Early Document Audit
Commercial invoices, packing lists, and bill of lading details are audited prior to origin departure to eliminate discrepancies before CBP submission.
C-TPAT Certified · FMC-Licensed NVOCC
US Customs Clearance Services for Importers
Expert US customs entry management, ISF filings, HTS classifications, and PGA compliance for ocean and air shipments from Asia.
End-to-End Compliance
Integrated Freight & US Customs Brokerage Management
Every day an ocean container or air shipment sits under customs hold incurs severe storage and demurrage expenses. Airlift USA manages your customs entry alongside freight transport—ensuring audit-ready documentation and rapid release through our network of licensed US customs brokers.
HTS Code Classification
Precise 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule determination to guarantee accurate duty assessment and avoid overpaying tariffs.
ISF 10+2 Ocean Filing
Importer Security Filing submitted directly to US Customs at least 24 hours prior to vessel loading at foreign ports of departure.
Customs Bond Management
Seamless execution of Continuous Customs Bonds ($50,000 CBP standard) or Single-Transaction Bonds for compliant border entry.
PGA Regulatory Compliance
Coordinated filings with Partner Government Agencies including FDA prior notice, FCC declarations, CPSC certificates, and USDA/Lacey Act permits.
CBP Exam & CES Coordination
Proactive handling of VACIS, tailgate, or intensive exams at Centralized Examination Stations with immediate post-release port drayage.
Execution Steps
The US Import Customs Entry Workflow
A rigorous timeline ensuring strict adherence to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations under 19 CFR guidelines.
1
Pre-Filing (ISF)
Ocean ISF 10+2 data transmitted 24+ hours before departure to avoid liquidated damages.
2
Document Check
Commercial invoices, packing lists, and AWB/BOL details reconciled during transit.
3
CBP Form 3461
Entry transmitted electronically in ACE prior to arrival for immediate cargo release.
4
Duty & CBP 7501
Entry summary and estimated duty, MPF, and HMF fees submitted within required timeframes.
5
Final Delivery
Cargo released from terminal control and dispatched via bonded container trucking.
Compliance Checklist
Required Documents for US Import Clearance
Complete document accuracy is mandatory under 19 U.S.C. 1484. The following key documents must be supplied to ensure smooth entry processing:
Commercial Invoice & Packing List
Must indicate full legal names, precise item descriptions, itemized values, currency, HTS codes, country of origin, and carton piece counts.
Bill of Lading (BOL) / Air Waybill (AWB)
Official transport contract serving as legal title for merchandise release (House BOL/AWB issued by Airlift USA NVOCC operations).
Customs Power of Attorney (POA) & Bond
Formal legal authorization allowing licensed customs brokers to transact business on behalf of the designated Importer of Record (IOR).
PGA Certificates & Country of Origin
Mandatory regulatory documentation such as FDA registrations, Lacey Act declarations, CPSC safety certificates, or Free Trade Agreement claims.
Tariffs & Fees
US Customs Duties, Taxes, and Official Fees
Import duties are assessed on cargo landed value. Government-mandated statutory fees billed at entry include:
| Assessment Type | Calculation Basis | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Column 1 Tariff Duty | Statutory rate based on 10-digit HTS code applied to invoice FOB value. | All commercial imports |
| Section 301 / 232 Tariffs | Additional tariff assessments imposed by Executive orders on specific origins (e.g., China) or materials (e.g., Steel/Aluminum). | Specific commodities & origins |
| Antidumping / Countervailing (AD/CVD) | Special cash deposits determined by US Department of Commerce to prevent unfair market dumping or foreign subsidies. | Regulated import categories |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) | 0.3464% of entered cargo value (Min: $33.58, Max: $651.50 for formal entries). | Ocean & Air formal entries |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) | 0.125% of entered cargo value discharged at US ocean ports. | Ocean freight only |
Mode Comparison
Air Cargo vs. Ocean Cargo Customs Clearance
Key procedural differences between air freight entry and ocean vessel customs procedures:
| Clearance Feature | Ocean Freight Imports | Air Freight Imports |
|---|---|---|
| Advance Security Filing | Mandatory ISF 10+2 filing 24 hours prior to loading at foreign origin port. | No ISF. Carrier submits ACAS data prior to aircraft departure. |
| Manifest Deadline | Vessel manifest transmitted 24 hours before loading. | Air manifest submitted 4 hours before US touchdown. |
| Harbor Fee (HMF) | Applies (0.125% of entered cargo valuation). | Exempt from Harbor Maintenance Fee. |
| Document Lead Time | 15 to 30 days during ocean transit to verify compliance. | 1 to 3 days. Complete documentation required before departure flight. |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential guidance on US import compliance, broker coordination, and regulatory procedures.
While CBP allows resident importers to self-file, virtually all commercial importers utilize licensed customs brokers due to complex ACE electronic interface requirements, bond mandates, and strict HTS rules. Airlift USA manages your shipments end-to-end and coordinates customs entries through our licensed customs broker network.
Compliant ocean and air shipments with pre-filed entries and no partner agency or exam holds are typically released on or immediately after arrival. Verifying documentation prior to cargo departure prevents unnecessary delays at the terminal.
A customs bond guarantees CBP that duties, taxes, and fees are paid. Regular importers or ocean importers requiring ISF filings use a Continuous Bond ($50,000 minimum limit). Single-Transaction Bonds cover individual entries for one-off shipments.
CBP places an administrative hold for VACIS (X-ray scan), tailgate inspection, or intensive exam at a Centralized Examination Station (CES). Per 19 CFR 151.6, the Importer of Record bears exam, CES transfer, and storage costs. Airlift USA manages CES movement swiftly to minimize container demurrage.
Under standard Incoterms 2020 (excluding DDP), the US buyer acts as the Importer of Record. The IOR holds legal responsibility for entry accuracy, duty payment, and regulatory compliance under 19 U.S.C. 1484, supported by a signed Power of Attorney with the broker.
Ensure Fast, Compliant US Customs Clearance
Get professional guidance on HTS classification, duty calculations, ISF filings, and customs entry coordination for your upcoming Asia-USA import shipments.