Clearing Your Purchases Through Customs
By Gail Doby, ASID
CVO & Co-Founder, Gail Doby Coaching & Consulting & Design Success University
Whether you are purchasing a single piece or a crateful, any and all items brought in the United States from another country must pass through U.S. Customs. It does not matter whether the item(s) are purchased from a manufacturer or a private individual, via purchase order or through a website, nor whether you are purchasing them for a client or your own use, personal or businesswise. Taking some time to familiarize yourself with Customs requirements can save a lot of delay, aggravation and possibly expense later on.
Assuming you are not personally bringing the item(s) back with you—in which case, you would need to clear Customs at your point of entry into the U.S.—or have purchased the goods through a supplier who will handle all the import and delivery details, you have several choices as to how to arrange to receive the goods. For many single items, your best and fastest option in most cases will be to use an international courier, such as Federal Express, that will handle the process and paperwork for you. Of course, you pay any required fees, import duties, taxes, etc. You also have the option of picking up the goods yourself. In that case, you will need to obtain and complete the necessary Customs forms and present them in person at the point of entry for the goods, as well as pay the necessary duties, etc. For larger shipments or goods that may be subject to restrictions or import quotas (as, for example, are some textiles or finished cloth goods), you will want to hire a customs broker to handle the process, paperwork and payments for you. The time you will save expediting delivery of the goods will more than compensate for the additional cost.
Keep in mind that as the importer you are responsible for making sure the purchase complies with any federal and/or state import regulations. Fortunately, items that interior designers normally purchase or specify do not require any special permits, licenses or handling. However, before you pay for a purchase abroad be sure that the goods can be legally exported from the seller’s and/or shipper’s country and can be legally imported into the U.S. For more detailed information about rules, regulations, procedures, restrictions and such, consult the website for U.S. Customs at https://www.cbp.gov
