Import Process

  1. Whether a person or shipment is coming into USA, concept are VERY SIMILAR. Also, just like any business, they all have their own Lingo (Terminology) fyi: Let it, read it for you.
  1. Visa (ISF). Passport (Entry). Airline-Ticket to CLOSEST destination port (Bill-of-Lading). Taxi from Port to Hotel (Arrival-Notice). Hotel bill are pay, as you check-out (Warehouse).
  2. Before PAYING some Foreign-Person in Foreign-Country (10,000 miles away), do your homework, by contacting all US Agencies (FDA, USDA & Etc), otherwise do NOT import.
  3. By PAYING your supplier, you're authorizing a Shipping, Manufacturing & EXPORT out of their country. You're HIRING us, to submit (IMPORT) ISF, Entry & Bond's (Nothing More).
  1. AFTER 911: Customs//Agencies (DHS//IRS//Etc.) REQUIRES your Cooperation/Patience: Email photo-picture of your Driver-License or Passport (otherwise, do NOT import).
  1. Also, all Importer MUST identify with Importer-id (aka: SSN or EIN number from IRS). IF you're importing with your personal-name/sole-p, importer-id is SSN, all others are EIN.
  2. ISF filing is like a visa to your cargo (aka back-ground-check Supplier/Shipper/Etc). Customs Entry filing like a passport to your cargo (aka Stander//Compliance of Agencies//Etc).
  3. Since manufacturing & shipping is DONE by Seller/Supplier/Buyer/You/etc, only other thing, it must be compete is, ISF (ie; visa), Entry (ie; passport) & Bond's (ie; register to Import).
  4. We can COORDINATE with you & your-supplier/shipper, email your supplier info (email & contact name, &/OR forward last email communication with your supplier), No extra cost.
  1. ISF (visa) filing Cost (two type): ISF must be file, otherwise Customs//Agencies will/could penalize you, up-to $5000 & etc.
  1. ISF filing: 24 hours (our time Zone) BEFORE leaving foreign port: $95 + Single ISF Bond (click here). USED Household Good (HHG & Etc.) ISF ($176).
  2. Late ISF filing: 23 hours & 59 minutes (our time Zone) BEFORE Leaving Foreign port or HAS left Foreign port: $159 + Import-Bond ($876.33). USED (HHG/Etc.) Late ISF ($373).
  3. For us to file your ISF, email all doc's (ISF-info, Invoice & Etc.) from your Supplier/Shipper & email your photo-picture of driver-license or passport. For Self-file/Up-load (click here).
  4. As an owner of cargo, you're RESPONSIBLE for all import law (not your seller, nor anyone) ie; As owner of Car, you're RESPONSIBLE for all traffic law (not the seller, nor anyone).
  5. Again, ISF (visa) is background-check of all the companies/persons/etc., who is in (will be in) physical/visual//shipper/virtually/seller/buyer/vessel/etc. contact with your shipment.
  6. ISF Payment (Check / Wire); Invoice & 3 page ISF Confirmation report will be email for your record & to your supplier/shipper, so they're able to, load to a Vessel (if they haven't, yet).
