There are special stipulations on the following commodities when shipping to United States. If you plan to ship one of the commodities listed below, be sure to adhere to the following stipulations in order to avoid delays and holds at customs.
Lacey Act Amendments
- Passed May 22, 2008 and effective immediately.
- Illegal to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, any plant to be taken or traded in violation of domestic or international laws.
- Expand Lacey protection to include a broader range of plants and plant products, including timber deriving from illegally harvested plants.
Beginning on December 15, 2008, a new import declaration will be required for plants and plant products.
- Declaration must be made at time of importation.
- Declaration must contain:
- Scientific name of the plant (including genus & species)
- Value of importation
- Quantity of the plant
- Name of the country or territory in which the plant was harvested
- For paper and paperboard products with recycled content, state the average % recycled content without regard for species or country or territory of harvest.
Declaration requirement does not apply to packaging material used to support, protect or carry another item (unless the packaging itself is the item being imported).
USDA and CBP have informally indicated that they may implement a phased enforcement schedule. However, such schedules are only speculative at this time and there has been no official guidance yet from the agencies.
Below are only a few potential examples of affected products:
- any item accompanied by a paper manual or instruction booklet
- furniture, toys
- rayon fabric (made from wood pulp)
- chewing gum (may contain gum arabic)
- picture frames and mirrors
- books and magazines
- any garment with wooden buttons or paper hangtags
- any machine or electronic device with a rubber hose or gasket
- maple syrup
Note: USDA has the right to inspect any transit shipment and additional permits or certifications may be required.
- If a shipment prompts for FSIS and contains items such as meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, these items require FSIS inspection.
Exemption =50lbs or less and a personal shipment.
If the exemption above is not met, the shipment will not be admissible for import.
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Cows, goats, sheep, and pigs are considered domesticated animals. All other animals are considered non-domesticated animals. Items or products made from non-domesticated animals are restricted in the UPS system and only allowed with a UPS ISC contract. CITES permit and additional restrictions may apply, please check with your local ISC Coordinator.
The U.S. currently bans the importation of ruminant meat products including those for edible use, other than gelatin, milk, and milk products, from animals such as cows, deer, goats, sheep, and other cloven-hoofed animals because Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)from regions such as Europe, Oman and Israel. Under certain restrictions these products may enter from Japan and Canada.
Beef, pork, and poultry are also prohibited or restricted entry from other regions as well due to being recognized by USDA has having animal diseases that are exotic to the United States. Examples would be certain beef and milk products from South America because of Foot-and-Mouth disease, poultry products from Asia because of the bird flu H5N1 or pork products from other regions because of swine diseases like Classical Swine Fever.
One may be able to import certain animal products and animal-by-products. These products may require a Veterinary Services Import Permit or other government certification. Prohibited products can include apparel, jewelry, shoes, or belts. Some examples would be jewelry made from seashells, knife handles made of bone, or any article made of ivory.
Contact the USDA Veterinary Services at www.aphis.usda.gov or 1-301-734-3277 for more information on how to import animal and animal by-products into the United States.
- Baby formula is a commodity regulated by FDA and requires submission at all values.
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MFG needs to have food facility registration number with US FDA (should be indicated on invoice if possible)
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Lot number is required (usually can be found on labelling but should be indicated on invoice if possible)
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Manufacturer MUST be provided
If above conditions are not met, shipment is likely to be detained if not refused by FDA upon submission of entry.
- Bank Cards which are requested to be sent out of the United Kingdom should be declared for referral to HMRC and await their approval to send.
- For shipments of books, UPS always requires a commercial invoice. The importer is responsible for supplying a commercial invoice upon request from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Book shipments cannot be shipped in an Express envelope. They must be shipped in a UPS PAK or other shipping container.
Please note that from origin country or territory must be key-entered with the description of "Books" along with code 03/01 and must be keyed with correct declared value.
- The Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) regulates the manufacturing, processing, distribution in commerce, use, or disposal of any chemical substance or mixture that may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health and the environment as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Importation of chemical substance in bulk or as part of a mixture or article containing a chemical substance or mixture will not be released by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) unless proper certification of compliance or exemption form requirements is present.
