New Clients
The customs process doesn’t have to be intimidating. We can make it easy for you by helping you complete the necessary paperwork and working on your behalf with US Customs, USDA, FDA, and USDOT to make sure the customs process is smooth and efficient. Your certified broker at Osvil will be there to walk you through every step. Here’s how the process works:
Step 1-Knowing your Commodity
A good understanding of what it is that you would like to import/export helps us determine if special permits are required and helps us evaluate classification codes and tariff rates. We can help you do this in several ways: you can give us a call, initiate an online chat with us, or fill out the commodity classification questionnaire below and send it to us. We are here to help!
Download PDF: Commodity Classification Questionnaire 
Step 2-Power of Attorney
Giving us Power of Attorney allows us to work on your behalf with US Customs and other government agencies. Customs requires that we have Power of Attorney. Without it we cannot represent your firm. Download PDF: Power of Attorney
Step 3-Bond Requirement
Having a Customs Bond is required for every shipment into the U.S. It guarantees payment to U.S. Customs in the event that penalties are assessed. Having a good broker will help you avoid penalties, but even if you have a broker. If the Customs Bond is not properly prepared, you may be faced with serious consequences. Without a properly executed bond, your shipment will not clear U.S. Customs. There are two basic types of Customs Bonds.
- Single Transaction Bond (aka Single Entry Bond or SEB) – covers a single import transaction at one port of entry. The total bond amount is determined by the type of bond needed, as well as the limit of liability required by U.S. Customs.
- Continuous Bond – covers all entries made by an importer at all U.S. ports of entry. $50,000 is the most common and least amount allowable by U.S. Customs. A Continuous Bond is generally 10{99106464a4a298b62af2bc7bb22bdccd117c46c7fbfcedcc69c9a458c65bde1c} of the importer’s annual estimated duties for the next calendar year and is good for one year from issuance.
Download PDF: Customs Bond Application
Step 4-Permits and Documentation
If you have products that are regulated by the USDA, FDA, or are under NAFTA jurisdiction, we will request the appropriate permits and certificates for your shipment so it moves efficiently through customs. Please reference and complete these forms if necessary for your commodity. Download PDF: USDA Permit Download PDF: FDA Product Listings
Step 5-SCAC Code Application
A Standard Carrier Alpha Code must be applied for so your transportation can come through the US port of entry. Download PDF: SCAC Application
Step 6-Entry Papers
You also need a broker to represent the country in which you’ll be importing your products. We can facilitate this process by recommending the right broker for your shipment. We will share your completed documentation with your foreign broker, transporter, and warehousing facility so they can complete their processing.
Call the customs experts at Osvil and experience our client centered, respectful service for yourself.
(520) 364-8668