  1. Entry (passport) can be file ONLY with Arrival-Notice (FINAL-Import-Doc) from Forwarder/Vessel & Proof-of-payment to supplier. AN is issue 6-7 days BEFORE cargo is in US port.
  1. Issuer Arrival-Notice (AN) info is FOUND at Bill-of-Lading (BL) aka cargo-travel-TICKET. BL is issued BEFORE leaving foreign port, by shipper/supplier. Issuer AN is a agent of BL.
  2. Arrival-Notice (AN) has FINAL-import-doc's of cargo: Pick-up Locations (CFS warehouse/Terminal), aka; cost of Unloading from vessel & moving it warehouse/port (IF any) & Etc.
  3. After submitting your FINAL-import-doc's/info's (Arrival-Notice), within 72 hours, Customs//Agencies will notify Duty/Tax, Exams-notice (IF any), Subject-to Agencies (IF any) & Etc.
  4. Entry Service $50//$95 + Entry fee $199 + Single-Entry-Bond (click here) or Import-Bond ($876.33, IF Subject-to) + Duty//Tax, Exam//Etc (IF any) & Etc. For more details (click here).
  5. Also, if submitting multiple invoice, packing-list, Bill-of-Lading & etc, each submission is $25. If HTC code are multiple (+3), each category of HTC is $10 (it's invoice as Line fee).
  6. USED Household Good (HHG) & ETC: Entry for LCL (434.76) or Full/Etc (534.76) +Exam/Duty/Etc +Import-Bond (876.33, IF Subject-to; DOT, EPA, DMV, NHTSA, FDA & Etc).
  7. To ESTIMATE Duty//Tax, email all Doc's/Info's (proforma/draft/estimate invoice/packing-list, clear description, materials-usage, PHOTOS-Picture & etc). This may take up-to 72 hrs.
  8. Entry Payment: Check (personal/company) or Wire (info will be email with Invoice), But If it's Time-Sensitive (Cargo in US, Exam, Subject-to agency & Etc), only wire is accept it.
  1. You Hired (you're Hiring) us to submit your ISF (visa), Entry (passport) & Import-Bond's with Customs/Agencies & IF any domestic Trucking (Nothing More).
  1. Fyi / ie: As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provides Tax filing service (aka IRS-Broker). We / Import-Customs-Broker (ICB) arrange ISF, Entry & Bond filing services.
  2. Fyi / ie: Just like any Visa, Passport & ETC, Customs can Reject any Person/Cargo Before/During/After in US, with-OUT refunds, pro-rates & etc, and demand export back to origin.
  3. Fyi: ISF (Visa). Entry (Passport). Bill-of-Lading (Airline-Ticket to Closest destination port). Arrival-Notice (Taxi from Port to Hotel). Warehouse (Hotel bill are pay, as you check-out).
  4. Customs//Agencies will/may Require POA (ie: authority to submit), if so, we will be emailing you POA (notary), to verify your-Info & fill-in "yellow-high-lights", and Email back to us.
  5. IF you contact us, AFTER paying supplier/shipper &/or with-OUT consulting (with us/Customs//Etc), we're ONLY able to piece-together your import-PUZZLE, by analyzing all doc's.
  6. All Premium/Commission/Services/Arrangements/Etc Fees are fully Earned (No Refunds, No pro-rates & Etc). ISF final ruling is 6 years & Entry is 5 years (IRS is 7 years).
Visa aka ISF