A TSCA Declaration is required at the time of entry on all articles in Chapter 28 and 29 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS). Some examples include:
- chemical elements such as fluorine, chlorine, iodine, sulfur
- inorganic acids,
- halogen and sulfur compounds of nonmetals
- hydrocarbons
- ethers
Also included under TSCA regulations are ammonia, ball point pens, cartridges, and zinc.
Types of Declarations
- Negative Declaration - certification that the shipment is not subject or is exempt from TSCA regulations
- Positive Declaration - certification that the shipment complies with TSCA regulations.
A signed declaration must be received from the importer prior to releasing the shipment. Importers with questions should contact that TSCA Hotline at 1-202-554-1404.
- Shipments of cigarettes to consumers are not accepted due to a growing number of states that have enacted restrictions on tobacco deliveries. These shipments will be returned to the shipper or abandoned. For further restrictions or prohibitions regarding tobacco products, please visit www.ups.com/tobacco
UPS only accepts shipments of cigarettes to recipients who are licensed or otherwise authorized by applicable federal, state, provincial, or local law or regulation to receive deliveries of cigarettes.
- The following items are required on a commercial invoice for importing clothing into the US:
- Fabric content
- Manufacturer of each article
- Complete address of each Manufacturer
- Knit or Woven
- Gender
- Weight and Dimensions of Fabric
- Notebook and Laptop Computers containing CD/DVD drives as components require clearance from the Food and Drug Administration.
- All contact lenses regardless of value must clear through FDA.
- Cosmetics, including bath (essential) oils, require FDA clearance.
- A CD Rom and other portable storage media shipped commercially containing software, music, video or pictures are subject to duty and require a commercial invoice.
- Dental devices, including toothbrushes, require FDA clearance.
- Dietary supplements, vitamins and herbal supplements may be regulated in the destination country or territory. Therefore, U.S. shippers should contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to inquire about the various document requirements prior to exporting their products.
The importer in the destination country or territory should verify importing regulations with the appropriate government agency that regulates these commodities. U.S. and international shippers must include the Lot Numbers of the vitamins and dietary and herbal supplements on the export shipping invoice.
NOTE: U.S. origin dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal supplements containing animal products and/or animal by-products that are being returned to the U.S. are still regulated by USDA/APHIS and FDA. The U.S. exporting invoice must accompany the returning shipment.
Additional information can be found in the Animal Product Manual under Special Procedures Table 2-4-21. The Animal Product Manual is located at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/manuals/ports/downloads/apm_pdf/02_04specproc.pdf
- It is illegal to import medicine without FDA approval. Shipments of medicine without FDA approval will be refused entry and will be returned to the export location or destroyed.
Allow one extra day for inspection by the FDA.
Note: The FDA can decide not to take action against the illegal importation.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens are not permitted to import medicines that are available in the US. They may be allowed to import unapproved medicine for personal use if these factors apply:
- The medicine is intended for a serious condition for which treatment may not be available in the U.S.
- The FDA does not consider the product a risk.
- The individual seeking to import the drug affirms in writing that it is for the patient's own use and provides a US doctor s letter and prescription.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens may be allowed to import unapproved medicine from their country or territory of birth for personal use if these factors apply:
- The FDA does not consider the product a risk.
- The individual must provide the generic or common name of the medicine and the intended use of the medicine as well as a doctor s prescription.
- The product is for personal use, not for resale, and is a three-month supply or less.
- The individual (Importer), who is the RX/prescription holder, must provide FDA with proof of their foreign citizenship (Passport, Visa or Permanent Resident Card).
- A copy of the RX/prescription in a clear, readable format must be included.
Commercial Shipments
Commercial shipments of medicine pre-approved by the FDA require the following on the invoice:
- Generic or common name of product Scientific name of product
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Intended use of product
Commercial shipments of medicine not pre-approved by the FDA require the following on the invoice:-
Generic or common name of product
- Scientific name of product
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Investigations New Drug Number or New Drug Application Number
NOTE: Legible copies of documents must be provided to prevent clearance delays.
- Compact-disc players and microwave ovens require FDA clearance.
- Eyeglass lenses and frames must comply with FDA requirements.
Eyeglass frames with demonstration lenses must be registered with the FDA.
Prescription lenses require a separate medical device listing number.
Further information pertaining to the registration of products or establishments regulated by the FDA can be located at http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/reglistpage.html.
