Do we require any legal requirements to ship goods to USA
Question
We have been approached by a school in America, about the possibility of supplying them some of our books.
Apart from the delivery costs, is there anything else that I would need to do for the American Customs etc?
We have never exported anything before now.
Answer
There are 7 steps in international transportation you need to be aware of. They all have a cost and need to be paid by either exporter or importer. They are:
1. Pick-up from your address
2. Handling in the UK (at the warehouse)
3. Export customs clearance (UK)
4. Ocean freight
5. Import customs clearance (US)
6. Handing in US (at the warehouse)
7. Delivery to the final address
If the books attract duty, that will need to be paid separately in the US, typically by the importer.
To learn more about the 7 steps – have a look at https://www.transporteca.com/explain/shippingprocess/
If you want to know whether your shipment requires payment of import duty, either contact a freight forwarder, or find the HS code on http://www.hscode.org and then find the duty rate from US customs – on http://www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm
I hope this can help.
Regards, Morten
Answer
Dear Alan
Books going to the usa are normally duty free.We can sort out the hs code for you.
If you can please advise us weight and size of the shipment we can calculate the freight charges involved .We can also advise whether shipment by air or sea is best .
Please contact us directly on 01263 513127 or email [email protected]
Best regards
colin ; crown freight ltd
Answer
Hi There Alan,
I hope you are well.
In answer to your question, the shipper would need a detailed export invoice and the consignee would need to appoint a customs broker for clearance. This is best done before the shipment as the legal documents need to be singed.
If you would like any further information, or perhaps a quote, please do not hesitate to contac me.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
Sally @ Transvalair
[email protected]