Ocean Import

Ocean Import

The ocean import process is as follows,

Step 1:
The U.S. Importer should apply an applicable import permit with U.S. government agencies at least 30 days before the scheduled date of importation, and place a purchase order with a qualified supplier/shipper.

Step 2:
The supplier/shipper will do the following tasks:
Pack and mark all goods in good and compliant conditions ready for pickup to the port warehouse and provide the following documents
  Commercial Invoice
  Packing List
  Certificate of Origin
  Letter of Instruction
  Dangerous Goods Declaration
  CITES certificate/other PGA required certificate if applicable
  Prior notice of arrival if applicable
and communicates with both the origin freight forwarder and the U.S. importer.

Step 3:
The origin freight forwarder communicates with ocean carrier to book space, arranges the transportation of goods from the shipper's warehouse to the port warehouse, and handle
  Master Bill of Lading
  House Bill of Lading
  House Manifest
  Export Goods Declaration
  Customs Release Export
and communicate with CBP broker for filing required ISF 10+2 with CBP at least 24 hours before the goods are loaded on board the vessel, and filing applicable prior notice of arrival no less than 8 hours before arrival, the earlier the better.

Step 4:
Ocean carrier will handle
  Ocean Manifest
  Transit Manifest
  Export Cargo Declaration
  Security Declaration
  Freight Book List
and responsible for the ocean transportation of goods from the port of departure to the port of destination in USA, and notify the destination freight forwarder with the arrival notice.

Step 5:
The destination freight forwarder communicates with CBP broker do the import customs clearance from the very beginning of the process, CBP broker will handle
  Bond CBP 301
  Filing Entry CBP 3461
  Filing Entry Summary 7501
  Filing applicable PGA required documents and Pay estimated duties and fees
CBP broker communicates with both the freight forwarder and the importer, and notify them the CBP release date.

Step 6:
The importer or the freight forwarder or CBP broker makes arrangement to pick up the goods at the destination port bonded warehouse and deliver the goods to the consignee's warehouse.

The port bonded warehouse usually offers less than 7 days' free storage period. After the allotted free storage period expires, the storage fee will escalate very quickly. If the goods can not pass CBP clearance immediately after arrival at the destination port, the goods will have good chances to be sent to a general order bonded warhouse, the importer will be subject to great storage fee & demurrage fee immediately.

Your best choice to minimize your costs
Working with CBPbrokers to expedite your goods pass through CBP clearance.