These days lots of things can slow down your container – from carrier cancellations to port disruptions to labor shortages. Things that are totally out of your control. So why in the world would you risk delays and added costs from something that's totally in your control – shipping paperwork?
Get your shipping documents for export right and avoid shipment delays, customs inspections, unhappy customers, and disputes about who pays for added fees.
When you bring goods into the US, of course you expect to pay for transportation. But as you plan an import, remember that it also costs money to clear the cargo through US Customs, even when the product isn’t subject to any duties.
How much does customs clearance cost? As with so much in life, it depends.
Every 5 years, the World Customs Organization updates the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS) that classifies the products you buy and sell and, in part, determines the duty you pay. WCO just finished is latest update, which went into effect in the US on January 27. It’s wise to revisit the HS codes for Customs you have been using in light of these recent changes.
When you import goods into the US, the customs clearance process could be painless. With electronic transactions, and a professional customs broker to get the job done, your cargo should usually enter the country without trouble.
But some unlucky importers make mistakes that cost them time and/or money, or may even get them into legal hot water. Here are six common pitfalls to avoid.
