【USA】Basic Importing and Exporting

Editor’s Note

This article underscores the shared duty between CBP and trade stakeholders to ensure compliance with import/export regulations. Familiarity with applicable laws and collaboration with CBP are essential to protect consumers from unsafe or counterfeit goods. The guidance provided here helps clarify specific requirements, including those from Partner Government Agencies.

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Both CBP and the importing/exporting community have a shared responsibility to maximize compliance with laws and regulations. In carrying out this task, CBP encourages importers/exporters to become familiar with applicable laws and regulations and work together with the CBP Office of Trade to protect American consumers from harmful and counterfeit imports by ensuring the goods that enter the U.S. marketplace are genuine, safe, and lawfully sourced.

The information on this page promotes the understanding of this responsibility, as there may be specific requirements related to a particular commodity, such as those set by Partner Government Agencies (PGA).

Tips for New Importers and Exporters

Importing

  • Video: Introduction to the CBP Import Process
  • Importing Into the United States
  • Centers of Excellence and Expertise

E-commerce

  • E-Commerce and Section 321 Shipments
    • Section 321(a)(2)(C) of the Tariff Act of 1930, as amended, authorizes CBP to provide an administrative exemption from duty and tax for shipments of qualified imports of not more than $800 fair retail value. This exemption is known as a de minimis entry. CBP has implemented two new test programs to monitor Section 321 shipments in the e-commerce environment to protect against illegitimate trade while providing the public the benefits of duty-free shipments for qualified imports. To learn more about these programs, select program overview.

Exporting

  • Electronic Export Information
  • Export Licenses
  • Exporting a Motor Vehicle
  • Changes to the Foreign Trade Regulations Export Requirements
  • Department of State Import and Export Filings for Licenses and License Exemptions
  • Introduction To U.S. Export Controls for the Commercial Space Industry
Processing
  • User Fee, Transponder, and Decal Information
  • *NOTICE* Effective November 1, Customers Required to Use Online System
  • *NOTICE* The optional shipping methods for Canada and Mexico have changed
  • CBP Procedures to Investigate Trade Related Allegations
  • Enforce and Protect Act information
  • Federal Register Notice Interim Final Rule (IFR) providing procedures for filing allegations
Duties, Taxes, and Fees

This webpage provides useful information about how to pay CBP duties, taxes, and fees. This page will be updated periodically to reflect changes in policy.

  • Fees Information
  • Air/Sea Passenger User Fees and Railroad Car Fee
  • Customs Broker Fees
  • Decal and Transponder Online Procurement System (DTOPS)
  • User Fee, Transponder, and Decal Information
  • User Fee Table

Payment Guidance

  • Acceptable Electronic Payment Methods
  • ACE Periodic Monthly Statements Fact Sheet
  • Automated Clearinghouse (ACH)
  • Payment Mailing Addresses
  • Periodic Monthly Statement and Bill Payments

Failure to make a payment or provide legal justification of non-payment may result in suspension of immediate release privileges in accordance with 19 CFR 142.26. If payment is not received by CBP on or before the late payment date appearing on the bill, interest charges will be assessed upon the delinquent principal amount of the bill in accordance with 19 CFR 24.3a.

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⏰ Published on: October 14, 2025