Exporting to the United States: Import Rules and Procedures from Pakistan in 10 easy steps.

1. Determine the Product’s Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code: Every product has an HS code used to classify goods. This helps determine tariffs and duties.

You can consult the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) for the correct code, and ensure that the product is compliant with U.S. regulations.

Certain products may require additional documentation or special permits (e.g., food, drugs, medical devices, and agricultural products).

2. Ensure Compliance with U.S. Regulations
Several U.S. agencies regulate the import of specific products. You should ensure compliance with the following:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Manages and enforces the importation process, including the collection of tariffs and ensuring compliance with U.S. laws.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Regulates food, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, and some animal products.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Oversees agricultural products, including plants, seeds, meat, and dairy products.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Monitors the import of chemicals and environmentally sensitive products.

3. Register and Apply for Necessary Permits
Customs Bond: U.S. Customs may require an import bond, which acts as a guarantee that the duties and taxes will be paid.

Import Permits: Depending on the type of goods, you may need special import permits from regulatory bodies such as FDA for food products or USDA for plants or agricultural goods.

FDA Registration: If you are exporting food or medical products, registering with the FDA is a must.

EPA Certification: Some products, such as chemicals or pollutants, may need an EPA certification.

4. Documentation Requirements
The following documents are required for export from Pakistan to the United States:

Commercial Invoice: A detailed invoice showing the transaction value, description of the goods, country of origin, and the buyer’s details.

Bill of Lading (BOL): A shipping document from the carrier indicating receipt of goods for transport.

Packing List: Details of the contents of the shipment, including packaging specifications.

Certificate of Origin: To prove that the goods are produced in Pakistan, and to claim any preferential trade agreements (e.g., GSP – Generalized System of Preferences).

Import Security Filing (ISF): For ocean shipments, the ISF is required to be filed with U.S. Customs 24 hours before the shipment departs from Pakistan.

Certificate of Conformity: If applicable, this certifies that the goods meet U.S. safety and compliance standards.

5. Import Duties and Taxes
The U.S. imposes import duties and taxes based on the product’s classification, its value, and the applicable tariff rate.

CBP will assess these duties once the goods arrive in the U.S., and they must be paid before clearance.

Preferential Trade Programs: If your goods are eligible, you can benefit from duty exemptions or reductions under trade agreements like GSP (Generalized System of Preferences).

6. U.S. Customs Clearance
Once the goods arrive in the U.S., they must go through U.S. Customs.

CBP will inspect the documents, check for any discrepancies, and may perform an inspection of the goods.

If all documentation is in order, the goods will be cleared for entry.

If there are discrepancies or issues with the paperwork, it may cause delays or even seizure of goods.

7. Meeting U.S. Labeling and Packaging Requirements
Product Labels: The U.S. has strict labeling requirements, especially for food, electronics, and chemicals. Ensure your product labels meet U.S. standards.

Packaging Regulations: Packaging must comply with U.S. safety regulations and environmental standards (e.g., restrictions on certain types of plastic packaging).

FDA-Approved Labels: Food and drug products require specific FDA-approved labeling, which may include ingredient lists, health warnings, and usage instructions.

8. Choose the Right Shipping Method
Depending on the type of goods, you can choose from air freight, ocean freight, or road transport (for neighboring countries).

Work with a reliable shipping agent or freight forwarder experienced in U.S. exports to manage logistics, customs clearance, and delivery.

9. Inspection by U.S. Authorities
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may conduct an inspection at the port of entry to ensure compliance with U.S. import laws.

In some cases, agencies like FDA or USDA will also inspect products, especially food or agricultural items, for quality control.

10. Final Delivery
Once the shipment clears customs, it will be ready for final delivery to the U.S. warehouse, retailer, or customer.

Your freight forwarder or customs broker can help with organizing delivery to the final destination.

Additional Information:
Trade Agreements: Pakistan and the U.S. are not part of any specific bilateral trade agreement that offers duty-free treatment for most goods. However, certain items may qualify for reduced duties under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

Prohibited or Restricted Goods: Some goods are prohibited or restricted from being imported into the U.S. from Pakistan, such as certain agricultural products, counterfeit goods, and controlled substances.

Useful Resources:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): www.cbp.gov

Food and Drug Administration (FDA): www.fda.gov

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): www.aphis.usda.gov

Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS): www.bis.doc.gov