How to Apply for an Import License

An import license is just a formal document allowing a person or group to bring in goods from outside its own borders. According to the United States Department of Commerce, a person does not always need to get an import license. She may still need governmental authorization, however.



U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), formed in 2003, is the primary agency that deals with licensing and governmental import authorizations. There are offices located throughout the U.S.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine what you will import and how much. This will dictate whether you need to have a license or authorization. This is important because certain imports are subject to different federal regulations. Importing items subject to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), cheese or dairy, for example, requires a license. Currently, bringing in petroleum products only requires import authorization.

2. Obtain an import number of record. If you are in business already, use your tax identification number. The government also suggests a person or group get a surety bond if it will be importing items of high value. Get a bond if you think the dollar value of what you want to import will exceed $2,000. Consider this a form of insurance if something unforeseen happens.

3. Contact a customs broker or other brokerage service, which charges a relatively small fee for its services. It may be a good idea to utilize this type of service, at least until you are ready to go out on your own.

4. Get a list of ports of entry. There are more than 300 ports of entry into the United States. These are the places where items are examined and taxes may be levied. Tariffs also may be determined by not only the import item, but by its location. If you can pay less tax by having an import come in elsewhere, it may be a good idea to do so.

5. Contact the appropriate agency or consulate of the country from where you will be receiving your imports. There may be additional requirements beyond U.S. regulatory law. Find out if the country is in good trade standing with the U.S.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that while you may not be required to get a license for some items, importing them may require that you pay fees or tariffs. There will be taxes on everything you import, so you may want to find out if your efforts will be worth all the trouble.

• Getting an your import credentials can be a complicated endeavor. Enlist an attorney versed in importation rules and regulations, if necessary.

References

• American Importers: U.S. Import Requirements
• Department of Homeland Security: Guide for Commercial Importers

Resources

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Agriculture