Prescription lenses for "demonstration use only" require one of the following:
- A drop ball test certificate from the shipper or manufacturer
- A statement showing the lenses have been de-characterized (cannot be sold)
- The words "demo lenses" stamped across the lenses
- On April 18, 2005 UPS Customs Brokerage redrafted its policy on Fish and Wildlife commodities entering the United States. With its designation of Louisville, Kentucky as a Fish and Wildlife port, UPS has decided to offer Fish and Wildlife clearance through the UPS Small Package system.
If a shipment prompts for FSIS and contains items such as meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, these items require FSIS inspection.
Exemption =50lbs or less and a personal shipment.
If the exemption above is not met, the shipment will not be admissible for import.
Fish and Wildlife clearance encompasses all wildlife, whether animal or animal byproduct.
In order to clear through this government agency, the customer must state the exact item description (including the genus and species of the animal) on the invoice. The country or territory of origin must be properly marked and have listed a fair market cost of the goods.
A Fish and Wildlife Declaration (Form 3177) must be completed either by the customer or broker. The customer will also need to apply for a CITES or BFAR Permit (if applicable).
The package must be marked with the names and address of the consignee and shipper. It must also contain a list of the wildlife with its scientific name. Packages MUST be marked as containing Fish and Wildlife regulated commodities. If the packages are not properly marked, The Fish and Wildlife Service could assess a fine of up to US$350.00.
Please access the following link to view charges incurred for Fish and Wildlife clearance:
Fish and Wildlife Inspection Fee Chart
UPS Special Handling charge: US$25.00 per shipment.
Please be aware, the Fish and Wildlife Service prohibits the importation of certain animals and animal products. This list includes but is not limited to: Sea turtles, Ivory, Furs (wild cats, seals, sea otter, etc.), Birds, Primates, Reptiles and reptilian leathers. Each of these items has its own exceptions, please visit www.fws.gov for more information. Tuesday, May 28, 2013 The Fish and Wildlife Service announced May 22 that until further notice it will prohibit the following with respect to trade in protected species of wild animals and plants. - Commercial import or introduction from the sea from, and the commercial export or reexport to, Guinea of specimens listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora - All imports and introduction from the sea from, and all exports or reexports to, Afghanistan, Djibouti and Lesotho of CITES-listed specimens The FWS states that all such prohibited shipments or specimens are subject to refusal of import/export or seizure and forfeiture. These prohibitions are being imposed because the countries or territories listed have failed to implement the required CITES legislation or file the required annual reports on their implementation of CITES. The U.S. therefore cannot establish the legal origin of wildlife that is exported or reexported from these countries or territories and also cannot allow trade to these countries or territories since the necessary enforcement provisions are not in place to ensure the CITES treaty is being implemented.
- If a shipment prompts for FSIS and contains items such as meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, these items require FSIS inspection.
Exemption =50lbs or less and a personal shipment.
If the exemption above is not met, the shipment will not be admissible for import.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made some changes to its regulations on the submission of prior notice for imported food. Changes to the prior notice regulations:
- Removes the requirement that the identity of the anticipated border crossing within the port of arrival be provided in the prior notice
- Removes the requirement to provide the 6 digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule number in the prior notice
- Requires the registration number of the manufacturer (or the full address of the manufacturer and a reason) in all circumstances
- The final rule will require the PN (prior notice) to include the name and full address of the shipper, if the shipper is different from the manufacturer (in order to eliminate duplicative requirements)
Identity of the manufacturer, for food no longer in its natural state (for commercial shipments):
- The final rule will revise the PN information requirements in 21 CFR 1.281(a)(6) for an article of food that is no longer in its natural state, to require the name of the manufacturer and either:
- The registration number, city and country or territory of the manufacturer or
- Both the full address of the manufacturer and the reason the registration number is not provided
Identity of manufacturer if such food sent as a personal gift:
- The final rule will revise the PN information requirements for an article of food that is no longer in its natural state to remove the current option that allows the name and address that appears on the label under 21 CFR 101.5 to be submitted instead of the name, address, and registration number of the manufacturer for food sent by an individual as a personal gift (i.e., for non-business reasons) to an individual in the U.S. Prior Notice is not required for home-made non-commercial food shipments shipped by an individual, to an individual, as gifts for personal use. Furthermore, current FDA policy is not to require Prior Notice when food purchased at a commercial establishment is exported or offered for export by a non-commercial shipper for a non-commercial purpose (i.e., from an individual, to an individual, as a gift or as a household good for personal use). Additional exclusion criteria can be found at the FDA web site.
