While it is relatively easy to use the Internet in order to find Chinese suppliers, it is imperative that you do adequate research and due diligence before placing an order. The truth is that more than a few eager buyers have jumped into a sales deal in the past for a legitimate sounding transaction, only to be ripped off by a shady supplier or con artist. Unfortunately, there is oftentimes little recourse for the buyer in these situations.

Perhaps the most popular website used to find Chinese manufacturers is Alibaba.com. In fact, Alibaba has products from all over the world, so you can use them to find all kind of international suppliers. Of course, the site is not free of fraud, so it is up to you to use the tools Alibaba supply along with your own commonsense and discretion when choosing who to do business with. Whenever possible, it is recommended to start with an order of samples in order to gauge product quality as well as create a base relationship with the supplier.

Another site that is frequently used to find reputable Chinese suppliers is EC21. EC21 offers a layer of protection by performing credit checks on the companies listed, and ensuring that they are registered businesses.  There may of course be other similar websites, but these (Alibaba and Ec21) are two of the biggest and the ones I would recommend to start with.

I would certainly not recommended starting out with a large order when dealing with a supplier you do not have experience with. A few small orders will allow you to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company that meets your quality requirements. After this is established you can negotiate better rates for larger orders. Also stay away from listings for commonly counterfeit goods such as brand name handbags, as you will almost certainly end up with illegal items.

• Ensure each supplier is authentic with a legally registered business
• They confirm that the listed contact person represents the registered company
• A Global Sources Rep visits the company 3 or more times to ensure they are export-ready, and have real offices and products
• They check that the company information is valid and accurate
• They reject any suppliers that do not meet the standards of our community
• Global Sources works closely with intellectual property rights holders to remove any infringing products listed

Global Sources holds 20 category specific trade shows each year in Dubai, Shanghai, Mumbai and Hong Kong. Watch a few of the trade show videos

Global Sources publishes trade catalogs based upon several different categories of merchandise. Subscriptions are fee based, but you can get a complimentary copy here.

If you are thinking about importing apparel, electronics, jewelry and other lines of merchandise you should review further details about Global Sources.

The most common import / export documents used are:

Trade inquiry-A trade inquiry is a written request by an importer to the exporter for supply of information regarding the price and various other terms and conditions on which the latter exports goods.

Proforma invoice: A proforma invoice is a document that contains details regarding the quality, design, grade, size, weight and price of the export item, and the terms and conditions of which the export will take place.

Shipment advice: This is a document that the exporter sends to the importer informing the importer that the shipment of goods has been made. Shipment of advice contains information such as the invoice number, bill of lading/airways bill number and date, the port of export, name of the vessel with date, description of goods and quantity, and the date of sailing of the vessel.

Import order or intent: This is a document in which the buyer (importer) orders for supply of the required goods to the supplier (exporter). The indent contains information such as quantity and quality of goods to be imported, method of forwarding the goods, price to be charged, mode of payment, nature of packing, etc.

Letter of credit: This document contains a guarantee from the importer’s bank to the exporter’s bank, which basically honors the payment of the merchandise being shipped after receipt and inspection.

Bill of lading: This document is prepared and signed by the master of the ship acknowledging the receipt of goods on board. It contains terms and conditions on which the goods are to be taken to the port of destination.

Bill of exchange: This is a written instrument whereby the person issuing the instrument directs the other party to pay a specified amount to a certain person or the bearer of the instrument. In the context of an export-import transaction, bill of exchange is drawn by the exporter on the importer asking the latter to pay a certain amount to a certain person or the bearer of the bill of exchange. The documents giving title to the export consignment are passed on to the importer only when the importer accepts the order contained in the bill of exchange.

I was shocked at what some of the medium and large size paintings were going for. The pricing did not seem to detour many shoppers from snatching up landscapes, portraits and abstract themed paintings. I knew that the vendors who were selling were not the artists because I asked a few about the works. One fellow explained he buys bulk loads of hand painted artwork and resells them at craft and art shows throughout the state. Interesting.

When we got home after what seemed like an eternity to me, I immediately went to my computer and started researching wholesale oil paintings. I found a few dealers online who sell paintings, one in particular that is located in China. Deep sigh…..yeah, you have to import the paintings, but pricing looks reasonable. I went ahead and chatted online with one of the sales Reps and they were very helpful in answering the questions that I had. My biggest concern was shipping as far as how they pack the paintings. I was told they ship in custom hardboard tubes, which can hold up to 30 24 X 36 paintings! Paintings are shipped un-stretched.

