Failure to properly comply with customs rules can result in seizure of goods and criminal penalties against involved parties.
Goods may be stored in a bonded warehouse or a Foreign-Trade Zone in the United States for up to five years without payment of duties.
Goods must be declared for entry into the U.S. within 15 days of arrival or prior to leaving a bonded warehouse or foreign trade zone.
[2] Reduced rates of duty apply under these agreements and arrangements for certain classes or subclasses of goods in certain circumstances.
[3] Extensive modifications to normal duties and classifications apply to goods originating in Canada or Mexico under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
All goods that are not exempt are subject to duty computed according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule for the United States.
Customs duty rates may be expressed as a percentage of value or dollars and cents per unit.
[6] Rates may be based on relevant units for the particular type of goods (per ton, per kilogram, per square meter, etc.).
Until recently, the United States applied a customs tariff that was among the lowest in the world: 3% on average.
For purposes of customs duty assessment, they must also be accompanied by an invoice documenting the transaction value.
The goods on the bill of lading and invoice are classified and duty is computed by the importer or CBP.
Certain civil penalties apply for failures to follow CBP rules and pay duty.