The customs clearance process for goods entering the United States bonded warehouses involves multiple steps, requiring compliance with the regulations set forth by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Below is a brief overview of the process:
1. Entry into Bonded Warehouse
- Arrival and Notification: Upon arrival in the U.S., the shipment must be notified to the CBP and transported to an approved bonded warehouse.
- Documentation Preparation: The importer or freight forwarder is responsible for submitting relevant documents, such as commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, etc.
2. Customs Declaration
- Warehousing: Once the goods are in the bonded warehouse, the warehouse operator submits an inventory record to the CBP, confirming the proper storage of the goods. At this point, the goods remain bonded, with no duties or taxes paid.
- Storage Duration: Goods can be stored in a bonded warehouse for up to five years without incurring duties or other taxes.
3. Customs Clearance Process
- Clearance Documentation: When the goods are ready to enter the U.S. market, the importer must prepare and submit a formal Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501).
- Duty and Tax Calculation: Based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification of the goods, the CBP assesses the applicable duties, taxes, and other fees.
- Duty Payment: The importer must settle all relevant charges. The goods can enter the U.S. market only after the duties are paid.
- Clearance and Release: Upon review and approval of the import declaration by the CBP, the goods can be withdrawn from the bonded warehouse and released for market distribution.
4. Goods Withdrawal
- Withdrawal Procedure: Once customs clearance is complete and duties are paid, arrangements can be made for withdrawing the goods. Upon withdrawal, the warehouse updates its records and notifies the CBP.
5. Common Considerations
- Delayed Clearance: If the goods are not immediately needed in the U.S. market, the importer can opt to keep them in the bonded warehouse without paying duties immediately.
- Re-export: Goods can be directly re-exported from the bonded warehouse to other countries, avoiding the payment of U.S. duties.
This process ensures that all necessary customs formalities are completed before goods enter the U.S. market while offering flexibility in storing goods within bonded warehouses.