The China Wholesaler is DouPine.com and the minimum quantity for each order is 100 paintings, mix and match. I was told that new buyers can order small quantities as a sample order to get a feel for quality and time in transit.

Here is the price list:

20 x 24 inches on canvas $5.95 each
24 x 36 inches on canvas $9.55 each
36 x 48 inches on canvas $17.95 each

With pricing this low you could set up shop at fairs, malls and even open a small retail art studio. If you are uncomfortable importing paintings I did find smaller lots of hand painted oil paintings on Liquidation.com. Once on the auction site perform an advance search by seller FramedArt123

This website I am about to share with you will give you the powerful tools necessary to connect you with manufacturers around the World in a SAFE trading capacity. You will be able to browse manufacturers by product and pricing and finally connect with suppliers who can take your business to the next level!

Want to buy below wholesale…..Go right to the manufacturer for:

Electronics, Apparel, General Merchandise, Motorcycles, Scooters, Cell Phones, Jewelry, Handbags, Computer Hardware / Software, Food, Gifts, Crafts, Lighting, Luggage, Hardware, Tools, Toys and Much More!

You will be able to browse manufacturers and view offerings from the comfort of your home! In addition many of the suppliers on this website offer video tours of their manufacturing plants so you can visually see the company and facility which will manufacturer your products!

Free solution to find international product buyers and suppliers. Trade Alerts from Alibaba.com. Click Here Now!

Post a buying Lead – Looking to purchase or import a product? Simple, enter details about what you are looking for including a description, keywords, photos and other product characteristics. Suppliers and manufacturers will contact you either anonymously or direct by email and phone!

Post a Selling Lead - Alibaba.com is a great way to sell overstocks, over-runs and excess products. Fro this tab you will enter complete item details with Alibaba’s WYSIWYG editor (What You See Is What You Get). There is not HTML knowledge needed, the interface will format your description like a Pro! The form also allows you to enter a few photos of your item. Next step is to list your FOB point, preferred Currency, Payment Terms, Minimum Order Quantity and a few other selling details. Alibaba will handle bringing you buyer leads once this form is completed!

Whether Buying or Selling through Alibaba.com, this website will allow you to keep and organize your trade contacts. Contact management offers the ability to store company and individual details including website’s, physical address’ and other supplier/buyer notes!

Counterfeiting is defined as the of a product and unauthorized use of another’s trademark (registered brand name, logo, scent, design, etc.). The counterfeit, identical in appearance, gives the impression of being the genuine product from the real manufacturer. Of course a knockoff is only meaningful if the genuine article is well-known and in demand. Therefore, most knockoffs are of luxury goods carrying a well known trademark. They are a deliberate attempt at deceiving consumers into thinking they are buying products made by a reputable manufacturer when they are, in fact, purchasing inferior copies.

The other troublesome area to be aware of is, “Grey Market Goods” which are not generally illegal. Instead, this classification of merchandise is being sold outside of the normal distribution channels by companies which may have no relationship with the producer of the goods. One example of how Grey Market goods might surface would be due to a third party manufacturer who has received an order for lets say 50,000 Polo shirts from a legitimate label, like Ralph Lauren. The manufacturer after completing the order realizes that there is left-over material [purchased by Ralph Lauren] and decides to make another 2,000 (unauthorized) shirts with it to distribute through the Grey Market. It does occur enough to warrant stricter monitoring of the industry overall. This is just one example of how Grey Market goods show up at a very reasonable price.

If you find a wholesale offer for high end labels like Diesel, Rock and Republic & Seven for all Mankind proceed with caution. I have two great educational websites to pass on to you today called, HonestForum.com and Designerjeansguide.com. Both of the websites are an excellent source for distinguishing “Fakes” from “The Real Deal”. Hundreds of pictures and forum posts to educate you the buyer.

This Post Was Brought To You By

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Learn how, what and where to buy products at true wholesale prices to sell on eBay or your web site. The Wholesale Buying System was written for eBay sellers by a PowerSeller who sells on eBay every day.

If you are going to import goods to sell on eBay or from your website, you will want to work with a customs broker. But before calling a customs broker, it helps to become familiar with US Import Regulations.

This article is intended as a general explanation of import requirements for a person interested in establishing an importing business or a person who may be importing something for personal use only – not for resale.

We at Customs want to help expedite the movement of goods in international trade. Continual review of methods and procedures and the enactment of new laws create constant change. Therefore, we encourage you to obtain more specific import information from a Customs officer at the port nearest your residence. A list of our ports of entry may be found on www.customs.gov.

