On any given day millions of goods move across international borders to reach new destinations and new markets. Company owners know all too well the complicated nature of imports and exports and the paperwork and record-keeping involved. Every country is different and the United States has its own regulations and restrictions that must be followed when importing. The role of the customs broker is to act as a facilitator between the exporter and the country of importation, to ensure that all regulations are met with full compliance and legality.
Freight shipping is complex and costly—especially when there is non-compliance or, in freight shipping, if deadlines are not met, if corrections are needed after the cargo ship has sailed, or if a container is not returned in an allotted amount of time. When considering sending things overseas, it’s a good idea to acquire the services of a trusted customs broker that will do the heavy lifting—so to speak—on ensuring compliance with the country’s regulations.
In 2018, American imports totaled $2.614 trillion last year. The U.S has a lot of incoming goods every year and, although they fluctuate, they have remained high in recent decades. In recent years, most of our imports have come from China, Mexico, and Canada. As electric and smart devices have taken over, many of our imports are somehow related to that industry. The U.S most popular imports include:
The United States also imports a great portion of its agricultural products including fruits, vegetables, nuts, wine, flowers, and hops. Countries that import food products into the U.S include Canada, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, and the European Union. In recent months, imports from the U.S have risen. In the final months of 2020, imports continued to rise as the pandemic ranged on in the country and around the world.
One key aspect of importing and exporting is being keenly aware of the fact that customs rules and regulations, in the country of origin and the destination country, are very complicated and detailed. When these laws are not properly followed, importers may face penalties, fees, and other inconveniences.
For companies considering sending goods overseas, here are necessary aspects to consider:
In addition to that, there are several other costs associated with importing or exporting that company owners might run into. In addition to the price to your seller and associated fees of customs brokers and insurance, you might run into the following dependant upon the US freight agent selected to handle your goods as they arrive in the U.S:
Customs brokers keep you in compliance and, if you are an importer, that’s where you want to be. Paying unnecessary fees or penalties is not good for business. Because customs regulations are always changing and fluctuating, RM Customhouse Brokers is here to deal with the difficult stuff. Give us a call.