The US import process is not plain sailing, whether you’re an experienced trader or a novice. The last few years – notably from the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, have seen a global supply chain as turbulent as an ocean container carrying goods along trading routes. As barriers appeared, the industry tried every means to overcome them and to carve out a more stable future. A common denominator has been efforts to streamline processes and save on bottom-line expenses. The good news is that a few companies have jumped on board with highly innovative solutions to help US importers. Let’s take a look at how eezyimport is achieving that.
Customs Clearance & eezyimport
US customs authorities, operating via the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are generally more interested in imports than exports. This point is no surprise, given that the country has long been among the world’s biggest importers. According to an October 2022 release by The World Factbook, the US was the world’s largest importing economy in 2021, recording an estimated US$2.93 trillion in imports. In addition, recent statistics from the US Census Bureau show that after a few slow months, September imports were up by US$4.8 billion (1.5%) to US$ 331.3 billion compared to August, amid solid domestic demand. As can be seen, the US economy depends heavily on imports. However, imports also come with meeting requirements, be they regulatory, legal, safety, or financial. Therefore, the CBP is the stringent gatekeeper, ensuring that importers pay taxes, do due diligence, and know how to file ISF and Entry Summary documents.
Importers have long considered the US import process a headache (the CBP has a 211-page “how to” document). Just thinking of starting an import business has sent many running to hire customs brokerage services. However, in our digital age, online solutions, such as eezyimport, offer quicker, cheaper, smoother, and increasingly more intuitive ways to get merchandise from point A to B.
Did you know? US citizens are allowed to become self-filers!
Not all importers may be aware that US citizens are allowed to become self-filers. Adopting this position entails filing one’s ISFs and Entry Summaries to release goods from customs. But how? eezycustoms enables self-filing through its intuitive eezyflow dashboard automatically and without hiring a customs broker. Its customs clearance solutions are among the company’s most intrinsic. eezyimport was born to enable traders to become self-sufficient, cost-efficient, and more in control with transparency over their trading process. For instance, after sending your ISF, you may ask how to check if the ISF has been filed. Well, eezy customers receive regular updates from the eezyimport system regarding the application status until the CBP approves the ISF or if they require completion or repairs. Note that you can make the necessary corrections and submit an updated ISF without additional fees.
While autonomy is power, eezy excels at providing customer support. Firstly, it offers a DIY Broker Entry service to help on the road to independence. Secondly, support is always available through its experts, who are on hand at any point throughout the importer’s journey.
eezyimport’s website is designed for usability and outlines the minimum requirements for ISF filing and customs clearance with explanations of each. These requirements include a Commercial Invoice, Bill of lading or Airway bill, Arrival notice, International classification HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) codes, and Power of Attorney, valid for two years.
Your “How To” questions
Besides the big question of how to import into the US, the eezyimport site answers many questions to unpuzzle a puzzling process. For instance:
- How to get an ISF bond?
- How do I submit an ISF?
- How do you check the ISF filing status?
- What is a customs bond, and how does it work?
How to get a customs bond, or how much is a customs bond? eezy doesn’t just explain but provides Continuous Bonds, Single ISF Bonds, or Single Entry Bonds at competitive prices.There is more to importing than filing, and eezy’s digital platform addresses other critical issues along the supply chain.
Shipping with eezyFreight
With its vast experience and advanced technology, eezyimport helps US importers face challenges on every front of the import process and do it themselves. As such, eezyimport began addressing logistics industry pain points through its eezyFreight ocean freight service.
The company’s global LCL shipping service answers another question – why handle your shipping manually or depend on an agent when you can save time and money booking your freight online in seconds? eezyFreight offers its expertise to find shippers leading carriers who offer competitive rates and top-notch service. Also, customers can book their LCL shipment instantly online at any time or place of their convenience. There is no up-front payment; customers only pay upon pick-up. Furthermore, eezy can schedule your shipping and ensure you secure space for it without stretching lead times.
With over 40 years of experience, global contacts, and the backing of the Fridenson Group, eezy ensures competitive rates, outstanding customer support, and peace of mind. Other benefits include:
- Get an immediate quote: Enter your goods’ details and choose the voyage that fits your needs.
- Book your freight online: After uploading your documents and booking your shipment online, eezy takes care of the entire CFS-to-CFS (container freight station) journey.
- Monitor your freight online: User-friendly online dashboard enables checking the exact status of your clearance at any time.
- Integrate customs processes: Save time on clearing shipments by automatically incorporating your ISF and Entry Summary details with your global booking.
Coverage is Crucial
Once you’ve dotted your I’s and crossed your T’s, you’re probably at the edge of your seat waiting to track your goods as they navigate the oceans or traverse the horizons by air. However, have you considered the crucial safety of your precious cargo? Well, eezyimport has. eezyInsurance offers a cost-effective solution at yet another vital juncture along the supply chain. The company’s door-to-door, All-Risk insurance policy covers cargo traveling by Air or Ocean (Marine Insurance). It is as broad as it is comprehensive. The policy protects general merchandise against physical loss or damage resulting from external causes, subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
All-Risk covers:
- General cargo
- Commercial cargo – Commercial goods such as auto parts & accessories and bicycle parts
- Computer and electronics
- Breakables and fragile items
- Mobile phones, laptops, tablets
- Vehicles and heavy equipment
Key Takeaway
Whether you are a professional importer or importing goods for the first time, eezyimport has the perfect solutions at points in the US import process exactly where you need them most. We are here to simplify your processes and accelerate your success!
