The truth is, U.S. customs are not designed to support e-commerce sellers looking to scale their Amazon stores. The process is complicated, strict, and ruthless. With FBA constantly pushing sellers to meet tight deadlines and constant inventory, this can definitely make or break your supply chain.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes more than 29 million import entries yearly; errors in compliance can cost businesses millions in fines—not to mention lost revenue. For the Amazon seller who’s trying to balance suppliers, listings, and customers, trying to manage customs is a risk they just can’t afford to take.

How to import items to sell on Amazon?

Importing is a fantastic way to source for products as an Amazon seller and acquire quality items at competitive prices, but bringing goods into the U.S. is not always smooth sailing, especially for those individuals who are not familiar with their steps. Unforeseen fees, customs delays or missed paperwork can easily turn a good deal into a costly mistake. This is the good news: importation can be easy and profitable when done the right way.

Here is the easiest, step-by-step guide on how you can get your products into Amazon warehouses without a headache.

Locate the Right Supplier

Begin by finding a reliable supplier for your products. You can connect with the manufacturers through Alibaba or trade shows.

• Check reviews: Choose firms that have good ratings and proven reliability.
• Order Samples: Test the quality of the product before placing a large order.
• Confirm Costs: Get a clear breakdown of product prices, shipping fees, and other charges.

A reliable supplier will give you that peace of mind and not surprise you later on.

Know Import Costs

One of the most important things to know when importing is the cost of bringing your goods into the U.S. This includes:

• Product Costs: What you’re paying the supplier.
• Shipping Costs: The cost of transporting goods through the air, sea, or courier.
• Import Duties and Taxes: Charges by U.S. Customs based on your product type and value.

For example, a garment might attract 10–15% duty whereas an electronics product may attract lesser or nil duty. A customs broker can help you figure that out.

Select the appropriate shipping method

This all depends on your budget and time horizon:

• Air Freight: Fast but expensive; ideal for small, time-sensitive orders.
• Ocean Freight: Less expensive but slower; ideal for large shipments.
• Courier Services: DHL, UPS, FedEx-for example, these companies make things much easier for smaller shipments.

The most efficient option for Amazon sellers is to ship directly to Amazon FBA warehouses. Your products must abide by the labeling and packaging requirements set forth by Amazon.

Clear U.S. Customs with Confidence

Amazon sellers typically run into trouble here. All shipments into the United States must pass through Customs and Border Protection, and any mistakes in paperwork or details in product descriptions can either delay shipments or incur additional fees.

To clear customs smoothly:

• Prepare Your Documents: You’ll need a commercial invoice, a shipping bill, and product details.
• Classify Your Products Properly: Goods are assigned a specific duty rate based on its type using what is known as an HTS code.
• Pay duties and taxes: Customs will calculate what you owe, which must be paid to release your goods.

A customs broker will save you a lot of time and stress by dealing with all the paperwork for you. The broker will classify your goods properly and avoid errors that cost you money.

Import Costs Considered at End

Therefore, you have to work out the cost of importing as part of your pricing to keep an Amazon business profitable.

Here’s what to consider:

• The price of the commodity.
• Shipping cost.
• Customs duties, taxes and other charges.

Send your products to Amazon warehouses.

Once your products have been released from customs, they are supposed to reach Amazon’s fulfillment centers where they can then be stored and shipped through the FBA program.

• Follow Amazon’s Prep Guidelines: Label products, pack them, and leave them ready for fast processing.
• Track your shipment: Follow up with your freight forwarder for updates to avoid delays.

Can I sell on Amazon from any country?

Yes, you can sell on Amazon from almost every country, but there are some requirements and restrictions you need to know. Amazon sells in almost every country globally with its Amazon Global Selling Program which enables sellers from all corners of the world to list and sell products on Amazon’s marketplaces in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

However, although Amazon supports sellers from more than 100 countries, not all are supported. You can start selling on Amazon if you live in a country that allows Amazon seller registration, provided you have fulfilled some basic requirements.

The countries Amazon continually updates on their site in which to register include: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and many more.

Go to the Amazon official seller registration page and see if your country qualifies.

How do I select a customs broker?

Experience and Industry Expertise

Not all customs brokers are the same. Find one with specific experience in your industry and a track record with the kind of goods you import.

