Import to the United States

Quick Overview

Importing goods into the United States requires the correct freight service, HTS classification, customs documents, Importer Security Filing and duty calculation. Compare FCL, LCL and air freight options, arrange customs clearance and manage your U.S. import online with iContainers.

International Shipping to the United States

Import shipping to the United States involves transporting commercial goods from an overseas supplier, factory or warehouse to a U.S. port, airport, distribution center or final delivery address.

Depending on the cargo’s size, weight, value and urgency, importers can use:

• FCL shipping for full-container shipments.
• LCL shipping for pallets, boxes and smaller commercial loads.
• Air freight for urgent or high-value cargo.
• Port-to-port, door-to-port or door-to-door transportation.
• Customs clearance and delivery services for eligible U.S. imports.

Importers must also classify the goods, calculate duties, check product restrictions and provide accurate information to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Latest U.S. Import Data

According to the latest annual revision, the United States imported approximately $3.45 trillion in goods during 2025, compared with $3.29 trillion in 2024. This represents an increase of approximately 4.8%.

Mexico was the largest source of U.S. goods imports in 2025, followed by Canada and China. Imports from Taiwan and Vietnam also exceeded $190 billion.

Top U.S. Import Origins in 2025

Country values are rounded and presented on a Census basis.

What Does the United States Import?

Capital goods represented the largest U.S. import category in 2025, followed by consumer goods and industrial supplies.

Major U.S. Import Categories

Common products imported into the USA include:

• Industrial machinery and manufacturing equipment
• Computers and office machinery
• Telecommunications equipment
• Electrical machinery and components
• Cars, trucks and automotive parts
• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
• Semiconductors and electronic components
• Furniture and household goods
• Clothing, footwear and textiles
• Chemicals, plastics and raw materials
• Food, beverages and agricultural products
• Consumer electronics

Businesses can also consult iContainers guides for importing furniture from China, importing car parts and importing plastics and plastic derivatives.

Choose the Right Import Freight Service

FCL Ocean Freight

Full Container Load shipping gives one importer exclusive use of a container.

FCL is generally suitable when:

• The cargo fills most of a 20-foot or 40-foot container.
• Several pallets are moving from one supplier.
• The goods are bulky, heavy or fragile.
• Reduced handling is a priority.
• The importer wants greater control over container loading.

Refrigerated containers, flat racks and open-top containers may be available for temperature-controlled, oversized or non-standard cargo.

LCL Ocean Freight

Less than Container Load shipping allows several importers to share a container and pay for the space used.

LCL is generally suitable when:

• The shipment does not require a full container.
• The cargo consists of boxes, crates or several pallets.
• Delivery is not urgent.
• The importer wants to avoid paying for unused container capacity.

LCL cargo must be consolidated at origin and deconsolidated in the United States, which may add time to the shipment.

Air Freight

Air freight is commonly used for:

• Urgent commercial shipments
• Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
• Electronics and technology products
• High-value components
• Product samples
• Perishable goods
• Critical machinery or automotive parts

Air freight rates are normally based on chargeable weight, which compares the cargo’s actual weight with its volumetric weight.

Import Freight Comparison

How to Import Goods Into the USA

1. Confirm the Product and Supplier

Before placing an order, confirm:

• The exact product description
• Materials and intended use
• Country of manufacture
• Commercial value
• Supplier and manufacturer details
• Quantity and packaging
• Final U.S. delivery address

Product descriptions should be specific. Descriptions such as “parts,” “samples” or “accessories” may be insufficient for customs clearance.

2. Identify the Importer of Record

The Importer of Record is responsible for ensuring that the goods comply with U.S. laws and that customs documentation, classification, valuation and duties are correct.

The Importer of Record may be:

• The U.S. buyer
• The owner or purchaser of the goods
• A qualifying consignee
• Another authorized party that meets CBP requirements

The importer should be identified before the goods are shipped.

