How to Obtain an Import License

You may not require an import license, dependent on what you are importing.

The matter of import licenses is complex, since some types of commodities require licenses and some do not, and these requirements are regulated by varying government entities. The United States Customs and Border Control (CBP) enforces the regulations of the agencies involved. For example, the Food and Drug Administrations requires food imports to have licenses, and Customs and Border Control will ensure that imports are appropriately licensed. Customs brokers can assist importers to navigate the import process. To import items you must essentially complete CBP forms providing details including four important pieces of information: license details, if a license is required for the commodity; importer number; the dutiable value of the commodities; and the classification number of the commodities.

Instructions

1. Contact CBP to familiarize yourself with import procedures and regulations. CBP's website offers a wealth of useful information, a checklist to review before buying from abroad. According to CBP "The US Customs Service does not require an importer to have a license or permit. Other agencies may require a permit, license, or other certification, depending on what is being imported."

2. Determine if what you want to import requires a license by checking with the government agency that regulates those commodities. You must then follow their specific instructions for obtaining the license from them. The CBP will assist you in connecting with the government agency you need for the commodity you intend to import.

3. Ensure that you have a CBP importer number. This is your IRS business registration number. If you are not registered as a business with the IRS as a business, you can use your Social Security number as your importer number. If you do not wish to use your Social Security number, you can request a CBP assigned number by completing CBP Form 5106 and presenting it at a CBP port of entry.

4. Price your commodities to determine how much duty you must pay on your imports. All imports are goods subject to duty or enter duty-free in accordance with their classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The duty is basically determined by the transaction value, which is the price you paid for the commodities.

5. Assign the correct classification number to your commodities. Issued by the United States International Trade Commission, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States, details the classification of commodities by type of product.

References

• Customs and Border Control: Basic Importing and Exporting
• Small Business and Technology Development Center: Services: Imports
• American Importers: U.S. Import Requirements

Resources

• Entrepreneur