Printable Version New US Import Regulations simplify Textiles Clearance Procedures

With effect from June 10th 2009, the ceiling at which formal declarations are required for imports of low value shipments of textile and apparel commodities and various other related items has been increased.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) authorities have made a significant revision to the formal entry requirements for these goods including clothing, fabrics, shoes with textile uppers, curtains, cushions bed covers, textile or textile covered bags, etc.

The previous policy, commonly known as the “formal entry list”, required the formal declaration of all such commodities with a value over $5, but this is now only required when the value is over $250. Imports under this value may now be released by informal entry, which is a simpler, faster procedure, and will be eligible for release using only the manifest data, provided that all items are clearly identified and described on the FedEx Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice accompanying the shipment.

Related amendments to customs requirements for the importation of textiles whether intended for personal or commercial use are as follows:

• No customs duty or Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) will need to be paid for shipments valued below $200.
  
  
• Customs duty (but no MPF) will be assessed on shipments valued between $200 and $250.
  
  
• Formal entry will be required for shipments with a value over $250 and will require payment of customs duty and MPF.
  
  
• A Manufacturer’s Identification (MID) code or the manufacturer’s full name and address (including country) must be shown on a commercial invoice or supporting commercial document for shipments containing textiles valued over $200.

NB: The MPF is calculated at 0.21% of the customs value, with a minimum charge of $25 and a maximum of $485.

In order to avoid clearing delays and increased costs, you are advised to ensure that a full, appropriate description of the goods to be shipped appears on your Air Waybill and Commercial Invoice. This is not only critical to ensure the speedy entry and release of low value express shipments, but also forms part of the essential pre-arrival information required by the CBP authorities.

A copy of the June 10, 2009, CBP bulletin, TBT-09-007, and other information on textile commodities is available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/priority_trade/textiles/tbts/tbt2009/ 

For further information on textile export to the US, please contact FedEx Customer Service on 08456 07 08 09.