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USA Freight Forwarding

Overview of freight forwarding

Freight forwarding is a service industry that involves moving goods around the world on behalf of importers and exporters. Freight forwarders specialise in moving cargo. They also arrange customs clearance of goods, maintain all documentation, oversee cargo packing and will at times deal with the movement of dangerous goods.

USA Customs

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is part of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Before you ship items to the US, you’ll need to classify your goods using the harmonized tariff schedule. You’ll also need to determine the duty rates using the US International Trade Commission database.

If you know where your goods will enter the US, you can also speak with a customs agent at the port of entry or hire a licensed customs broker. A broker can help you with federal procedures and submit information and payment to CBP on your behalf.

You can find more about import tariffs in the Market Access Database (MADB).

8.3 Regulations

You should make sure you know which US regulations apply to your products or services and follow packaging and labelling requirements.

Some of the main US federal agencies are:

• Food and Drug Administration – food, drugs, medicines and cosmetics
• Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau – alcohol and tobacco
• Consumer Product Safety Commission – consumer products
• Federal Trade Commission – business practices
• US Fish and Wildlife Service – animal products
• Environmental Protection Agency – human health and environment

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Check the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to find out what standards apply. The NIST works with industry to develop and apply technology, measurements and standards.

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