• Do they have experience in working with other e-commerce sellers, say Amazon FBA?
• Have they ever dealt with complex products, like electronics, textiles, or food products, requiring special documentation?

An educated broker knows your products and industry so can avoid misclassifications, delays, and penalties.

Licensing and Compliance

A valid customs broker should be licensed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This indicates that it has achieved a certain level of professionalism and compliance.

• Ask for their license number and check it if needed.
• Check that they keep themselves updated on changing trade laws, tariffs, and compliance rules.

A good broker will also be knowledgeable in programs like ISF and can guide you through tariff exemptions under Free Trade Agreements.

Technology and Communication Tools

Modern customs brokers use technology to make importing more fluid. Ask them about the systems they use for:

• Get real-time updates on your cargo status. 
• Digital documentation-portal or online applications to input, update and view invoices, HTS codes and forms customs.
• Some automated reminders include notices related to due dates to submit ISF. 

Clear, consistent communication and digital tools minimize chances of mistakes and keep you up to date.

Transparency of Fee and Cost

A reliable broker will give you clear and upfront pricing, so you know exactly what you are paying for. Request a breakdown of fees that includes:

• Customs Entry Fees: Broker fees to clear shipments.
• Duties and Taxes Paid directly to the U.S. Customs.
• Charges beyond filtering and consultation, or special arrangement in handling.

Avoid any broker that is vague about the fees and adds hidden charges without an explanation.

Speed and Efficiency

Time is money, especially to Amazon sellers or small businesses with tight schedules. A good customs broker will prioritize speed without sacrificing the accuracy of the task.

• Ask how fast they can clear customs entries and clear up any issues.
• Check their experience in handling unpredicted challenges such as holds or inspections.

A responsive broker will act quickly if it holds your shipment at the port for errors in the paperwork so that your shipment can begin its movement.

Customer service and availability

Customs clearance does not always occur during standard business hours.

Choose a broker who offers all-branch availability with extended 24/7 hours.  There would be a separate contact specifically for answering any queries. Latest news before importation and update regularly on time. 

You’ll have peace of mind knowing someone is always available to help if issues arise.

References and Reviews 

Seek reviews, testimonials, or case studies of other businesses that have dealt with this broker. Focus on brokers who: 

• Positive comments about their dependability, expertise, and professionalism.
• Examples of how they’ve solved problems or saved the client time and money. 

Ask them references of businesses in similar industries to see how their experience has been.

Ability to Handle Future Growth 

Your needs may change with the business. 

• Choose a broker who can Manage growing shipment volumes. 
• Offer additional services, such as freight forwarding, duty drawback, or compliance consulting. 
• Allow multiple entry and access locations across the country. 

Can I clear customs myself? 

Yes, you can clear customs on your own, but this is not always the best solution,, especially if you are a small business owner or an Amazon seller handling international shipments. It may be true that CBP allows importers to make arrangements to clear their goods without a licensed customs broker. This process, however, is complex and time-consuming, exposing you to serious risks if you are not fully informed of the requirements.

A customs broker versus a forwarder is the question. Yes, you can have several customs brokers. You may need it if your business imports through several ports, deals with different categories of products, or requires specialized knowledge for certain shipments. For instance, one may handle electronics while another is on food imports that require FDA clearance. 

Using multiple brokers adds complexity, including issues with inconsistent documentation and communication. To avoid this, assign clear roles, centralize your records, and ensure everyone’s walking the same compliance standards. Sticking with one trusted broker often ensures smoother operations and fewer headaches.

Can you use multiple customs brokers? 

Well, with a complex business, you might use various customs brokers. For example, it would be the case if, for example, you receive imports through several ports of entry, have multiple product groups you handle, or you send off a high number of shipments. You might, therefore, have a broker handling electronics and another who specialises in textiles. 

This flexibility is very useful, but proper coordination needs to be taken for uniform documentation, duty calculation, and proper adherence to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulation. In order to avoid confusion, businesses using multiple brokers need to centralize their record-keeping, define roles clearly for each broker, and maintain strong communication that avoids delays or costly mistakes.

Get Started with Clearit USA Today

With Clearit USA, importing into the United States is straightforward, reliable, and hassle-free. Let their team handle the paperwork, compliance, and logistics while you focus on growing your business.

Visit Clearit USA to learn more or start your import process today!