ISF (ie: Visa) file by IMPORT-Customs-Broker
ie: Background

Passport Aka Entry

Entry (ie: passport) file by IMPORT-Customs-Broker
ie: Declaration

Manufacturer

SELLER / Factory / Supplier / Vendor / Shiiper / Etc
ie: Manufacture

Travel Agent

Supplier // Seller Contact Export Freight Forwarder Export file with their gov.
(ie: Cargo Dispatcher)
ie: CARGO Travel Agent

Ticket

Bill of Lading (BL) from Export Freight Forwarder with CIF, Telex, AN info & Etc When buyer PAID seller/etc
ie: Travel Ticket(Port to Port)

Taxi Cab

Arrival Notice (AN) from Import Freight Forwarder
(ie: Cargo Dispatcher)
ie: Taxi from port to hotel pay Directly to taxi driver

Warehouse

Warehouse LCL cargo Terminal Full Container
ie: hotel bill are pay as you check out

Final Destination

Self pick up or designate Individual or hire your own trucker or we arrange Trucking.

Foreign person VERSUS Foreign cargo coming into U.S, BIGGEST difference is the usage of Lingo (Terminology // Import Export shipping language)

  1. ie: Visa (ISF), Passport(Entry), Airline Ticket to closes "Port to Port" (Bill of Lading), Taxi from Port to Hotel(Arrival-Notice), Hotel bill are pay, as you check out(Warehouse).
  2. ie: As you Certified Public Accountant (CPA) aka IRS-Broker provides Tax filing service to you. We/Import-Customs-Broker (ICB) arrange ISF, Entry and Bond filing services to Importer.
  3. Shipping is done by a seller (99%), whether it's a domestic or international, ie: if you ordered from Amazon, they're your supplier and shipper, also shipping cost is CHEAPER, than other.
  4. By giving your info to a supplier, you're PRE-authorizing shipping, to CLOSEST destination of final port or to CLOSEST cfs warehouse/terminal of your XYZ address, on a Bill of lading.
  5. Make it your worth while. ie: Cost of Taxi(vessel) ride from A to B, for 1-4 persons//bags//2000lb/Individuals/Business/ Etc is similar fees, also processing time, your headaches and etc.
  6. You PAID (HIRED) your supplier for 3 main things, Manufacturing, Shipping and EXPORT out of their country. You're HIRING us, to submit (IMPORT) ISF, Entry and Bond's (Nothing More).
  1. Shipping & manufacturing DONE by Seller/Supplier/Shipper/Buyer/You. In other words, you Hired, your supplier for manufacturing, shipping & exporting out of their country.
  1. Shipping is DONE, when you PAID &/or giving your XYZ address, to your supplier/shipper. ie; Import-Customs-Broker has NOTHING to do with, movement of your cargo.
  2. IF you didn't hire your supplier for shipping, you would have to hire your own EXPORT shipper/customs-broker & Etc, at a country of origin (Foreign-country/Language/Time/Etc).
  3. Questions relating to shipping, CONTACT your Supplier (ie; if you ordered things from Amazon, they're your supplier/shipper/Etc, so if you have any problems, contact Amazon).
  4. Questions relating to Arrival-Notice (AN), AN payment, pick-up locations & Etc, CONTACT issuer of AN. Questions relating to CFS Warehouse/Terminal, CONTACT warehouse.
  5. Questions relating to cargo-Defect/damage/missing/cargo-insurance/Etc, CONTACT your supplier//issuer of Bill-of-Lading/issuer of Arrival Notice/CFS warehouse/Terminal/Etc.
  6. Questions should be asked, before PAYING some Foreign-person in Foreign-country (your supplier/shipper/etc). Only, importer is RESPONSIBLE for all Import/Export LAW's.
  1. First-time importer: fill-out service agreement & email your photo-picture of Driver-License or Passport, + all Import/Export Doc's/info's from your supplier/shipper.
  1. IF you haven't receive any/some, please email your supplier/shipper info (email & contact name &/OR forward last email communication with your supplier/shipper).
  2. We will be COORDINATING with you & your-supplier/shipper, to file your ISF (visa) & Entry (passport) with Customs//Agencies. All email are Copy to you (No extra fee).
  3. Have your supplier do shipping, so they will be responsible for Exporting out their country, shipping-damage/lost, hiring EXPORT-customs broker, cargo-insurance & etc.
