visit.
Information on Carnets, TIBS and the Trade Fair Program:
CARNET (click on the first link, "ATA Carnet", from this page)
TEMPORARY IMPORTATION UNDER BOND (TIB)
TRADE FAIR PROGRAM
Are the items prohibited/restricted?
Restricted Merchandise: 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, and 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.) IPR Resources
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, and toys and children's articles.
Agencies that may regulate your product:
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(202) 453-2260 (alcoholic beverages)
(202) 616 4550 (arms and ammunition)
USDA Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS)
(301) 734-3277 (Animal products)
(301) 734-8364 (Live animals)
(301) 734-0841 (Plants/plant products)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Management Authority (703) 358-2104
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Division of Import Operations and Policy (301) 443-6553
Contact FDA.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Office of Compliance 1-800-638-2772
Commercial samples:
Temporary admissions:
Note: Exhibitors may want to register items with Canada Customs in order to facilitate the return of the items to Canada. See Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
怎么获取美国进口商信息
Obtaining information about importers / exporters by
commodity
Q: How can I get information about who is importing or
exporting various commodities?
A: Importer names on entry
documents are confidential and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not
disclose names of importers to the public. However, there are a number of
private sector media services that are permitted by the privacy statute, 19 CFR
103.31 (d), to collect manifest data at every port of entry. Reporters collect
and publish names of importers from vessel manifest data unless an
importer/shipper requests confidentiality.
Please be aware that there is
a subscription charge for this information.
Among the companies that
provide this information service are the Journal of Commerce's PIERS database and Ealing Market Data
Engineering Co.
You can also try the American Association of Exporters and Importers in New
York.