3. Find the Correct HTS Code

Imported goods must be classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

The HTS code determines:

• The general customs duty rate
• Statistical reporting requirements
• Additional tariffs
• Trade-agreement eligibility
• Quotas or special restrictions
• Partner government agency requirements

Importers should use the current 2026 Harmonized Tariff Schedule, including Revision 11 published on July 1, 2026.

The exporter’s HS code may help identify the product, but it should not automatically be used as the final U.S. HTS classification.

4. Calculate the Customs Value and Duties

U.S. import duties depend on several factors:

• HTS classification
• Country of origin
• Transaction value
• Quantity or weight
• Trade agreements
• Antidumping or countervailing duties
• Section 201, 232 or 301 measures
• Other product-specific tariffs

The customs value is usually based on the transaction value, but assists, royalties, packing costs and certain other amounts may need to be included.

Because tariff measures can change, importers should confirm the applicable duty rate before the goods leave the country of origin.

5. Check Product Restrictions

The United States does not require a general import license for every commercial shipment. However, particular products may require permits, registrations, testing or approval.

Regulated goods can include:

• Food and beverages
• Cosmetics and medical products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agricultural products
• Plants and animal products
• Chemicals and pesticides
• Vehicles and vehicle components
• Telecommunications equipment
• Electronics
• Textiles
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Weapons and controlled products

Depending on the commodity, clearance may involve agencies such as the FDA, USDA, EPA, FCC or NHTSA.

6. Choose an Incoterm

Incoterms define how shipping costs, risks and responsibilities are divided between the seller and buyer.

Common terms for U.S. imports include:

• EXW: The buyer arranges transportation from the supplier’s premises.
• FCA: The seller delivers the cargo to the agreed carrier or location.
• FOB: The seller delivers the goods on board the vessel.
• CFR: The seller pays ocean freight to the destination port.
• CIF: The seller pays ocean freight and minimum insurance.
• CPT: The seller pays transportation to the named destination.
• CIP: The seller pays transportation and specified insurance.
• DAP: The seller arranges delivery to the agreed U.S. destination.
• DDP: The seller assumes extensive delivery and import responsibilities.

The Incoterm should always include the named port, terminal or delivery location.

7. Compare Import Freight Quotes

Use the freight cost calculator to compare available transportation options.

A quote request should include:

• Collection address or origin port
• U.S. destination port or delivery address
• Number of packages or pallets
• Dimensions of each package
• Gross weight and total volume
• Commodity description
• Cargo value
• Country of manufacture
• Hazardous-goods status
• Temperature or handling requirements
• Requested pickup and delivery dates

The transit time calculator can help estimate how long the main transportation stage may take.

8. Prepare the Import Documents

Documentation should be completed before the carrier’s cutoff and must contain consistent product, quantity, value and routing information.

Missing or contradictory information can delay customs clearance or lead to inspections and additional costs.

9. File the Importer Security Filing

For most cargo transported to the United States by ocean vessel, an Importer Security Filing is required.

ISF is commonly called 10+2 because it combines information from the importer and the carrier. Core importer data is generally required before the cargo is loaded onto the vessel at origin.

ISF is not a customs entry and does not replace the import declaration. Late, incomplete or inaccurate filings can result in holds, inspections or penalties.

10. Complete Customs Clearance and Delivery

The customs broker or authorized filer submits the entry information through the Automated Commercial Environment.

CBP may:

• Release the goods
• Request additional documents
• Send the cargo for examination
• Refer the shipment to another government agency
• Require payment or security for additional duties

After release, the cargo can be collected from the port, airport or warehouse and transported to its final destination.

Documents Needed to Import Into the USA

Commercial Invoice

The commercial invoice should normally include:

• Seller and buyer details
• Importer and consignee information
• Manufacturer details, when required
• Detailed commodity description
• Quantity and unit price
• Total value and currency
• Country of origin
• HTS classification, when available
• Incoterm and named location
• Payment terms
• Freight and insurance charges

Packing List

The packing list describes how the shipment is packed and normally includes:

• Number and type of packages
• Contents of each package
• Dimensions
• Net and gross weight
• Pallet or crate references
• Marks and serial numbers

Bill of Lading or Air Waybill

Ocean shipments use a bill of lading, while air shipments use an air waybill. These documents contain the main transportation instructions and identify the shipper, consignee and cargo.

