How to Import Fireworks

Many U.S. wholesalers look to foreign countries to buy fireworks.

In the United States, celebrations like Independence Day and New Year's Day conjure up images of exploding fireworks. Many fireworks wholesalers in the U.S. look to foreign countries for their inventory. These wholesalers must have an importing license and follow certain steps to import the fireworks.

Things You'll Need

• Importing license

Instructions

1. Set up an import business. Prepare to fill out paperwork to get your business incorporated and to obtain an importer's license. Every state has different laws regulating import businesses, so expect to follow different protocol depending on the state you do business in.

2. Find the best manufacturer for your needs. If you're unsure where to start, contact a fireworks distribution business in your locale. If this business has an importer's license, and does not consider you a direct competitor, it might offer some helpful advice.

3. Prepare to spend at least $40,000, as of August 2011, for an imported fireworks shipment. The bulk of the cost goes to the container, shipping and duty fees. Most exporters will only ship oversees if the order is substantial, meaning the order fills an entire container. Plan on purchasing up to 1,000 cases of fireworks.

References

• Spirit of '76: Import Fireworks
• Entrepreneur: How to Start an Import/Export Business

Resources

• Washington Post: China's Fireworks a Trusted Import
• AFSL: About Us
• U.S. Census Bureau: Foreign Trade