  4. IF your supplier is willing to take Export-responsibility, by hiring EXPORT-customs-broker, EXPORT-shipping-company & Etc, you should be Thankful, some supplier will Not.
  5. Whether importation is for sale or personal use, it will NOT make any difference. ie: Foreigner coming to US, must apply for visa & passport, whether it's a personal or business.
  1. Bond's are REQUIREMENT by Customs//Agencies, for all Importer (ISF & Entry), Vessel//Carrier (Loader/Unloader), Forwarder (Issuer BL & AN), Warehouse/Port & Etc.
  1. ISF filing: IF your importer-id (EIN/SSN) is with-OUT a Import-Bond (CB/$876.33) or Single-ISF-Bond. SIB is AUTOMATICALLY applied. But, If filing Late-ISF, CB is apply.
  2. Entry filing: Single-Entry-Bond is applied to Entry filing. BUT if cargo is Subject-to (FDA, USDA & Etc), CB is AUTOMATICALLY applied to Entry, for your convenient.
  3. Single-ISF-Bond (SIB) & Single-Entry-Bond (SEB) could be done within 30 mins. Import-Bond (CB) could be issued/signed-off by Customs//Surety, within 3-5 days.
  4. Import-Bond Eliminates most of Single-ISF-Bond & Single-Entry-Bond. It's good for Next 365 days & It can be Approved within 3-5 days (ie; REGISTER to Import).
  5. IF this is your First-Time & IF Import-Bond (CB) is Not required, i suggest Single-ISF-Bond (SIB) & Single-Entry-Bond (SEB), until you're ready to import Continuously.
  6. Again, Especially for first-timer, It's very important, that you (importer) FOLLOW our detail instructions of email/website/verbal/etc, otherwise you will be lost in import/export-process.
  1. ALL importer will be paying Foreign, International & Domestic fees:
  1. ISF (ie; visa to your cargo), must be file, 24 hours BEFORE leaving foreign port) & Entry (passport to your cargo) could be file only with Arrival-Notice from Forwarder/Carrier.
  2. Bill-of-Lading/BL (ie; Airline-Ticket // Port-Port-Ticket // Cargo-Travel-Ticket) is created, when you gave your XYZ address to supplier. BL is issued BEFORE leaving a foreign port.
  3. Arrival-Notice/AN (ie; Taxi//Shuttle from Port to Hotel) is Unloading & moving to warehouse/terminal. Must pay directly to issuer of AN, (ie; pay DIRECTLY to Taxi/Shuttle company).
  4. Issuer Arrival-Notice (AN) info is FOUND at your Bill-of-Lading (BL). AN is issued 6-7 days BEFORE cargo is in US. Issuer AN is agent of BL (aka cargo-ticket-AGENT for a vessel).
  5. CFS Warehouse//Terminal (ie: HOTEL for cargo) is FOUND at AN; as you pick-up or truck (ie; as you check-out), fees are pay DIRECTLY to warehouse//terminal (storage/forklift/etc).
  6. ie; Foreigner (Cargo) coming to USA: Visa & Passport, Buy a Airline-Ticket to CLOSEST destination port, Taxi from Airport to Hotel (pay directly to taxi-driver & hotel). VICE-VERSA.
  1. After/Before/During unloading from vessel.
  1. Full containers/Etc are AUTOMATICALLY placed at port//Terminal, until Customs//Agencies has identified who, what & ETC. It could only pick-up by a trucker with access permits.
  2. LCL cargo are AUTOMATICALLY placed at CFS warehouse, until Customs//Agencies has identified who, what & ETC. It could only pick-up by you or designate Individual//trucker.
  3. Terminal//CFS Warehouse are chosen by issuer BL//AN//Vessel//Exam-site//Customs//Etc, depending who has space available, convenient & Etc (99%, importer has No say-so).
  4. Vessel notifies issuer Arrival-notice (AN) & Trans-Loaded (shuttle) to CFS warehouse//Terminal. It's Trans-Loaded to Closest XYZ address on your Bill-of-Lading & Arrival-Notice.
  5. Issuer Arrival-Notice (AN) info is FOUND at your Bill-of-Lading (BL). BL is issued BEFORE leaving foreign port, by shipper/supplier. AN is issued 6-7 days BEFORE cargo is in US.
  6. IF Orignal-Bill-of-Lading (OBL) is requested by issuer of Arrival-Notice, contact issuer Supplier/Shipper. OBL (PARTIAL payment, BEFORE leaving from shipper). Telex (paid in full).
  1. BEFORE you could receive your cargo or pick-up or truck your Cargo to final destination: Pick-up-Location (CFS-warehouse & Terminal info) is FOUND at Arrival-Notice.