Requirements to Submit Prior Notice of Imported Food:
- Submitter and transmitter
- Deadlines for Prior Notice Submitting
- Prior Notice General Information Requirements
- Registration Numbers
- Grower Identity
- Product Identity
- Changes to Prior Notice Submissions
- Changes to Shipments
- PNSI and ACS/ABI Features Confirmation
UPS completes Prior Notice on behalf of shipper for $10.00 USD. IF shipper would like to obtain an have on file they may find additional information at Filing Prior Notice of Imported Foods
- Plastic Gift Cards 4911.99.8000 per Customs Ruling W968266
- UPS provides International Dangerous Goods service for shipments between the U.S. and certain countries or territories by contract only.
Accessorial charges of US$40.00 apply as follows:
- Hazardous Materials Class 9 (HAZ)
- Hazardous Materials All Other Classes (HAN)
- Anti-dumping duties apply to helical spring lock washers manufactured in China and Taiwan.
- Please see "Baby Formula"
- These items require FDA clearance.
- On October 1, 2008, the Department of Commerce published in the Federal Register notice of revocation of the countervailing duty order (C-580-851) on DRAMS from Korea.
The order covered DRAMS from Korea, whether assembled or unassembled, and memory modules containing DRAMS made in Korea. Only those modules that contained additional items that altered the function of the module to something other than memory (e.g. video graphics adapter boards), or were returned in products for repair and destruction were excluded from the scope.
The effective date of revocation is August 11, 2008. Imports of DRAM products entered on or after this date will no longer be required to be accompanied by the following DRAM Certifications:
- DRAM Integrated Circuit/Module Certification
- DRAM/Memory Module Reimportation Certification
- KR DRAM Memory Module Destruction Certification
- DRAM Countervailing Duty Certification for Republic of Korea (ROK)-South Korea Integrated Circuits (19 CFR 353.26).
- These items require FDA clearance.
- Due to the possibility of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE or Mad Cow Disease), the U.S. currently bans the importation of all edible products (excluding gelatin, milk and milk products) of all cloven-hoofed animals. For more information, please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plan Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Medical office at 1-301-734-7633 or visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov
If a shipment prompts for FSIS and contains items such as meat, poultry, fish, or eggs, these items require FSIS inspection.
Exemption =50lbs or less and a personal shipment.
If the exemption above is not met, the shipment will not be admissible for import.
- Surgical and hospital instruments for humans or animals require FDA clearance.
- It is illegal to import medicine without FDA approval. Shipments of medicine without FDA approval will be refused entry and will be returned to the export location or destroyed.
Allow one extra day for inspection by the FDA.
Note: The FDA can decide not to take action against the illegal importation.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens may be allowed to import unapproved medicine for personal use if these factors apply:
- The medicine is intended for a serious condition for which treatment may not be available in the U.S.
- The FDA does not consider the product a risk.
- The individual seeking to import the drug affirms in writing that it is for the patient's own use and provides the name and address of the U.S. doctor responsible for treatment.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens may be allowed to import unapproved medicine from their country or territory of birth for personal use if these factors apply:
- The FDA does not consider the product a risk.
- The individual can provide the generic or common name of the medicine, the scientific name of the medicine, the name and address of the manufacturer, and the intended use of the medicine.
- The product is for personal use, not for resale, and is a three-month supply or less.
- The individual can provide Customs with proof of foreign citizenship at time of entry.
Commercial Shipments
Commercial shipments of medicine pre-approved by the FDA require the following on the invoice:
- Generic or common name of product
- Scientific name of product
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Intended use of product
Commercial shipments of medicine not pre-approved by the FDA require the following on the invoice:
- Generic or common name of product
- Scientific name of product
- Name and address of manufacturer
- Investigations New Drug Number or New Drug Application Number
- Shipments of nutritional supplements or vitamins must contain the following information on the invoice:
- Clearly write the type of supplement or vitamin.