To speed customs clearance, the import community and the Customs Service have created the Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS), which electronically receives and processes entry documentation and provides cargo disposition information. Cargo carriers, customs brokers, and importers may use the system, which reduces clearance time from days to hours or even minutes. Persons entering into the importing trade who intend to file their own entry documentation with Customs are encouraged to explore this method of transacting business. Also, those importing merchandise either for their own use or for commercial transactions may use a customs broker who transacts customs business using the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) in combination with ACS.

Get Started with Importing!

Additional information on importing can be found on the Customs web site at www.customs.gov.Contents
Import Requirements
Arrival of Goods
Formal vs. Informal Entry
Formal Entry of Goods
Other Types of Entry
Classification
Determining Admissibility/Customs Examination of Goods
Protest
Mail Shipments
Restricted Merchandise
Foreign Assets Control
Publications
Customs Regulations of the United States
Customs Bulletin
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)
Yes You Can…On ABI
ABI Overview
Importing Into the United States (DOC) (PDF)
Customs Bonds Q & A
Customs Bonded Warehouse
Import Quotas
International Mail Imports
Marking of Country of Origin
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA):
A Guide to Customs Procedures
Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB)
U.S. Customs Service Ports of Entry

Get Started with Importing!

Import Requirements
An individual may make his/her own Customs clearance of goods imported for personal use or business. All merchandise coming into the United States must clear Customs and is subject to a Customs duty unless specifically exempted by law. Clearance involves a number of steps: entry, inspection, appraisement, classification and liquidation.· The U.S. 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. Customs entry forms do ask for your importer number. This is either your IRS business registration number, or if your business is not registered with the IRS or you do not have a business, your social security number.· The importer must declare the dutiable value of merchandise. The final appraisement is fixed by Customs. Several appraisement methods are used to arrive at this value. The transaction value serves as the primary basis of appraisement. Transaction value is the price actually paid or payable by the buyer to the seller for the goods imported. Other factors may also add to the dutiable value of merchandise, such as packing costs, selling commissions, royalty or licensing fees, etc. When the transaction value cannot be determined, then the value of the imported goods being appraised is the transaction value of identical merchandise. If merchandise identical to the imported goods cannot be found or an acceptable transaction value for such merchandise does not exist, then the value is the transaction value of similar merchandise. Similar merchandise means merchandise that is produced in the same country and by the same person as the merchandise being appraised. It must be commercially interchangeable with the merchandise being appraised. The identical or similar merchandise must have been exported to the United States at or about the same time the merchandise being appraised is exported to the United States.· The importer must determine the classification number of the merchandise being imported. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), issued by the United States International Trade Commission, prescribes the classification of merchandise by type of product; e.g., animal and vegetable products, textile fibers and textile products.

· The importer must pay estimated duties and processing fees if applicable. Customs makes the final determination of the correct rate of duty. The duty rate of an item is tied to its classification number. The HTSUS provides several rates of duty for each item: general rates for countries with which we maintain normal trade relations (NTR); special rates for special programs (free, or lower than the rates currently accorded NTR countries); and column 2 rates for imports not eligible for either general or special rates. Customs duties are generally assessed at ad valorem rates, a percentage of which is applied to the dutiable value of the imported goods. Some articles, however, are dutiable at a specific rate (so much per piece, liter, kilo, etc); others at a compound rate of duty (i.e., combination of both ad valorem and specific rates).

· If formal entry is required – the importer may have to post a surety bond.

· It is the importers responsibility to ensure that his or her goods being imported meet admissibility requirements – such as proper marking, safety standards, etc. – and that the proper permits, if required, have been obtained in advance of the goods arriving in the United States.

Arrival of Goods

Imported goods may not legally enter U.S. commerce until the shipment has arrived within the port of entry and Customs has authorized delivery of the merchandise. This is normally accomplished by filing the appropriate documents, either by the importer or by the importer’s agent. To expedite this process, Customs entry papers may be presented before the merchandise arrives, but entry will not take place until the merchandise arrives within the port limits.

The Customs Service does not notify the importer of the arrival of the shipment. The carrier of the goods usually makes notification of arrival. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the importer or their agent is informed immediately of arrival so that the entry can be filed and delays in obtaining the goods avoided.

