How to Import Metal Working Machines
Metal has been an important part of human civilization since gold and other precious metals were discovered by ancient Egyptians in 3400 B.C. While metal production has continuously evolved into complex metal working machinery, the basic concept of heating and shaping metal still exists in this day and age. Metal working machines manufactured overseas can be imported into the United States by using a freight forwarder and complying with existing import laws set forth by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.
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Instructions
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Use the United States trade commission website to find the proper Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) of your freight. You must declare a HTS classification number in order to have your shipment cleared for entry into the U.S. by customs officials. Your HTS number will also determine the amount of duties (import taxes) to be paid to customs.
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Call or email your freight forwarding company to request help with your import. This company will handle the outbound and inbound logistics of moving your metal working machines from overseas into the U.S. Provide all information related to the shipment including the HTS classification number, the port of export, port of import, value, weight and dimensions of machinery. Your freight forwarding company will contact the exporting company and will request a commercial invoice and packing list. These two documents are required for all international shipments and contain a detailed description of the goods, as well as the terms and conditions of sale.
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Advise your freight forwarder which U.S. port you want to use. Advise if you would like to pick up the freight yourself from the port or if you wish to receive delivery to your business. Your forwarder will arrange the shipment with a certified ocean carrier.
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Contract a customs broker to assist you with customs clearance. A customs broker is certified to request "Authority to Make Entry" for imports into the U.S. The easiest way to find a customs broker is to ask your freight forwarder for a recommendation.
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You will be notified when your shipment reaches the U.S. and has been released for entry. Either pick up your shipment, or wait for the shipment to be delivered to you, based on your agreement with your freight forwarder.
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Tips & Warnings
All import documents must be presented to U.S. customs within 15 calendar days of arrival to the U.S.
Appropriate duties must be paid before machines are released by customs for entry.
Make sure machines are properly classified to avoid hold-ups with U.S. customs.
References
- Photo Credit Milling machine is cutting metal image by Andrei Merkulov from Fotolia.com