- Describe the purpose of the supplement or vitamin.
- State the recommended dosage.
The following may also be required:
- A copy of the prescription if the product is prescribed
- A copy of the individual's passport if the consignee is not a U.S. citizen
Nutritional supplements that contain animal products or animal by-products may require a Veterinary Services Import Permit. Contact the USDA Veterinary Services at www.aphis.usda.gov or 1-301-304-3277.
- Anti-dumping duties apply to paper clips manufactured in China.
- Anti-dumping duties apply to pencils manufactured in China.
- Pharmaceuticals, including reagents, peptides, and serums, require FDA clearance.
- Living plant material requirements depend on the product, country or territory of origin, and may require a permit, license or Phytosanitary Certificate. For more information, please visit www.usda.gov or www.aphis.usda.gov
Phytosanitary Certificate:
- APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) requires a phytosanitary certificate in order to import certain plant products
- A phytosanitary (plant health) certificate is an official document issued by an exporting country or territory, which certifies that the phytosanitary status of a shipment meets the phytosanitary regulations of the importing country or territory
- The intended purpose of a phytosanitary certificate is to expedite the entry of plants or plant products into the United States while protecting American agriculture. In addition, the phytosanitary certificate indicates that the shipment is free of pests and diseases that do not exist in the United States
- A phytosanitary certificate may be obtained at the national plant protection organization of the exporting country or territory. Source: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/publications/plant_health/content/printable_version/faq_phphto.pdf
- Anything that is electronic, battery-operated, or capable of sending, receiving, or interfering with radio signals may be considered a radio-frequency device. Examples of such devices include radio and TV receivers, converters, transmitters, transmitting devices, radio frequency amplifiers, microwave ovens, industrial heaters, ultrasonic transceivers, and computers.
Prior to July 1, 2016, importers were required to file FCC Form 740, Section 2.1203 General Requirement for Entry, and Section 2.1205 Filing of Required Declaration, along with their customs entry documentation.
As of July 1, 2016, the preceding requirement has been temporarily suspended, (see FCC-15-135A1). A proposal is being considered to permanently discontinue the requirement to file an FCC Form 740. (see
(FCC 15-92).The suspension of FCC Form 740 only eliminates the requirement to file the form.
Importation of radio frequency equipment still requires that the product:
(1) Has the required FCC equipment authorization;
(2) Is only being imported for evaluation;
(3) Is only being imported for demonstration at a trade show; or
(4) Meets one of the conditions as permitted in Section 2.1204 (see Question 3 of the Equipment Authorization Importation website).
For more information, see the Equipment Authorization - Importation website.
- Import Shipments Containing Rosewood:
U.S. imports of rosewood - only manufactured items (e.g., furniture, musical instruments, car interiors) are allowed if the shipper provides a validated (signed) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permit for export from the shippers origin country or territory.
- Shipments of footwear must include a completed footwear declaration and submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Soil samples must be shipped to an approved lab and the consignee must have a USDA permit.
If the consignee does not have the permit, they must contact the USDA by telephone at 1-301-734-8716.
- Anti-dumping duties apply to spherical plain bearings manufactured in France.
- Portable storage media devices shipped commercially containing software, music, video or pictures are subject to duty and require a commercial invoice.
- Tableware items require FDA clearance.
- Anti-dumping duties apply to tapered roller bearings manufactured in China.
- Televisions with cathode ray tubes require FDA clearance.
- A Textile Declaration is no longer required for textile and apparel shipments entering the United States. In lieu of the Textile Declaration, CBP requires the shipper to report the complete name and address information of the manufacturer for each article within the shipment. Other information formerly on the Textile Declaration is still required on the Commercial Invoice or other supporting documentation, including the fabric content, whether the article is knitted or woven, the weight and dimensions of fabric, and gender.
- Per administrative message TBT-09-007 issued by Customs and Border Protection on June 10, 2009, with the elimination of the visa arrangements, the provision that allows for properly marked commercial samples no longer applies. Samples entering the United States must now meet the mutilated guidelines as described below.
Mutilated Samples
HTS subheading 9811.00.60, provides for duty/quota free entry of articles used in the U.S. as samples to solicit orders for goods from foreign countries or territories provided that they are 1) valued at not more than $1 each or 2) marked, torn, perforated or otherwise treated in a manner that renders them unsuitable for resale.