The Customs Service defines “entry” not merely as the arrival of goods at a port, but as the process of presenting documentation for clearing goods through Customs. Imported merchandise not entered through Customs in a timely manner (within 15 calendar days of arrival) is sent by Customs to a general order warehouse to be held as unclaimed. The importer is responsible for paying storage charges while unclaimed merchandise is held at the warehouse. If it remains unclaimed at the end of six months, the merchandise is sold at auction.

Some type of Customs entry must be made at the first port of arrival. Ordinarily entry is made there for consumption, for entry into a bonded warehouse, or for transportation in bond to another port where a consumption or warehouse entry will be made. If an importer is unable to be there to prepare and file the entry, commercial brokers, known as customs brokers and licensed by the Customs Service, may act as an agent for the importer. These brokers charge a fee for their services. A list of customs brokers may be obtained from the local Customs office or found in the yellow pages of the local telephone directory.

In the case of a single noncommercial shipment, a relative or other individual may act as the importer’s agent for customs purposes. This person must know the facts pertaining to the shipment and must be authorized in writing to act for the importer.

The law prohibits Customs employees from performing these tasks for the importing public. However, they will advise and give information to importers about Customs requirements.

Formal vs. Informal Entry

Informal entries cover personal shipments, commercial shipments and mail shipments that are being entered for consumption, i.e. for use or sale. In most cases informal entry can be used if the merchandise is valued at $2000 or less. There are some exceptions such as textiles, certain types of footwear and other goods subject to quota/visa restrictions. Personal shipments valued over $2000 will also require a formal entry. The difference between an informal entry and a formal entry is the bond requirement and the liquidation process. Liquidation is the final computation of duties or drawback accruing to an entry and is the final step in the entry process.

Formal entries are generally commercial shipments supported by a surety bond to ensure payment of duties and compliance with Customs requirements. A bond is like an insurance policy that is payable to Customs in the event that the importer does not comply with import requirements. Having a bond on file, allows an importer to take possession of his merchandise before the payment of duties, taxes and fees. Bonds can be obtained from a surety, which is an insurance company that has been authorized by the Treasury Department to write Customs bonds.

A port director can require a formal entry for any importation if he or she deems it necessary for the protection of the revenue or for admissibility or enforcement issues.

Goods admitted as informal entries do not require the posting of a bond and goods are liquidated on the spot. After the importer receives notification of the arrival of merchandise from the carrier and it is determined that all shipping charges are satisfied an invoice is presented to Customs. When an informal entry is being made, the inspector, not the importer, is responsible for determining the classification number of the goods being imported. The inspector also completes the Customs forms used for informal entry.

Formal Entry of Goods To make or file a consumption entry (for imported goods going directly into the commerce of the United States without any time or use restrictions placed on them) the following documents are generally required:1. A bill of lading, airway bill, or carrier’s certificate (naming the consignee for customs purposes) as evidence of the consignee’s right to make entry.

2. A commercial invoice obtained from the seller, which shows the value and description of the merchandise.

3. Entry manifest (Customs Form 7533) or Entry/Immediate Delivery (Customs Form 3461).

4. Packing lists, if appropriate, and other documents necessary to determine whether the merchandise may be admitted.

When a consumption entry is filed, the importer indicates the tariff classification and pays any estimated duty and processing fee. A surety bond containing various conditions, including a provision for paying any increased duty that may be found to be owed at a later date, may also be required.

Other Types of Entry

Imported goods may be sent in-bond from the first port of arrival to another Customs port. In-bond entries postpone final Customs formalities including payment of duty and processing fees, until the goods arrive at the final port. Arrangements for in-bond shipments should be made before the goods leave the country of export.

Imported merchandise may also be sent to a bonded warehouse under a warehouse entry. Duties and processing fees are not paid on warehoused merchandise until the goods are withdrawn for consumption. Storage fees are paid to the warehouse proprietor by the importer.

Classification

All goods that enter the United States are categorized according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. The act of placing goods into the correct category is called classification.

Classification determines how much duty will be collected. Classification is more than simply looking up an item in an index. It is a very complicated process requiring the application of the General Rules of Interpretation; the section, chapter and subheading notes; and the Explanatory Notes. The importer is responsible for properly classifying his merchandise before entry. If he is not sure how to properly classify an item, he can submit a request, in writing, for a binding classification ruling to the National Commodity Specialist Division, U.S. Customs, Attn: Classification Ruling Requests, New York, NY 10048. The rulings will be binding at all ports of entry unless revoked by the Headquarters’ Office of Regulations and Rulings. If an importer is not satisfied with the binding ruling received from New York, he or she can appeal it to the Headquarters’ Office of Regulations and Rulings, Washington, DC 20229. The Customs Service will not issue binding rulings in response to oral requests. Import Specialists can give oral advisory rulings but the classification-related opinions or advice of Customs Service personnel at one port are not binding on the Customs ports elsewhere. Oral inquiries may be made to Customs offices regarding existing binding rulings that might cover your importation. Binding rulings may also be researched on the Customs web site at www.customs.gov.

