Customs Glossary for US Customs

Key customs requirements to be aware of when shipping to the USA

The commercial invoice and packing list

These contain critical information about your goods, such as the origin, the manufacturer, the destination and HTS Codes. They also give a complete description of goods and weights. They are required to be written in English.

Power of Attorney

WTA will need power of attorney over your shipment to clear your goods through customs. We also need this to pay duty on your behalf. Click here for our POA form and instructions.

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Importer Security Filing (ISF)

This needs to be sent 72 hours prior to the date of sailing. All manufacturers and the goods from their facilities need to be entered. The following information will need to be filled out:
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Manufacturer (or supplier) name and address​
Seller (or owner) name and address​
Buyer (or owner) name and address​
Ship-to name and address​
Container stuffing location​
Consolidator (stuffer) name and address​
Importer of record number/foreign trade zone applicant identification number​
Consignee number(s)​
Country of origin​
Commodity Harmonized Tariff Schedule number to six (6) digits

The Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

An Airway Bill is used for air shipments while the Bill of Lading is used for sea shipments. Both are the legal documents given by the airline or shipping line to confirm your freight is onboard. The arrival notice allows WTA Group to start the clearance process and should be sent over before the freight reaches port.

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Harmonized Tariff Code

Every item that is shipped to the USA is assigned an internationally recognised code, called a Harmonized Tariff Code. We can provide recommendations and assistance on this.

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)

The HTS comprises a hierarchical structure for describing all goods in trade for duty, quota, and statistical purposes. Every item that enters the USA has an HTS code. Having this code ready is extremely important for quickly clearing your goods through customs. Find your product code and save it for future reference.

​Labelling

This must be in English, have a country of origin on it and include a full list of ingredients.

Nutrition Facts Label

The USA Food and Drug Administration requires a Nutrition Facts label for most packaged foods that reflect the latest in nutrition science and includes additional nutrient information.​