  1. You & your CFS-warehouse/Terminal (hotel for cargo) MUST receive Freight-Released from issuer Arrival-Notice/Forwarder/Carrier/Vessel/Etc, by satisfying Arrival-Notice.
  2. You & your CFS-warehouse/Terminal (hotel for cargo) MUST receive Customs-Released (aka; Pick-up-Order/3461/3299/7501/Etc) from us/Customs, by satisfying ISF & Entry.
  3. Also, to receive Customs-Released, cargo MUST be in Warehouse/Terminal & Email your driver-license or designate pick-up person driver-license or your trucker company info.
  4. IF you need domestic-TRUCKING arrangement from us (LCL Cargo), email your receiver info; full address, name, phone, email, photo-pictures of driver-license & Etc.
  5. Call/Email Warehouse/Terminal: 1) Pick-up Appointment. 2) Ask if any fees are due. 3) If they need any other released document 3) Ask if any, visual/missing damage/ Etc.
  6. At the time of picking-up your cargo, Warehouse/Terminal/Etc fees aka in-&-out//forklift//Storage/Etc (ie; pay hotel fee, as you check-out) must pay DIRECTLY to warehouse//terminal.
  1. Before PAYING your supplier/shipper, contact us: I) To avoid last minute. II) to avoid $5,000 penalty & Etc. III) to COORDINATE with you & your-supplier & Customs. Also,
  1. Term of shipping should be CIF (InCoTerm), as you give your XYZ address to your supplier: CIF means, with insurance & supplier is Responsible, until your cargo is US.
  2. Term of BL should be Telex-release//Surrender//Express (Title of ownership to Consignee, cargo paid in Full, Before leaving supplier warehouse), issue by supplier/shipper.
  3. Normally, having your supplier shipped, it's about 15-30% cheaper (mostly it's labor cost). Sea shipping cost are about $60-125 per CBM (pallet = 3ftx3ftx3ft/up-to 2,000lb).
  4. Another reason, it will be cheaper is, most of the supplier hires a Consolidator (shares cargo space) shipper, from your supplier warehouse to export-port/terminal/warehouse.
  5. IF hire own, other than supplier, they may do limo service on your cargo, meaning they may transport your cargo "only", from your supplier to export terminal/warehouse/Etc.
  6. Do NOT abbreviate any info to your supplier, Such as; City, State, Names & Etc (exp: LA could be interpretive as Louisiana vs Los Angeles to your supplier/foreigner).
  7. If your supplier ask, name of closest US Port, just give them your XYZ address & name/company, so vessel could unload & Trans-Loaded to Closest XYZ address on your BL/AN.
  8. You would have to dictate terms of shipping/mfg/etc. Note; Most of supplier representatives are 20 year old kid, straight out of college, just enough to communicate over the email.
  1. All Shipping is only AUTHORIZED by You/Buyer/Seller/Supplier. ISF, Entry & Import-Bond's are only Authorized by you (importer).
  1. Don't expect Foreign-person (supplier/ seller/ shipper) in Foreign-Country to know OUR Import-Laws, nor to advise/help you with our Domestic-Import- Laws.
  2. Some supplier like to give you advise, how to pay lower duty/tax, by lowering the Invoice value & adjusting description, BUT in Customs/IRS eye's, it's a Tax Evasion & Etc.
  3. Most of the foreign & international shipping are handled by supplier (except our domestic), Otherwise, you may be involved with Foreign Export dept (Government, Loader & Etc).
  4. Normally, having your supplier shipped, it's about 15-30% cheaper, IF you hire own shipping company, they would have go there & bring it to you (possible paying both ways).
  5. Before PAYING your shipper/supplier, be aware of time-frame; Manufacture-time, supplier/shipper-Holidays, our-Holidays, International-shipping-time, domestic-process & Etc.
  6. Most of common mistakes//problems with importer is ASSUMING & not doing any homework, and thinking supplier will be delivering to importer-locations, Especially for first-timer.
  1. All Motorized (Bikes, Scooters, Car & ETC) or it's Related to FDA, USDA, Lacey-Act, FWS & Etc; Whether they are for sale or personal use.