Determining Admissibility/Customs Examination of Goods

In simple cases involving small shipments or certain classes of goods such as bulk shipments, examination may be made on the docks, at container stations, cargo terminals, or the importer’s premises. The goods are then released to the importer. In other shipments, sample packages of the merchandise may be retained by Customs for appraisal or classification purposes and the remainder of the shipment released. These sample packages will also be released to the importer after examination.

Examination of goods is necessary to determine:
The value of the goods for Customs purposes and their dutiable status.

· Whether the goods are properly marked with the country of their origin. Special marking or labeling may apply. Generally, imported merchandise must be legibly marked in a conspicuous place and with the English name of the country of origin. Certain specific articles are exempt from this requirement. (For further information see Customs Publication No. 539 Marking of Country of Origin on U.S. Imports.)

· Whether the goods have been correctly invoiced.

· Whether the shipment contains prohibited articles.

· Whether the requirements of other federal agencies have been met.

· Whether the amount of goods listed on the invoice is correct, and no shortage or overage exists.

If necessary, goods may be analyzed by a Customs laboratory to determine proper classification and appraisal, to determine that the goods meet safety requirements, or to ensure that they are not counterfeit or otherwise in violation of U.S. laws.

If Customs determines that the goods are different from the entered descriptions in quantity or value, that the classification of the goods is incorrect, or that a different rate of duty than the one indicated by the importer applies, an increase in duties may be assessed. If Customs determines that the importer has deliberately failed to properly classify and value his goods, he may be liable for a fine, or other penalty.

When all the information has been acquired, including the report of the Customs import specialist as to the customs value of the goods, and the laboratory report, if required, a final determination of duty is made and the entry is liquidated. At this time, any overpayment of duty is returned or under-payments billed.

Protest

Within 90 days after the date of liquidation or other decision, an importer or consignee may protest the decision and receive an administrative review. The protest is filed with the port director whose decision is being protested. At the time the initial protest is filed, the importer or consignee must make a request for further review if one is desired. Review of the port director’s decision by the Customs Service Center or Headquarters is then automatic. Notice of the denial of all or part of the protest will be mailed to the person filing the protest or to his agent. Any person whose protest has been denied may contest the denial by filing a civil action in the United States Court of International Trade.

Mail Shipments

Shipments by mail which do not exceed $2000 in value, whether commercial or noncommercial importations (except for commercial shipments of textiles from all countries and made-to-measure suits from Hong Kong, regardless of value), are entered under a mail entry prepared by a Customs officer after the Postal Service submits the package for Customs examination. The parcel is delivered to the addressee by the Postal Service and is released upon the payment of duty, which is shown on the mail entry accompanying the package. A postal handling fee will also be collected from the addressee at the time the package is delivered. This handling fee is not charged on packages sent through military mail channels.

A formal entry is required for any mail shipment exceeding $2000 in value. Formal entry is also required, regardless of value, for commercial shipments of textiles from all countries and made-to-measure suits from Hong Kong. Certain other articles valued over $250 require a formal entry (billfolds, footwear, fur, gloves, handbags, leather, luggage, plastics, rubber, textiles, toys, games and sports equipment, etc.) If formal entry is required on a parcel, the parcel is held at the Customs international mail branch and notice is sent to the addressee of the package’s arrival. The addressee can then go to the nearest Customs office to file the formal entry on the package. An entry must be filed in the same manner as for shipments arriving by vessel or airfreight. Once the mail branch has been notified that entry has been filed, the package will be released to the postal service and forwarded to its final destination.

Restricted Merchandise

Because our officers are stationed at all ports of arrival in the United States, including Puerto Rico, they are called upon to enforce laws and regulations of other government agencies.
A license or permit from the responsible agency may be necessary to import:
· Alcoholic beverages

· Animal and animal products

· Certain drugs

· Firearms and ammunition

· Fruits, nuts

· Meat and meat products

· Milk, dairy, and cheese products

· Plants and plant products

· Poultry and poultry products

· Petroleum and petroleum products

· Vegetables

There are also restrictions on the importation of certain trademarked and copyrighted articles. (For further information see Customs Publication No. 549 U.S. Customs and Protection of Intellectual Property Rights.)

