✅ 10-Section Import Compliance Checklist
CBP Import Checklist
Everything importers need to clear goods through U.S. Customs — from entry documents and bonds to origin marking, ISF filing, and post-entry recordkeeping.
01
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General Pre-Import Preparation
- Retain a licensed customs broker, lawyer, or trade compliance expert — or confirm you have access to CBP Regulations (Title 19 CFR), the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), and CBP Bulletin and Decisions.
- Bookmark the official CBP website or subscribe to a research service to establish reliable compliance procedures.
- Designate a responsible individual within your organization to review all CBP documentation and confirm it is full, complete, and accurate before submission.
- Understand that compliance is a shared responsibility — both the importer and CBP must ensure rules are followed when moving commercial goods.
02
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Entry Documents (Due Within 15 Days of Arrival)
- File an Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533) or Application for Immediate Delivery (CBP Form 3461) within 15 calendar days of the shipment's arrival at a U.S. port of entry.
- Prepare a commercial invoice (bill of sale) — or a proforma invoice if a commercial invoice cannot be produced.
- Gather from your freight forwarder: Bill of Lading (BOL), packing list, certificate of origin, and delivery order.
- Complete CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) — the official declaration that determines duties owed. Accuracy is critical to avoid delays and penalties.
- Post your customs bond and include evidence of the bond with your entry.
03
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Customs Bond
- Determine which bond type you need: Single Transaction Bond (one-time import) or Continuous Bond (frequent importers).
- Secure your bond through a resident U.S. surety company, or post in U.S. currency. If using a customs broker, confirm whether you may use their bond.
- Verify your bond amount is sufficient based on your import activity over the last rolling 12 months — CBP may deem an insufficient bond a compliance issue.
- If you anticipate a large increase in import activity, update your bond amount proactively.
04
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Country of Origin & Marking
- Verify the correct country of origin for all imported merchandise and report it accurately on all CBP entry documents.
- Ensure all merchandise is properly marked with the country of origin upon entry, per 19 U.S.C. 1304 and any applicable special marking requirements (watches, gold, textiles, etc.).
- If you hold a CBP ruling on marking or country of origin (19 CFR Part 177), confirm you followed it and note it in your submission.
- Notify your foreign supplier of CBP country-of-origin marking requirements before goods are manufactured or shipped.
05
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Merchandise Description & Tariff Classification
- Confirm you know what you ordered, where it was made, and what it is made of. Provide a complete, accurate description per 19 U.S.C. 1481.
- Classify merchandise using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS), CBP informed compliance publications, court cases, or CBP rulings.
- If claiming a special tariff classification — GSP, HTS 9802, USMCA/NAFTA — verify eligibility and have supporting documentation ready.
- Determine whether a laboratory analysis or specialized procedure is required for proper classification of your product.
06
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Valuation
- Know the "price actually paid or payable" for your merchandise — this is the primary basis for customs valuation.
- Regularly audit value, country of origin, composition, and any claims for reduced or duty-free imports.
- Declare all assists (materials, tools, or dies provided free or at reduced cost to the manufacturer), commissions, and royalties.
- Mark all articles with the country of origin and manufacturer information.
07
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Importer Security Filing (ISF / 10+2)
- File your ISF (Importer Security Filing, "10+2") the day before your shipment departs the foreign port — failure to file results in a significant fine.
- The ISF applies to all ocean shipments and requires specific data elements to be submitted to CBP before vessel loading.
- ISF provides advance shipment information to U.S. Customs so they can assess risk before goods arrive.
- Confirm your freight forwarder or customs broker is handling ISF filing on your behalf if you are not filing directly.
08
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Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) & Special Permits
- Determine whether your product category requires clearance from a Partner Government Agency (PGA) in addition to CBP.
- Food products: FDA prior notice, food facility registration, and health certificates may be required.
- Electronics: Safety certifications (FCC, UL) and labeling standards must be met.
- Agricultural goods: USDA phytosanitary certificates and inspection may be required.
- Make a checklist of all additional permits, licenses, or certifications required for your specific product before shipment.
09
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Prohibited & Restricted Goods
- Before placing any order, verify the goods are not on the CBP Prohibited Imports list — prohibited goods will be seized at the port.
- Review the CBP Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Other Agency Requirements list on the official CBP website.
- Check for any applicable trade sanctions, antidumping/countervailing duty orders, or Withhold Release Orders (WROs) affecting your goods or supplier.
- Confirm the goods are not subject to intellectual property restrictions or trademark/copyright protections that would bar importation.
10
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Post-Entry & Recordkeeping
- Maintain comprehensive records for 5 years from the entry date — CBP requires this of all importers.
- File your entry summary for consumption and deposit estimated duties within 10 working days of the goods' entry at the port.
- Conduct periodic internal audits: catching your own errors is far less costly than a CBP audit discovering them.
- Understand CBP penalty levels: negligence, gross negligence, and fraud. Knowingly falsifying data is considered fraud and carries extreme penalties.
Watch Out
Common Documentation Pitfalls
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Missing ISF or Certificate of Origin
Fines + shipment holds
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Errors on commercial invoice or CBP Form 7501
Miscalculated duties, delays
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Mismatched details between documents
Red flags during CBP inspection
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Last-minute filings
Overlooked details, missed deadlines
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Forgetting PGA permits or licenses
Shipment held or seized at border
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Knowingly falsifying data
Fraud charge — extreme penalties
Work With a Pro
Let a Licensed Customs Broker Handle This
A CBP-licensed broker manages entry documents, ISF filing, classification, bonds, and PGA requirements — so your shipment clears without delays or penalties.