Import

An import is the process of bringing goods into a country from a foreign origin for commercial purposes. When goods cross an international border into a country, they become imports subject to customs clearance, import duty assessment, and compliance with the destination country’s import regulations. The party responsible for completing the import process is called the importer of record.

Importing requires: filing the appropriate customs entry documentation (in the U.S., a CBP Form 3461 for informal entry or CF-7501 for formal entry), paying applicable import duties and taxes, and complying with agency requirements beyond CBP (FDA for food and drugs, EPA for vehicles and chemicals, USDA for agricultural products, etc.). Most commercial importers work with a licensed customs broker to manage the compliance and documentation requirements. Customs authorities release cleared goods into domestic commerce after all requirements are satisfied.