What terms should you know before you begin importing goods into the U.S.? We list the ABC's of importing and all the definitions you need for importing successfully.

1. NEW IMPORTERS
ABC
New importers should know these
terms to prevent any importing
headaches.
Customs Brokers
A Licensed Customs Broker from AFC International can help you navigate
all the terminology and processes involved with importing. Call us at 800-
274-2329 today to get started.
@afc_customs
1.800.274.2329
afcinternationalllc.com
Source:
afcinternationalllc.com/customs-brokerage-
news/basic-documents-required-customs-
clearance/
The Arrival Notice provides arrival and
departure information needed for customs
clearance.
Arrival Notice
S
FOR
The Bill of Lading specifies the quantity,
weight, type, destination and other
international transportation details of your
goods.
Bill of Lading
This document contains
transaction details for product imports.
Commercial Invoice
Duty rates are taxes levied onto imported
goods.
Duty Rates
East Coast Ports are popular destinations for
imports from Europe.
East Coast Ports
The Import Security Filing (ISF) allows the CBP
and the Department of Homeland Security to
identify high-risk shipments.
Import Security Filing
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is an
internationally recognized system of names
and numbers to classify your goods.
Harmonized Tariff
Schedule (HTS)
Incoterms are three-letter trade terms used in
international and domestic sales of good
contracts.
Incoterms
The list that details your imports including
contents, dimensions and net weight of each
package or container is a Packing List.
Packing List
Ports line gulf, east and west coasts of the U.S.
to receive your goods via U.S. Customs &
Border Patrol service centers.
Ports
Surety bonds, or customs bonds, must be
provided on imports to assure financial
responsibility.
Surety Bonds
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol is the agency
that oversees imports into the country.
U.S. Customs & Border Patrol
West Coast Ports are primarily located in
California.
West Coast Ports
You should always enlist the services of a
licensed Customs Broker when importing
goods valued $2,000 or more to help your
cargo arrive quickly and securely.
You.
Online resources like a list of U.S. ports,
customs forms, and a currency converter can
be found on our website for easy access.
Resources
The OWM supports the consistency in the laws
and standards for U.S. weights and measures
to ensure goods are weighted correctly.
Office of Weights &
Measures (OWM)