Customs Clearance for U.S. Importers: Steps and Documents

The short answer

CBP identifies goods by classification numbers in the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. Correct classification is central to every formal entry.
Imports valued under $2,500 that are not restricted or subject to a quota can in most cases be cleared as informal entries.
CBP can require a formal entry for any importation, and generally does when something is unusual or the invoice or bill of sale is missing.
Commercial imports above $2,500, and imports subject to other agencies' rules, generally need a customs bond. A licensed customs broker can arrange it.
Ocean cargo is subject to the Importer Security Filing, known as 10+2. Ask your broker whether it applies to your shipment.

Table of contents

The steps
Informal or formal entry
Customs bond
Importer Security Filing for ocean cargo
Documents to prepare
Mistakes that cause delays
After the goods arrive
What MyUSAService offers
Frequently asked questions

Customs clearance is the moment when a shipment stops being a logistics problem and becomes a legal one. Goods have to be identified, valued and declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and any duty has to be paid before release.

This guide explains the steps and the documents. It is general information: rates, restrictions and requirements depend on your product, and a licensed customs broker should confirm them before you ship.

The steps

Classify the product. CBP uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. It lists a classification number for every item, and the classification drives the duty rate and any restriction.
Determine origin and value. The country of origin and the transaction value are part of the declaration.
Check other agencies’ rules. Some products, for example food, cosmetics, electronics or plants, are also regulated by other agencies.
Choose the importer of record and the broker. See our guide on importing into the USA.
Arrange the bond, if required. See below.
File the entry and the required filings. The broker files them electronically.
Pay the duty and fees, and receive the release.

Informal or formal entry

CBP explains that a shipment valued under $2,500, not subject to a quota and not restricted or prohibited, can in most cases be imported as an informal entry. Exceptions exist, for example some textile items. CBP can require a formal entry for any importation, and generally does when something is unusual, or when a document such as the invoice or bill of sale does not accompany the shipment. Commercial imports above $2,500 generally need a formal entry.

Customs bond

A customs bond is a guarantee to CBP, issued by a surety company, that the importer will meet its obligations, including paying duties, taxes and fees. Commercial imports above $2,500 generally need one, as do imports regulated by other agencies. There are two common types:

Single-entry bond: covers one shipment. It suits occasional importers.
Continuous bond: covers multiple entries for a year. It usually suits regular importers.

Your broker or a surety can arrange the bond, and you normally sign a power of attorney so the broker can act for you. The rules for the amount and the cost are set out by CBP and vary: ask for a written quote before you ship.

Importer Security Filing for ocean cargo

Importers of ocean cargo are subject to the Importer Security Filing, called 10+2, which is filed before the cargo leaves the foreign port. Your broker or freight forwarder will tell you what applies to your shipment and by which deadline.

Documents to prepare

Commercial invoice with a complete description, quantity, unit price, origin and the parties.
Packing list.
Bill of lading or air waybill.
Certificates or licenses required by other agencies for your product, if any.
Proof of the importer’s identity and authority, and the power of attorney for the broker.

Consistency between documents matters: a missing or inconsistent invoice is one of the reasons CBP may require more paperwork.

Mistakes that cause delays

Classifying the product by guess, instead of confirming the number with a broker.
Shipping before the bond and the power of attorney are in place.
Vague product descriptions on the invoice.
Ignoring other agencies’ requirements.
Starting to sell before landed costs are known: duties and broker fees change the margin. See the hidden costs of a U.S. LLC.

After the goods arrive

Sales tax, payments and records start when the goods are sold: see sales tax for online sellers and U.S. payment systems.

What MyUSAService offers

MyUSAService forms and maintains U.S. companies for owners abroad. Customs brokerage and bonds are provided by licensed customs brokers and sureties, not by us: ask us for the company side and a broker for the customs side. Prices for our services are dated September 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between informal and formal entry?

Informal entries apply in most cases to shipments valued under $2,500 that are not restricted or subject to a quota. Formal entries apply above that value and whenever CBP requires it.

Do I need a customs broker?

Not by law for every shipment, but for commercial imports most importers use a licensed broker to classify goods, file the entry and arrange the bond.

What is a customs bond?

A guarantee to CBP, issued by a surety, that the importer will pay duties, taxes and fees and follow the import rules.

What is the Importer Security Filing?

A filing required for ocean cargo, known as 10+2, made before the cargo leaves the foreign port.

Does a U.S. LLC speed up customs clearance?

It does not change the customs rules. Correct documents, classification and a broker do more.

Importing into the U.S. and unsure about customs?

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Sources

First published November 20, 2025. This article is general information, not tax advice for your situation. MyUSAService packages and prices | Book a free call