Entrepreneur.com
Written by Chris Malta of Entrepreneur.com
Any time you import goods into the U.S., you're legally responsible for ensuring that they comply with Customs regulations. This scares away many retailers and e-tailers from learning more. But, although steering clear of importing may allow you to avoid liability issues, it also means you're missing out on the considerable cost savings and unique, cutting-edge products that importing can afford your business. "It really comes down to covering your bases," advises Kelby Woodard, principal of import consulting firm TradeInnovations.com. "There are some common-sense precautions you can take to limit your liability and protect your business interests." He offers the following insights:Start in Phases
Don't just jump on the Internet and place a large order with a company you haven't vetted. Take your time, research potential suppliers and start with small orders.Initially Stay Close to Home
Mexico or Canada are the obvious options. Countries in South or Central America or the Caribbean basin will tend to have easier logistics than Pacific or Asian countries. And many of them have free trade agreements, as well, so they provide the additional advantage of being duty-free.Do Your Homework
In 1992, Congress passed a law that made the U.S. government responsible for making all necessary knowledge on Customs regulations available to importers, either by Web site or publication. This concept is known as informed compliance. There are several online resources that can help you learn more about your responsibilities in this area:- CBP.gov is the official Web site for the Customs and Border Patrol. As part of the agency's informed compliance requirements, its site offers a great deal of education regarding different import regulations.
TRGDirect.com offers information for companies or individuals interested in learning how to file their Customs entries directly, without the services of a Customs broker.
TradeBridgeInternational.com provides a vast amount of knowledge geared toward helping small- to medium-size importers. TradeInnovations.com provides direct information on the subject of importing, as well as numerous links to other useful sites.
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