Certain items in these categories may also be prohibited.

The following items must comply with applicable regulations of other agencies:
· Art materials

· Cultural property

· Hazardous/toxic/flammable materials

· Household appliances

· Some electronics products

· Toys and children’s articles

Most of the above items are regulated, variously, by:

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
Washington, DC 20226
(202) 927-8110 (alcoholic beverages)
(202) 927-8320 (arms and ammunition)

Animal and Plant Inspection Service
(Animals/animal products)
USDA-APHIS-VS
Hyattsville, MD 20782
(301) 734-7885

Animal and Plant Inspection Service
(Plants/plant products)
USDA-APHIS-PPQ
Hyattsville, MD 20782
(301) 734-8896

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Office of Management Authority
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, VA 22203
(703) 358-2104

Food and Drug Administration
Division of Import Operations and Policy
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
(301) 443-6553

Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Compliance
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 504-0608

Today, an increasing number of goods and products such as textiles, clothing, automobiles, boats, radios, CD players, television sets, and medical devices, are subject to special standards, declarations, certification, marking or labeling requirements.

Other merchandise must be examined for fitness of use, freedom from contamination, or may be subject to quotas on the quantity imported.

All these requirements must be met before the merchandise may be released by Customs. Finally, many categories of goods are subject to quota or visa restrictions. Please see our brochure Import Quotas for a complete list.

Get Started in an Import/Export Business

Foreign Assets ControlU.S. trade sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) generally prohibit the importation into the United States (including U.S. territories), either directly or indirectly, of most goods, technology, or services (except information and informational materials) from, or which originated from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Serbia, or Sudan; from foreign persons designated by the Secretary of State as having promoted the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; named Foreign Terrorist Organizations; designated terrorists and narcotics traffickers; the Taliban, and areas of Afghanistan controlled by the Taliban. Vessels and aircraft under the registry, ownership, or control of sanctions targets may not import merchandise into the United States. The importation of Cuban cigars or Iranian carpets is subject to certain restrictions. Contact your local Customs office. Diamonds may not be imported from Angola without a certificate of origin or other documentation that demonstrates to Customs authorities that they were legally imported with the approval of the Angola Government of Unity and National Reconciliation.Import restrictions imposed against sanctions targets vary by program. Contact the Office of Foreign Assets Control at (202) 622-2490 with specific questions or concerns or visit OFAC’s website at www.treas.gov/ofac.Publications

People who are interested in the importing business will find the following publications invaluable. They may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. Telephone (202) 512-1800. Prices are subject to change. Several of the following publications are available at www.customs.gov on the U.S. Customs Website.

Customs Regulations of the United States

A loose-leaf volume containing regulations published for the purpose of carrying out customs, navigation, and other laws administered by the U.S. Customs Service. Price: $113, includes revised pages for the subscription year; $141.25, foreign mailing (surface). Note: Customs regulations are also contained in the Code of Federal Regulations. Title 19, Chapter 1.

Customs Bulletin and Decisions

A weekly pamphlet containing regulations, rulings, decisions, and notices concerning Customs and related matters, decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and the Court of International Trade. Price: $139 a year, domestic mailing; $173.75 a year, foreign mailing.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (Annotated)
A technical document for use in classification of imported merchandise for rates of duty and statistical purposes. Price: $51 domestic, $63.75 foreign. (This may also be found in many public libraries and on line at www.usitc.gov/taffairs.htm.

The following publications can be obtained from the U.S. Customs Service free of charge by writing to U.S. Customs Service, PO Box 7407, Washington, DC 20229:

Information on the Customs Automated Commercial System (ACS) and its related systems can be found in the pamphlets ACS UN/EDIFACT, ACH Credit, The Automated Clearinghouse Credit Program, Yes You Can”…On ABI and the more detailed ABI Overview. The information can also be found at www.customs.gov on the U.S. Customs web site.

Importing Into the United States

Publication No 0000-0502 is a highly technical 86-page book providing extensive details on the topics covered in this pamphlet. Aimed at those contemplating commercial importing, it also contains sample forms, lists of quotas and other restrictions on a variety of generic merchandise (fibers, fabric, metals, foodstuffs, vehicles, etc.) of interest to commercial importers. One free copy can be obtained from U.S. Customs. Additional copies can be obtained from the Government Printing Office at $9 each; $11.25 for foreign mailing. This publication is available in both English and Spanish. It is also available on the U.S. Customs website at www.customs.gov.

