Day 5 log: I searched around some more to familiarize myself with fees related to shipping while I wait to receive a new invoice.
ChinaPost related16 (Registration/tracking Charge) 8 x 2
16 (Customs Charge) 8 x 2
61.45 (Insurance Charge) 6145 / 100 Yuan
16 (Insurance Commission) 8 x 2 package
766 (
Surface to USA) [83 x 2] + [15 x 2] x 20
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Total: 875.45 RMB ($141.04USD)
To my knowledge that should include all the fees to get the packages from China into US customs.
http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/internet-purchases If your goods are being shipped by freight, and you want to clear them through CBP yourself, be sure the shipping company has instructions to deliver them to a port near you. Otherwise, you will need to arrange for someone else to clear the goods for you when they arrive. Your alternative is to ask the seller to make arrangements to have your goods forwarded to your door, in which case you should expect to pay for the services of the customs broker who coordinates this when your goods arrive in the U.S.A.
This got me wondering what documents a broker takes care of in this case and the related fee.
Some CBP documents that may be related:
DECLARATION OF OWNER FOR MERCHANDISE OBTAINED (OTHERWISE THAN) IN PURSUANCE OF A PURCHASE OR AGREEMENT TO PURCHASEAPPLICATION FOR FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE ADMISSION AND/OR STATUS DESIGNATIONNORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT: CERTIFICATE OF ORIGINCERTIFICATE OF DISPOSITION OF IMPORTED MERCHANDISEENTRY/IMMEDIATE DELIVERYAll this might just be taken care of through the Post, perhaps someone knowledgeable could enlighten me.
Last step: $71.68 (
USPS domestic) $35.84 x2
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Latest international shipping estimate to be shared: $212.72
update: Still reading about importing, maybe I'll apply to become a ceritifed broker after I'm finished.
http://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Importing%20into%20the%20U.S.pdfMore
Entry Documents
Within 15 calendar days of the date that a shipment arrives at a U.S. port of entry,
entry documents must be filed at a location specified by the port director. These
documents are:
• Entry Manifest (CBP Form 7533) or Application and Special Permit for
Immediate Delivery (CBP Form 3461) or other form of merchandise
release required by the port director,
• Evidence of right to make entry,
• Commercial invoice or a pro forma invoice when the commercial invoice
cannot be produced,
• Packing lists, if appropriate,
• Other documents necessary to determine merchandise admissibility.
If the goods are to be released from CBP custody at the time of entry, an entry
summary for consumption must be filed and estimated duties deposited at the port of
entry within 10 working days of the goods' entry
Entry summary documentation consists of:
• Return of the entry package to the importer, broker, or his authorized
agent after merchandise is permitted release,
• Entry summary (CBP Form 7501),
• Other invoices and documents necessary to assess duties, collect statistics,
or determine that all import requirements have been satisfied. This paper
documentation can be reduced or eliminated by using features of the ABI.
Found the good part:
No formal entry required on duty-free merchandise not exceeding $2,000 in
value,
A CBP officer prepares the CBP entry (a form) for mail importations not
exceeding $2,000 in value, and the letter carrier at the destination delivers the parcel to
the addressee upon payment of duty.
[not applicable]A CBP processing fee of $5.00 will be assessed on each item of dutiable mail for
which a CBP officer prepares documentation. The postal carrier will collect this nominal
fee on all dutiable or taxable mail along with the duty owed. There is also a postal fee (in
addition to prepaid postage) authorized by international postal conventions and
agreements as partial reimbursement to the Postal Service for its extra work in clearing
packages through CBP and delivering them.
I'll give the CBP and USPS a call on Monday to confirm a few things.
Formal entries - commercial only