  1. If Motorized are over 20mph (32kmh), Subject-to Import-Bond, DOT, EPA, DMV, NHTSA, CPSC & Etc certifications, BEFORE loading onto a vessel, If not, don't import.
  2. If Motorized are under 20mph (32kmh), May not be Subject-to DOT, EPA & Etc, BUT it requires 3520-21, HS-7 (mark Box 8) & etc. Fyi: US stander 20mph (China Stander 22mph).
  3. Whether it's over or under 20mph (32kmh), all info must be, list at Invoice, packing-list, Bill-of-Lading (BL) & etc, if not, Customs will assume Motorized is over 20mph.
  4. If Motorized is OVER 20mph (32kph), Entry must be file with Local Broker to verify/certify with DOT, EPA, DMV, NHTSA, CPSC & ETC As for ISF, it's can be file from anywhere.
  5. Before PAYING some Foreign-Person in Foreign-Country (10,000 miles away), do your homework, by contacting all US Agencies (FDA, USDA & Etc), otherwise do NOT import.
  1. IF you are DROP-Shipping to your Customer / Amazon-warehouse / etc, have your supplier/shipper remove all labels//brochure//Etc from all package/box/cargo/Etc.
  1. Give your supplier YOUR NAME (& if any, your company name), your email, phone & your Customer Full Address (BUT, do NOT give any other info's, about your Customer).
  2. Your supplier don't need to know, if your cargo is going to a warehouse or your final intentions of cargo. You don't want your supplier or anyone to become your future competitor.
  3. After your cargo in CFS warehouse, all International-Bill-of-Lading, Arrival-Notice & etc are Terminated. Create Domestic-trucking-bill-of-lading & deliver to your customer.
  4. With Domestic-trucking bill-of-lading, no one will know, your supplier info, not even your trucker. Only viewable trucking-bill-of-lading info is, your-info, trucker & receiver.
  1. Summary: Before PAYING some Foreign-person in Foreign-country.
  1. Do your homework, by contacting all U.S. Agencies (DOT, EPA, CPSC, FDA, USDA & Etc), otherwise do NOT import.
  2. Be aware of time-frame; Manufacture time, supplier/shipper Holidays, our Holidays, International shipping time, domestic-process & Etc.
  3. Contact us for FREE consulting (30 minutes), BUT if need consulting AFTER paying your supplier/shipper/etc or during/after shipping or beyond 30 mins, it will be $250 hour.
  4. Note: You should NEVER pay anyone, with-Out knowing who, what, where, when, how & etc. Especially, to some Foreign-person in Foreign-country, who is 10,000 miles away.
  5. You are Authorizing your supplier, THREE main things; Manufacturing, Exporting out of their country & Shipping it to CLOSEST cfs warehouse/terminal/port of your-XYZ-address.
  6. Whether your cargo is penny or million dollar (one box or full container/ Etc), filing fees & import-process/time/etc are SIMILAR. Make it your worthwhile, otherwise do NOT Import.
  7. No matter how much of info's we have given you or you learned from others//books/etc, you will NEVER fully appreciate the Import-process, UNTIL you experience it for yourself.
  1. Summary: ESTIMATE fees of Import-Process.
  1. ISF (ie; visa) file, 24 hours BEFORE leaving foreign port: ISF filing (95) + Single ISF Bond or Late ISF (159) + Import-Bond (876.33).
  2. Entry (ie; passport) is file with Arrival-Notice (Final-Import-Doc): Service (50/95) +Customs-Entry (199) + Single Entry Bond or Import Bond (876.33) +Exam/Etc.
  3. USED Household Good (HHG) & ETC: ISF / visa (176) or if filing LATE (373). Entry for HHG LCL (434.76) or Full/Etc (534.76) +Exam/Duty/Etc + Import-Bond (IF subject-to).
  4. Bill-of-Lading (ie; Airline-Ticket from origin, PRE-purchase): Sea shipping is about $60-95 per CBM (Cubic Metres = pallet = 3ft x 3ft x 3ft / up-to 2,000lb) with cargo insurance (CIF).
  5. Arrival-Notice (ie; Taxi from Port to Hotel, is pay DIRECTLY to taxi-driver): First pallet is $130-$250 & other pallets are about $40-$80, depending on seasons/Miles away from Port.
  6. Warehouse (LCL) & Terminal (Full/Etc) (ie; Hotel bill are pay, as you check-out): First pallet is about $70 & other pallets are $20-$40. 20/40/45 container/Etc are about $90-150.