Importer Security Filing

ISF information is required for most ocean cargo before loading at origin. The importer should confirm responsibility for filing with the supplier, freight forwarder and customs broker.

Customs Entry Documents

Customs entry information may include:

• Entry or immediate-delivery documentation
• CBP Form 7501 entry summary
• Commercial invoice
• Packing list
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Customs bond
• Proof of origin
• Product permits or certificates

CBP Form 7501 records information such as classification, customs value, origin, duty calculation and importer details.

Product-Specific Documents

Depending on the goods, additional documents may include:

• FDA prior notice
• Sanitary or phytosanitary certificates
• Laboratory or conformity certificates
• Dangerous-goods declaration
• Safety data sheet
• Vehicle compliance documents
• Textile declarations
• Fumigation certificate
• Antidumping or countervailing duty information
• Free trade agreement certification

Customs Duties and Import Charges

The landed cost of an import can include:

• Product purchase price
• International freight
• Cargo insurance
• Customs duties
• Merchandise Processing Fee
• Harbor Maintenance Fee for eligible ocean imports
• Customs brokerage
• Terminal handling
• Port or airport charges
• Examination fees
• Storage
• Demurrage or detention
• Inland delivery

Review the customs clearance and duties guide when estimating the total import cost.

The lowest product price or base freight rate does not always produce the lowest landed cost. Tariffs, inspections and destination charges should be considered before placing an overseas order.

Do I Need a Customs Bond?

A customs bond is generally required for formal customs entries. It guarantees payment of duties, taxes and other obligations owed to CBP.

Importers may use:

• A single-entry bond for one import transaction.
• A continuous bond for multiple imports during a 12-month period.

The appropriate option depends on shipment frequency, value and regulatory requirements. Certain regulated goods may require a bond even when their value is relatively low.

Should Import Cargo Be Insured?

Carrier liability is limited and may not cover the full commercial value of lost or damaged goods.

Cargo insurance can provide broader protection during international transportation, subject to the selected coverage and policy exclusions.

Insurance is particularly important for:

• High-value cargo
• Fragile goods
• Machinery and electronics
• Long-distance shipments
• Cargo involving multiple handling points
• Shipments exposed to theft, water or impact risks

How Long Does Import Shipping Take?

The total import time depends on:

• Country and city of origin
• Ocean or air freight
• Direct or transshipment service
• Carrier schedules
• FCL or LCL transportation
• Origin consolidation
• U.S. customs clearance
• Government agency inspections
• Port or airport congestion
• Final delivery distance

Air freight is normally faster than ocean freight. FCL generally requires less consolidation handling than LCL.

Published transit times normally cover the main transportation stage and should not be treated as guaranteed door-to-door delivery dates.

Popular Import Routes to the United States

iContainers supports imports into the United States from major manufacturing and trading markets.

Popular routes and guides include:

• China to the United States
• India to the United States
• Import from Spain
• Import from Shanghai
• Import furniture from China
• Import car parts
• Import plastics and plastic derivatives

Service availability, carrier schedules and transit times depend on the precise origin, destination and cargo characteristics.

References

• U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis — 2025 Annual Revision of U.S. International Trade — Revised annual import totals, import categories and country-level trade data.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Basic Importing and Exporting — General guidance for businesses importing goods into the United States.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Entry Summary and Post-Release Processes — Customs entry summary procedures and filing requirements.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection — CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary — Entry information used for classification, valuation, origin and duty assessment.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Importer Security Filing 10+2 — ISF requirements for cargo transported to the United States by ocean vessel.
• U.S. International Trade Commission — Harmonized Tariff Schedule — Current U.S. tariff classifications and duty information.
• U.S. International Trade Commission — 2026 HTS Revision 11 — Latest HTS revision published on July 1, 2026.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection — User Fee Table — Current CBP processing and user-fee information.