Customs Bonds: Q & A

Customs publication No. 590 describes bonds and who may use them, what obligations users assume, terms and definitions.

Customs Bonded Warehouse

Customs publication No. 537 explains what a bonded warehouse is, users’ costs, different types of bonded warehouses, advantages to importers of using bonded warehouses; plus entry, treatment, and storage procedures for merchandise and how to establish a Customs bonded warehouse.

Import Quotas

“Import Quotas” (Customs publication No. 519) describes the merchandise subject to U.S. import quotas, as administered by the U.S. Customs Service.

International Mail Imports

Customs publication No. 0000-0514 answers most frequently asked questions about mailing merchandise to the United States from abroad. It covers gifts, articles for personal consumption, packaging/labeling requirements, and the like.

Marking of Country of Origin

Customs publication No. 539 describes the purpose, procedures and statutory requirements for marking merchandise and containers.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA): A Guide to Customs Procedures
This NAFTA guide (Customs publication No. 571) explains the rules of origin and procedural obligations relating to Customs administration of NAFTA. It summarizes various terms of the agreement and gives an overview of the benefits to and requirements of importers. One free copy can be obtained from U.S. Customs. Additional copies can be obtained from the Government Printing Office at: $6 each, $7.50 for foreign mailing.

Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB)

Customs publication No. 527 explains the TIB procedure, under which merchandise may be entered into the United States Customs territory temporarily free of duty by posting a bond. It describes classes of goods, eligibility requirements, restrictions, and benefits of the TIB procedure.

Ports of Entry

Additional information may be obtained from the ports of entry listed below, or you may consult your telephone directory for a Customs port closer to you, as there are 300 ports of entry in the United States, its territories and possessions. The listing will be found under U.S. Government, Treasury Department.

Anchorage
605 W. Fourth Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501

Atlanta
700 Doug Davis Dr., Atlanta, GA 30354

Baltimore
200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202

Baton Rouge
5353 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Blaine
9901 Pacific Highway, Blaine, WA 98230

Boston
10 Causeway St., Boston, MA 02222-1059

Buffalo
111 W. Huron St., Buffalo, NY 14202-2378

Calais
1 Main Street, Calais, ME 04619

Calexico
P.O. Box 632, Calexico, CA 02231

Champlain
198 W. Service Road, Champlain, NY 12919

Charleston
200 E. Bay Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Charlotte
1901-K Cross Beam Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217

Charlotte Amalie
Main Post Ofc-Sugar Est., St. Thomas, VI 00801

Chicago
610 S. Canal Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Christiansted
Church St. PO Box 249, St Croix, VI 00820

Cleveland
6747 Engle Rd., Middleburg Hgts, OH 44130

Dallas/Ft. Worth
PO Box 619050, DFW Airport, TX 75621

Denver
4735 Oakland St., Denver, CO 80239

Derby Line
Interstate 91, Derby Line, VT 05830

Detroit
477 Michigan Ave., Detroit, MI 48226

Douglas
1st St. & Pan American Ave., Douglas AZ 85607

Duluth
515 W. 1st St., Duluth, MN 55820-1390

El Paso
9400 Viscount, Suite 104, El Paso, TX 79925

Grand Rapids
Kent City Airport, Grand Rapids, MI 49512

Great Falls
300 2nd Ave South, Great Falls, MT 59404

Greenville/Spartanburg
150-A W. Phillips Rd., Greer, SC 29650

Harrisburg
Harrisburg Airport #135, Middletown, PA 17507

Hartford
135 High St., Hartford, CT 06103

Highgate Springs
RR #2 Box 170, Swanton, VT 05488

Honolulu
335 Merchant St., Honolulu, HI 96813

Houlton
RR #3 Box 5300, Houlton, ME 04730

Houston/Galveston
2350 N. Sam Houston East, Houston, TX 77032

Jacksonville
2831 Talleyrand Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32206

