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Importing to the USA
The USA is a significant tech hub, with most tech players headquartered in this region. Importing gear and meeting project deadlines is paramount to scaling your business. Don’t let US customs compliance delay your shipments.
Tax
up to 1%
Duties
up to 30% on restricted items
Lead Times
3 weeks
Restricted Items
Certain Apple, Huawei, Chemicals, and ZTE items
Best Carrier Option
Freight Forwarder or Courier
Non-Working Days
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays
Prominent Language
English
Importer of Record USA
Most imports and exports to the USA will require an import/export license. This vital shipping document, issued by US government authorities, authorizes the trade of goods across US borders. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ensures all imports comply with the relevant rules and regulations and levies any associated tariffs and taxes.
Exporting from the USA
U.S. regulations restrict the import of certain sensitive technologies, particularly those related to national security. The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, enforces Export Administration Regulations (EAR), which control the export and import of dual-use technologies.
The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) are a set of US government rules that govern the export and re-export of goods, software, and technology from the US to other countries. The goal of the EAR is to protect national security while advancing foreign policy interests and facilitating global trade.
Population
334,9 m
Biggest Industry by Export
Aircraft Parts
Capital City
Washington, D.C.
Biggest Industry by Import
Capital Goods
Pain Points for Importing to USA
You can’t talk about US trade without mentioning the US-China trade war. Specific tariffs, duties, and compliance requirements remain in place. During import, most goods of Chinese origin will have increased duties. Furthermore, the CBP is working towards preventing the import of products manufactured within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR).
An accurate import declaration must be submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including all necessary documentation such as commercial invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin. If the product is subject to specific tariffs or import restrictions, additional documentation or permits may be required.
Importing to the USA and Tariffs, Taxes and Duties
Significant change is on the horizon for US and import tariffs, taxes, and duties. US import duty rates are defined using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule. For tech goods, this can range from 0% to 15%, but higher tariffs can be expected based on trade policies (e.g., goods of Chinese origin).
Instead of VAT, a sales tax is applied to goods. This rate can vary from 0% to 10%. This is particularly important if the goods are sold in the country after importation.
Customs Clearance USA
A major roadblock for many looking to import technology to the USA is accurately calculating the fees required to clear customs. From duties, taxes, and licenses, it can become very overwhelming. For example, calculating the accurate import duties from Japan to the USA for a high-value shipment of racks and servers can be daunting. This is where a specialist IOR can assist. TecEx provides accurate quotations from the start—so there are no hidden fees!
We have additional value-added services that we can utilize to benefit our customers. Currently, we have warehouses located from coast to coast in the USA, which our clients often use to stage, consolidate, or deconsolidate shipments. This all ensures that the goods can clear customs the first time. TecEx’s network of US warehouses optimizes your supply chain by efficiently staging, consolidating, and deconsolidating shipments, guaranteeing first-time customs clearance.
Our comprehensive management of import and trade compliance frees you to concentrate on business growth. To secure your supply chain, choose strategic warehousing for seamless integration and deployment to data centers, Points of Presence, or beneficial owner destinations. This proactive approach safeguards your supply network and helps you avoid disruptions from chip shortages.
Using our Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) solution is the easiest way to focus on growing your business while we take on all the import and trade compliance work for all imports to the USA.
Countries That Trade with USA
North America
Mexico
North America
Canada
Getting Gear to US Data Centres
With Ashburne’s Data Center Alley and Silicon Valley, imports to colocation facilities are prominent in the USA. As networking equipment is a dual-use product, US Customs and Border Protection have put additional compliance steps in place. Using a trusted Importer of Record (IOR) ensures that the IOR handles all trade compliance risks.
TecEx has partnered with leading data center industry giants to make this process seamless. Through the TecEx Partnership Referral Program, we help your clients move their equipment across borders and through customs into your data center. Our services cover all pre-compliance checks, documentation collation, project management of logistical requirements, and white-glove delivery to any data center worldwide.
Your global trade solution for United States
Fill in the form to get in touch, and our expert team will contact you with a bespoke customs compliance solution to suit your needs.