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There are two major ways in which goods can enter the United States: as an informal entry or as a formal entry, also called a commercial entry.
But In most cases informal entry can be used if the merchandise is valued at $2,000 or less. (There are some exceptions such as textiles, certain types of footwear and other goods subject to quota/visa
restrictions.)
Formal entries are generally commercial shipments supported by a surety bond to ensure payment of duties and compliance with customs regulations. A bond is like an insurance policy that is
payable to Customs in the event that the importer does not comply with import requirements.
Most exports from Canada enter the U.S. as a formal entry, and given the greater complexity of the process, the
expert services of a customs broker like TAHOCO are essential.
As well as meeting the U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, your exports may have to abide by regulations established by a number of
other U.S. agencies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, etc. Our experts at TAHOCO can help you understand and deal with these special requirements that apply to a wide
range of commodities.
Pre-notification Requirements
Bioterrorism Act: If your company produces, processes or handles food for human or animal consumption in the U.S., you must register with the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You will also be required to provide the name of a U.S. agent/contact to act on your behalf. You will also be required to notify FDA of your shipments in advance of their arrival
at the border.
Trade Act of 2002: Under these regulations, traders shipping goods to the U.S. are required to submit certain cargo and conveyance information to U.S. CBP before the goods arrive at the
border.
FAST: A Canada-U.S. Border Facilitation Program
The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is a joint U.S. and Canadian effort designed to ensure security and safety while enhancing the
economic prosperity of both countries. The FAST program expedites the clearance of transborder expedites the clearance of transborder shipments of compliant partners by reducing Customs information requirements,
dedicating lanes at major crossings to FAST participants and physically inspecting cargo transported by low-risk clients with minimal frequency.
FAST is coupled with C-TPAT, the Customs Trade Partnership
against Terrorism. Utilizing risk management principles, C-TPAT seeks to identify compliant trusted trade partners who have good supply chain security procedures and controls to reduce screening of their imported
cargo. This enables CBP to focus screening efforts on transactions involving unknown or high-risk import traders. Any vehicle using FAST lane processing must be a C-TPAT approved carrier, carrying qualifying goods
for C-TPAT approved importer, and the driver must possess a valid FAST-Commercial Driver Card.
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