Mutilation must occur before importation into the U.S. and the invoice must state "Mutilated Samples - 9811.00.60" before importation into the U.S.
In order for the mutilation requirement to be satisfied through marking, the word "Sample" must be in a contrasting color to the garment and must appear on a prominent area of the garment which will be visible when worn. The word "Sample" must be at least one inch in height and two inches in length and written in indelible ink or paint.
Mutilation may also be achieved by making a cut or tear in the garment. The cut must be at least two inches in length and must be made to the outside of the garment.
If importing fabric swatches, the maximum size of eight inches by eight inches is allowed to be entered under 9811.00.60 without mutilation.
Formal entry is required for mutilated samples valued at greater than US$2000.00.
- Customs and Border Protection has recently issued an administrative message TBT-09-007 "Amendment to Formal Entry Requirements for Textiles".
As a result, current procedures for textile entries will change according to the following guidelines:
- Textiles valued at $200.49 or less should be processed as a Section 321.
- Textiles valued between $200.50 and $250.49 should be processed as Informal.
- Textiles valued over $250.49 should be submitted as Formal.
- With the elimination of the visa arrangements, the provision that allows for properly marked commercial samples no longer applies. Samples entering the United States must now meet the mutilated samples guidelines as described in HTS chapter 98 under subheading 9811.00.60.
A few limited entry type exceptions, for example imports for U.S. Government Agencies, all U.S. Import entries value over $2500.49 USD require the Importer of Record to have Customs Bond. So, a presumption must be made that all private entities acting as importer of record must have a bond. The bond is the financial guarantee payable to U.S. Customs as sole beneficiary that import entry will be made, completed, lawful duties, and fees paid, and compliance with all applicable U.S. laws.
For textiles to the U.S. if FTA is not claimed then UPS may be importer of record, up to $50,000.49 USD. Therefore, the consignee is not required to give UPS POA. Subsequently, they are not required to secure bond in there name. UPS assumes liability as importer of record and UPS's bond guarantees the entry.
For textiles to the U.S. valued over $200.49 USD if FTA is claimed, except for NAFTA eligible shipments via certain modes of transport, then UPS may not be importer of record. UPS must secure the POA from the consignee, or other financially interested party, to make entry in their name. That party as importer of record must have a bond in their name. If a continuous bond is not already on file then UPS will execute single transaction bond in their name based on the POA's authority. A single transaction bond will carry a $4 premium charge per $1000 in surety coverage, rounded up, with a minimum of $40 USD. So a shipment bonded up to $10,000 USD will be covered by the $40.00 minimum.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has eliminated the need for Textile Declaration for textile and wearing apparel goods into the U.S. Instead CBP has amended the reporting requirements for importers to identify the manufacturer of textile and apparel products through a manufacturer identification code (MID). The MID is a critical element of an importer's obligation to report information to CBP on customs entries. The MID is formulated by UPS Supply Chain Solutions using information provided by the U.S. importer. For textile and apparel products subject to the updated Declaration regulations, the importer will now be required to furnish sufficient information to meet the new MID requirements. These requirements are to provide the following:
- Full name and address of the manufacturer performing the country or territory of origin conferring operations of each textile and apparel product.
- When textile and apparel products from multiple manufacturers are contained in a shipment, the full name and address of each manufacturer performing the country or territory of origin conferring operations must be identified separately.
A detailed description and information is imperative to ensure compliance since the regulations clearly state that the importer must be able to demonstrate their use of reasonable care in determining who the manufacturer is that performs the country or territory of origin conferring operations.
Although CBP has eliminated the Textile Declaration, the new MID procedures call for additional compliance measures by importers. If a MID does not meet the new requirements, CBP can deny entry of the shipment and, possibly, impose penalties for failure to exercise reasonable care. As a consequence, together with their suppliers, importers should have procedures in place to ensure proper identification of the entity that performs the country or territory of origin conferring operations and to communicate that information to UPS Supply Chain Solutions.
- All commercial imports of finished tobacco products require a valid Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) permit prior to entry. For more information on applying for a permit, contact the ATF or see http://www.atf.gov/alcohol/info/faq/subpages/f52304.pdf
Excise taxes are required on all finished tobacco products.