Kansas City
2701 Rockcreek Pkwy, N. Kansas City, MO 64116

Laredo/Colombia
PO Box 3130, Laredo, TX 78044

Los Angeles
300 S. Ferry St., Terminal Island, CA 90731

Los Angeles Airport Area
300 S. Ferry St., Terminal Island, CA 90731

LA/Long Beach Seaport Area
300 S. Ferry St., Terminal Island, CA 90731

Louisville
601 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40202

Miami Airport
PO Box 523215, Miami, FL 35152

Milwaukee
PO Box 37260, Milwaukee, WI 53237-0260

Minneapolis
110 S. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55401

Mobile
150 N. Royal St., Mobile, AL 36602

Nashville
939 Airport Service Rd., Nashville, TN 37277

New Orleans
423 Canal St., Ste 245, New Orleans, LA 70130

New York
6 World Trade Ctr., New York, NY 10048

New York-JFK Area
Building #77, Jamaica, NY 11430

New York – NY/Newark Area
Rt 1&9 S., Hemisphere Ctr., Newark, NJ 07114

Nogales
9 N. Grand Ave., Nogales, AZ 85621

Norfolk
200 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

Ogdensburg
127 N. Water St., Ogdensburg, NY 13669

Orlando
5390 Bear Road, Orlando, FL 32827

Oroville
Route 1, Box 130, Oroville, WA 98844

Pembina
112 W. Stutsman, #102, Pembina, ND 58271

Philadelphia
2nd & Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phoenix
1315 S. 27th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Port Huron
526 Water St., Port Huron, MI 48060

Portland, ME
312 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101

Portland, OR
511 NW Broadway, Ste 198, Portland, OR 97209

Providence
49 Pavilion Ave., Providence, RI 02905

Raleigh/Durham
120 Southcenter Ct., Morrisville, NC 27560

Richmond
4501 Williamsburg Rd., Richmond, VA 23231

San Antonio
9800 Airport Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78216

San Diego
610 W. Ash St., San Diego, CA 92101

San Francisco
33 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94126

San Juan
#1 La Puntilla, San Juan, PR 00901

San Luis
PO Box H, San Luis, AZ 85349

Sault Ste Marie
Intl Bridge Plaza, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

Savannah
1 East Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401

Seattle
1000 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104-1049

Seattle Airport
Sea-Tac Intl Airport, Seattle, WA 98158

Seattle Waterfront
3236 16th Ave., SW, Rm 2100, Seattle, WA 98134

St. Albans
PO Box 1490, St. Albans, VT 05478

St. Louis
4477 Woodson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134

Syracuse
4034 S. Service Rd., Syracuse, NY 13212

Tacoma
2202 Port of Tacoma Rd., Tacoma, WA 98421

Tampa
1624 E. 7th Ave., #101, Tampa, FL 33605

Tucson
7150 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson AZ 85706

Washington, DC
PO Box 17423, Washington, DC 20041

Wilmington
1 Virginia Ave., Wilmington, NC 28401

Nogales
9 N. Grand Ave., Nogales, AZ 85621

Norfolk
200 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23510

Ogdensburg
127 N. Water St., Ogdensburg, NY 13669

Orlando
5390 Bear Road, Orlando, FL 32827

Oroville
Route 1, Box 130, Oroville, WA 98844

Pembina
112 W. Stutsman, #102, Pembina, ND 58271

Philadelphia
2nd & Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phoenix
1315 S. 27th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Port Huron
526 Water St., Port Huron, MI 48060

Portland, ME
312 Fore St., Portland, ME 04101

Portland, OR
511 NW Broadway, Ste 198, Portland, OR 97209

Providence
49 Pavilion Ave., Providence, RI 02905

Raleigh/Durham
120 Southcenter Ct., Morrisville, NC 27560

Richmond
4501 Williamsburg Rd., Richmond, VA 23231

San Antonio
9800 Airport Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78216

San Diego
610 W. Ash St., San Diego, CA 92101

San Francisco
33 New Montgomery St.
San Francisco, CA 94126

San Juan
#1 La Puntilla, San Juan, PR 00901

San Luis
PO Box H, San Luis, AZ 85349

Sault Ste Marie
Intl Bridge Plaza, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783

Savannah
1 East Bay St., Savannah, GA 31401

Seattle
1000 2nd Ave., Seattle, WA 98104-1049

Seattle Airport
Sea-Tac Intl Airport, Seattle, WA 98158

Seattle Waterfront
3236 16th Ave., SW, Rm 2100, Seattle, WA 98134

St. Albans
PO Box 1490, St. Albans, VT 05478

St. Louis
4477 Woodson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134

Syracuse
4034 S. Service Rd., Syracuse, NY 13212

Tacoma
2202 Port of Tacoma Rd., Tacoma, WA 98421

Tampa
1624 E. 7th Ave., #101, Tampa, FL 33605

Tucson
7150 S. Tucson Blvd., Tucson AZ 85706

Washington, DC
PO Box 17423, Washington, DC 20041

Wilmington
1 Virginia Ave., Wilmington, NC 28401

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