If you’re sourcing products overseas and selling in the U.S.—whether through Amazon FBA, Walmart, Shopify, or your own warehouse—you’ll need to navigate the U.S. import and customs process. Getting this process right matters, because it ensures your goods are legally allowed into the country, properly declared, and compliant with all regulations.

In this guide, we’ll explain the U.S. customs process in plain terms, highlight what ecommerce sellers need to watch out for, and show you how MyFBAPrep can make importing simpler and faster.

Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Goods to the USA

Step 1: Understand Your Role as the Importer of Record

When you import goods into the United States, you (or your company) are the Importer of Record (IOR). This means you are legally responsible for:

• Ensuring the goods comply with U.S. laws and regulations
• Paying import duties and taxes
• Accurately classifying and valuing the products
• Providing proper documentation

Even if you use a customs broker, the IOR is still ultimately accountable—so it’s critical to understand the basics.

Step 2: Prepare Key Documentation

To get your goods through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you’ll need to provide the following documents:

• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill – issued by your freight carrier
• Commercial Invoice – includes the seller, buyer, item description, and value
• Packing List – outlines quantities and packaging details
• Importer Security Filing (ISF) – required for ocean shipments, filed 24 hours before vessel departure
• Customs Bond – a financial guarantee to CBP that duties and penalties will be paid

Depending on your product, you may also need licenses, certificates (e.g., FDA for supplements), or other documents.

Step 3: Classify Your Goods

Each product must be classified using a Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code. This 10-digit number determines the:

• Applicable duty rate
• Eligibility for free trade agreements (like USMCA)
• Additional compliance requirements (FDA, USDA, EPA, etc.)

Using the wrong HTS code can lead to incorrect duty payments or even seizure of your goods.

Tip: Work with a licensed customs broker to ensure your products are properly classified.

Step 4: Calculate and Pay Duties and Taxes

Once your shipment is classified and valued, CBP calculates any duties, taxes, or fees owed.

• Duty rates can range from 0% to 25%+ depending on product type and country of origin.
• Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is applied to most imports.
• Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) applies to ocean freight.

Duties are typically paid upon customs entry or through a customs bond.

Step 5: Submit Entry to Customs and Await Clearance

Your customs broker or freight forwarder will electronically file an entry summary (CBP Form 7501) along with your documentation. Then one of the following will happen:

• Released – Your shipment is cleared and delivered.
• Held for Exam – CBP or another agency (e.g., FDA) needs more information or wants to inspect the goods.
• Detained or Refused – If your shipment violates regulations or lacks paperwork, it may be rejected or even destroyed.

Average clearance time is 1–3 days, but inspections can delay this by a week or more.

Step 6: Receive Your Goods

Once your shipment clears customs:

• Your freight forwarder arranges final delivery to your destination (FBA warehouse, 3PL, prep center, etc.)
• If you’re using Amazon FBA, make sure your labels and shipments match Amazon’s requirements to avoid delays at the fulfillment center.
• If you’re using a 3PL like MyFBAPrep, we can receive, inspect, prep, and forward your inventory with FBA or DTC standards in mind.

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free U.S. Imports

For the easiest and most streamlined imports, we recommend the following.

• Use a licensed customs broker – especially for complex products or regulated goods
• File ISF on time – avoid costly penalties for late ocean filings
• Avoid vague product descriptions – be specific and consistent across all documents
• Monitor compliance – supplements, electronics, food, and cosmetics may trigger FDA or USDA inspections
• Factor in all import costs – duties, broker fees, insurance, and domestic transport should be built into your landed cost
• How MyFBAPrep Helps With U.S. Imports

At MyFBAPrep, we work with eCommerce brands importing goods from all over the world. Our services simplify the import process by offering:

• Access to vetted freight forwarders and customs brokers
• FDA-compliant and FBA-ready prep services
• Warehousing and distribution across 85+ global locations
• Support with documentation, compliance, and product prep

Whether you’re importing for Amazon, Walmart, or your own DTC operation, we make sure your inventory clears customs and flows seamlessly into the U.S. market.

Final Thoughts on Importing Goods to the USA

Importing goods into the U.S. doesn’t have to be intimidating—but it does require careful planning and the right partners. By understanding the customs process, preparing accurate documentation, and working with experts like MyFBAPrep, you can avoid delays, minimize costs, and keep your supply chain moving smoothly.

Need help importing goods into the U.S. for Amazon FBA or your 3PL? Let MyFBAPrep manage your inbound shipments, customs compliance, and last-mile prep—all under one roof. Get started today.