U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) Clearance Process

11 May 2020 Guide for Technical Aspects
Entry

The importer and exporter are responsible for providing the correct documents for the entry phase. The CPB defines ``entry`` not merely as the arrival of goods at a port, but as the process of presenting documentation for clearing goods through Customs. The exporter must provide the CPB with the following documents to ensure a successful entry into the United States:

  • A bill of landing, airway bill, or carrier’s tracking number; this document must have the consignee’s information as evidence of the consignee’s right to make entry.
  • A commercial invoice that shows the value and description of the goods. A proforma invoice may be used
    when a commercial invoice cannot be produced
  • Entry/immediate delivery document (Customs Form 3461).
  • Packing slips for each container that is transporting the food products.

Examples for aforementioned documents required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The importer may not claim samples of food products being sent to the United States as “samples” on any CPB documentation. Even if this is the purpose of sending food products to the United States, they are a food commodity and can be consumed in the United States. Therefore, CPB sees food products being sent for sample purposes as if they were being sent for commercial use and will be consumed.
Imported merchandise not entered through Customs in a timely manner (within 15 calendar days) is sent by Customs to a general order warehouse to be held as unclaimed. The importer will then be billed the cost of transporting and storing the food products in the warehouse. This is why it is important to provide CPB with the correct documentation in a timely manner

Inspection

At this time, CPB has the right to conduct an inspection of any merchandise entering the United States. If an inspection occurs, and CPB concludes that samples need to be taken, then CPB will take a sample of the food products
for further examination. If samples are taken, they will be
returned to the shipment prior to formally completing the
clearance process

Appraisement

The CPB will now appraise the products and determine if there needs to be a duty applied for entering into the United States.

Classification

The CPB will classify the foods in a food commodity category.

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