HOUSTON (USHOU)

When a shipment reaches the United States, the owner, purchaser, or designated licensed customs broker (i.e. the importer of record) must file entry documents for the goods with the port director at the goods’ port of entry. To legally enter the U.S., imported goods must arrive within the port of entry, delivery of the merchandise must be authorized by CBP, and estimated duties must be paid. The importer of record is responsible for the arrangement of examination and release of the goods. Items on the banned list are: Agricultural Commodities (milk, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, livestock, etc.) Arms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Implements of War Certain Consumer Products (household appliances, industrial equipment, toys, etc.) Electronic Products (Radio Frequency Devices, radiation products) Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices) Conflict Diamonds Gold, Silver, Currency, Stamps Pesticides, Toxic and Hazardous Substances Textiles, Wool, and Fur Counterfeit Products Wildlife and Pets Obscene, Immoral, or Seditious Matter Artifacts A license or permit from the responsible agency may be necessary to import: • alcoholic beverages • animal and animal products • certain drugs • firearms and ammunition • fruits, nuts • meat and meat products • milk, dairy, and cheese products • plants and plant products • poultry and poultry products • petroleum and petroleum products • vegetables Surety (Bond) All imports must be accompanied by a bond in order to ensure the payment of any duties, taxes, or fees relating to import. A bond can be purchased through a US based surety company or your selected Customs Broker There are 2 types of customs bond: Annual Bond – This is the most common and cost effective bond as it covers all imports for 1 year. A bond covering an amount of $50,000.00 USD will cost between $400.00 – $450.00 USD. Larger bonds can be purchased as well extensions of a smaller bond. Single-Entry Bond – Single entry bonds are most often used when importers do not expect to receive more than 5-10 per year and cost about 5% of the value of the shipment