Country Shipping Guide
Shipping to United States: Customs, Documents & Ports
The United States is the world's largest consumer market and a major trading nation.
- Country
- United States
- Region
- North America
- Currency
- USD
- Major ports
- USLAX, USLGB, USNYC, USSAV, USSEA, USHOU
- Time zone
- America/New_York
The United States is the world's largest consumer market and a major trading nation. West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle) handle Asian imports while East Coast ports (New York/New Jersey, Savannah, Norfolk) serve Atlantic trade. The US has complex customs requirements but efficient procedures.
Customs in United States
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires ISF filing 24 hours before loading. Import duties vary by product (HTS code). Many products require FDA, USDA, FCC, or other agency approvals. Customs bonds required for commercial imports. First Sale rule may reduce duty base.
Documents required for United States
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- ISF (Importer Security Filing)
- Customs Entry (through broker)
- FDA Prior Notice (for food)
- FCC Declaration (for electronics)
- Certificate of Origin (for FTA benefits)
Tips for shipping to United States
- LA/Long Beach handle most Asian imports
- East Coast ports growing for all-water routing
- ISF must be filed 24+ hours before loading
- Use licensed customs brokers for compliance
Popular routes to United States
- shanghai-los-angeles
- shanghai-new-york
- shenzhen-savannah
- rotterdam-new-york
More in this directory
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to ship to United States?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, ISF (Importer Security Filing), Customs Entry (through broker), FDA Prior Notice (for food), FCC Declaration (for electronics), Certificate of Origin (for FTA benefits)
How does customs work in United States?
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires ISF filing 24 hours before loading.