Previously exported, U.S. manufactured tobacco shipments can only be imported by a manufacturer of tobacco products, or an export warehouse proprietor. Individual consumers cannot import previously exported, U.S. manufactured tobacco products as a retail purchase (only if the individual owned the goods prior to export). They can, however, import previously exported, foreign-made tobacco products (quantity limited).
UPS is prohibited from delivering cigarettes in New York unless the receiver is a licensed retailer or wholesaler, a bonded Customs warehouse, or a federal or government official. Cigars and chewing tobacco products are not prohibited.
You may not import tobacco products originating from Cuba.
- NOAA form 370 is required to ship Tuna to the United States unless it is fresh Tuna. Please see below the link to get the form needed for import.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/dolphinsafe/importation_2.htm#top
- These items require FDA clearance.
- All veterinary products, such as surgical and hospital instruments, medicine or vitamins, dental instruments, and other products for animals, require FDA clearance.
- Shipments of nutritional supplements or vitamins must contain the following information on the invoice:
- Clearly write the type of supplement or vitamin.
- Describe the purpose of the supplement or vitamin.
- State the recommended dosage.
The following may also be required:
- A copy of the prescription if the product is prescribed
- A copy of the individual's proof of foreign citizenship (for example, a visa, passport, green card, or work permit) if the consignee is not a U.S. citizen
There is no limit on quantity.
- Each watch component is subject to duty at a separate rate based upon its composition.
Shipments of watches and watch movements must contain the following information on the invoice:
- List specific values for these watch components: battery (if applicable), case, movement, and strap or bracelet
- Describe the type of movement, such as quartz analog, digital, or opto-electronic, or mechanical (non-battery operated). Indicate how many jewels are included, if applicable.
- Describe the composition of the case, such as precious metal, base metal clad or plated with precious metal, or entirely of base metal.
- Describe the composition of the strap or bracelet, such as leather, textile, base metal, base metal plated or clad with precious metal, or entirely of precious metal.
Rolex Watches
To protect their trademark, Rolex has registered their trademark with the Intellectual Property Rights Branch of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Customs tightly controls the importation of Rolex watches. To import a Rolex watch into the U.S., the importer must provide proof to Rolexs attorney that the watch was purchased abroad from an authorized dealer. Customs holds all shipments until proper authorization has been obtained.
Allow at least 2 weeks for Customs clearance.
If the watch was not purchased from an authorized dealer, it will either be seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or be returned to the shipper at the discretion of Rolex.
- Small Package Personal Wine Shipments
Commercial wine and beer shipments are accepted to all US states (including District of Columbia.)
For a commercial shipment destined for the U.S., the shipper must validate with the US importer (licensed business ...i.e. Liquor Store, Wine Distributer) the following prior to shipping:
- Certificate of Label Approval (COLA) or COLA Waiver has been obtained and is available upon the request of US Customs and or the TTB at the time of import
- The US importer has a valid Basic Importer s Permit issued by the TTB
Please refer to the above link for States that allow personal wine shipments with quantity limitations.
- For more information regarding the Lacey Act, please refer to the "Agriculture" section of Commodity Specific Stipulations.
U.S. Regulation
(2) Marking. The wood packaging material must be marked in a visible location on each article, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article, with a legible and permanent mark that indicates that the article meets the requirements of this paragraph. The mark must be approved by the International Plant Protection Convention in its International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures to certify that wood packaging material has been subjected to an approved measure, and must include a unique graphic symbol, the ISO two-letter country or territory code for the country or territory that produced the wood packaging material, a unique number assigned by the national plant protection agency of that country or territory to the producer of the wood packaging material, and an abbreviation disclosing the type of treatment (for example , HT for heat treatment or MB for methyl bromide fumigation). The currently approved format for the mark is as follows, where XX would be replaced by the country or territory code, 000 by the producer number, and YY by the treatment type (HT or MB):
(3) Immediate reexport of regulated wood packaging material without required mark. An inspector at the port of first arrival may order the immediate reexport of regulated wood packaging material that is imported without the mark required by paragraph (b)(2) of this section, in addition to or in lieu of any port of first arrival procedures required by § 319.40-9 of this part.
For more information click here to go to the IPPC site