  7. AGAIN, pay your Domestic vendors DIRECTLY, but If you want us to pay your vendors, you MUST wire us, + $45 Reimbursement fee for EACH of vendor, for us to pay your vendor.
  1. Summary: do NOT import.
  1. If you're Not willing to Cooperate (After 911) with your personal info (SSN, EIN, photo-picture-of-driver-license, passport & etc) & your supplier-info (shipper-info).
  2. If you're Not a Patience person: Manufacture-time, supplier/shipper-Holidays, our-Holidays, International-shipping-time, domestic-process & Etc (it can take 2-4 month).
  3. If you're Not willing to do homework, Before PAYING some Foreign-Person in Foreign-Country, by contacting all U.S. Agencies (EPA, CPSC, FDA, USDA & Etc) & seek advise.
  4. If you're Not willing to take responsibility: All fees, export-shipping (foreign & international), Domestic-Import-Law's. ISF final ruling is 6 years & Entry is 5 years (IRS is 7 years).
  5. If you're assuming, your supplier has all the answer to Our-Import-Law's, you're making a BIG mistake, most likely, they never been to US, to know Our-Stander/Law/Language/Etc.
  6. Blaming all others, except yourself (my supplier & no-one told me). ie; Buyer of Car/Auto (As a owner of Car): ONLY you're responsible for Insurance, traffic-Tickets, License & Etc.
  7. Exp: If you buy a Car from dealership (Supplier), they're in business, to sell you a Car (only), Not to tell you, how/when/where/who to Drive/Resale/Use/Driver-license/Insurance/Etc.
  1. Summary: Foreign-person VERSUS Foreign-cargo coming into U.S., BIGGEST difference is the usage of Lingo (Terminology).
  1. Visa (ISF). Passport (Entry). Airline-Ticket to closest "Port-to-Port" (Bill-of-Lading). Taxi from Port to Hotel (Arrival-Notice). Hotel bill are pay, as you check-out (Warehouse).
  2. As your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) aka IRS-Broker provides Tax filing service to you. We/Import-Customs-Broker (ICB) arrange ISF, Entry & Bond filing services to Importer.
  3. Shipping is done by a seller (99%), whether it's a domestic or international. If you ordered from Amazon, they're your supplier & shipper, also shipping cost is CHEAPER, than other.
  4. By giving your info to a supplier, you're PRE-authorizing shipping, to CLOSEST destination of final port or to CLOSEST cfs warehouse/terminal of your-XYZ-add, on a Bill-of-Lading.
  5. Make it your worth-while. Cost of Taxi (vessel) ride from A to B, for 1-4 persons//bags//2000lb//Individual//Business//Etc is similar fees, also processing-time, your-headaches//etc.
  6. You PAID (HIRED) your supplier for 3 things; Manufacturing, Shipping & EXPORT out of their country. You're HIRING us, to submit (IMPORT) ISF, Entry & Bond's (Nothing More).
  1. After you have received Customs-Released & IF you're requesting any Archive files, such as ISF-invoice, Entry-invoice, Customs-Released or any other files from us.
  1. You must request by email (Not by phone).
  2. We could only release the info, according to our archive email, contact info (No other).
  3. To search our Archived file, it may take up to one week & cost are $25 per-file (Check payable to "ISF Customs Broker" & email photo of a check to ( ISF@ISFCustomsBroker.com ).

Whether a person or shipment is coming into USA, concept are VERY SIMILAR. Also, just like any business, they all have their own Lingo (Terminology) fyi: Let it, read it for you.

1

Visa (ISF). Passport (Entry). Airline-Ticket to CLOSEST destination port (Bill-of-Lading). Taxi from Port to Hotel (Arrival-Notice). Hotel bill are pay, as you check-out (Warehouse).

2

Before PAYING some Foreign-Person in Foreign-Country (10,000 miles away), do your homework, by contacting all US Agencies (FDA, USDA and Etc), otherwise do NOT import.

3

By PAYING your supplier, you're authorizing a Shipping, Manufacturing & EXPORT out of their country. You're HIRING us, to submit (IMPORT) ISF, Entry & Bond's (Nothing More).