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FAQ WHEN SHIPPING TO THE U.S.
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If you have additional questions, please call (800) 995-3579
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What is an Importer of Record?
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The U.S. Government requires that an individual or
company take responsibility for importations into the
U.S. Freeman is not the Importer of Record.
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Does the Importer of Record have to be a U.S. Company?
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No, non-U.S. companies can be Importers of Record. A customs
form 5106 must be completed by the Customs Broker
and submitted to customs on behalf of the importer. Customs will
assign an Foreign Port Assign Number which
will be the Importer of Record number, however, if a foreign company
has a Foreign Port Assign Number on file with customs, it is NOT possible
to obtain another number; nor is it possible to obtain the number from Customs.
The foreign company MUST provide the Foreign Port Assign Number that
they have been assigned.
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What is a Power of Attorney Form and is it required for Customs Clearance?
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A Power of Attorney form is required for any shipment coming into the U.S.
for which a Customs Broker will be making an entry. The Customs Broker is
NOT allowed to make clearance without this form. The Vice President of the
importing company (either U.S. or Non-U.S.) and the Corporate Certification
on the back of the Power of Attorney must be completed by a different "Officer
of the Corporation". Yes, two different signatures are required.
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How long before the show moves in do I need the freight in the appropriate city?
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Because of increased lead times due to homeland security regulations, plan on having
cargo arrive in the final city of destination at least 5 business days prior to move
in. For ocean freight, ten business days prior to move in is a good idea.
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Will I incur additional charges with the airlines and SS lines for this earlier arrival?
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Yes, you will probably incur additional charges for the extended lead time; however,
the number of inspections by customs is up dramatically and not planning enough time
might cause delays that are irreversible.
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Does Customs treat Trade Show merchandise with any preference?
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No, all goods cleared through U.S. Customs go through the same process with no
deference to time requirements.
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What if my goods are not cleared by the move in date?
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It is highly suggested that you bring a provisional shipment (partial) with you
in your luggage to ensure that you have enough to show in your booth.
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Can I ship food in my cargo?
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New U.S. Government Bio-Terrorism Laws require that all importers of food
must be registered prior to December 12, 2003. If you put candy in your shipment,
it will require compliance with the new laws and most likely will not clear as you
will not have the required information on the U.S. partner of the candy company.
We suggest that you purchase any food locally that will be distributed at you booth.
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Can I ship alcohol in my cargo?
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All liquor requires an Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms department license. If you do not
have a license, do not ship any alcohol.
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What are the Customs Entry Types?
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There are 4 possible entries for trade shows in the United States.
- Permanent duty paid entry - All goods are cleared, duty is paid, and the importer may do as they wish with the cargo.
- TIB or Temporary Import Bond - Only good for items which will absolutely be re-exported. If goods are not re-exported, they are subject to penalty of double the duty up to the full value of the merchandise.
- Carnet - ATA Carnet is applied for in the country of export. Goods are duty free, but MUST be re-exported.
- Trade Fair Entry - Only for shows which are Registered U.S. Trade Fairs under the law (not all shows qualify).
Goods can stay in bond for up to 90 days after the close of the show. They can be transferred into Permanent entries, exported, put in a bonded warehouse or destroyed.
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Solid Wood Packing Materials (SWPM)
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In a final rule published in the Federal Register on September 16, 2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) amended its regulations with the goal of decreasing the risk of introducing plant pests into the United States.
USDA has adopted the international standard for wood packaging material (WPM) that was approved by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) on March 15, 2002.
The IPPC standard calls for most WPM to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide in accordance with the Guidelines and marked with an approved international mark certifying that treatment.
The final rule, which became effective on September 16, 2005, will affect all persons using wood packaging material in connection with importing goods into the United States.
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