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How to Import from the USA

Importing products from the United States can be a great way to have access to a wider variety of products and more competitive prices. However, importing can also be a complicated process, especially if you are not familiar with your country’s customs laws and procedures. To help you import safely and effectively, here are 10 tips on how to import from the usa.

1 – Research the customs laws and regulations

Before you start importing, it is essential to know your country’s customs laws and regulations. Some products may be prohibited or require specific licenses for a particular import. Knowing import restrictions can help you avoid problems with customs and consequently you do not lose money.

2 – Search for the product you want to import

Knowing the product you want to import will help you find the best price. For like everywhere else in the world, there is strong competition among American sites. To make the best choice, create accounts at the sites you can buy from and save items in your “favorites” so you can watch price changes and make a decision at the best time, or promotional date.

3 – Choose the right supplier

Choose a supplier that has a good reputation and offers quality products. There are several e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, eBay and Walmart, which are very famous among importers in general. It is important to check the rating of each seller, because even if a site offers good purchase protection mechanisms, marketplaces always get new sellers who may act in bad faith from time to time, so when you are inside the ad of a product you want to buy, customer reviews. Please also check the return policy and estimated delivery time before making a purchase.

4 – Calculate the total import costs

Before you even buy, calculate the total costs of an import, which include the price of the product, international freight, insurance, US taxes, and import fees. You can estimate these costs using import calculators available on the Internet. One such site is Tributado.net.

5 – Choose the right shipping method

There are several shipping options available, but the most common are air freight and ocean freight. Each of these options has its own advantages in terms of cost, delivery time, and security. It is important to choose the option that best meets your needs and expectations. ViajaBox offers good air freight options, which allow an order to reach its final destination within a few days.

6 – Choose a reliable parcel redirector

An order redirector can help you handle international shipping and reduce freight costs. Make sure you choose a reliable and reputable parcel forwarder, such as ViajaBox which is a strongly established company in this business.

7 – Make sure you have accurate information on the invoice

Make sure that the invoice contains accurate and detailed information about the product being imported, such as description, quantity, value, and country of origin. This information will help ensure faster and more efficient customs inspection. You can also ask the forwarder to insert an invoice for the shipping service charges inside the box along with the products.

8 – Be prepared to deal with customs

All imported products are subject to inspection by the Federal Revenue Service at customs, where the customs declaration values, the legality of the product, and the application of duties and taxes are verified. In some cases it may be necessary to provide additional documentation, such as special licenses, to release an object. Be prepared to deal with these requirements and provide all the necessary information to avoid delays and problems. Whenever you fill out your customs declaration, describe the contents of the box in the smallest detail with product brand, year of manufacture, model, capacity, and other characteristics if any. Objects with vague or generic statements may be returned to the sender because of insufficient information about their contents on the box label.

9 – Pay attention to delivery deadlines

Keep an eye on delivery times and track the status of your order. Be prepared to deal with possible delays caused by customs problems or problems with shipping. Remember that delivery times can vary depending on the shipping method chosen and times of the year when there is a higher or lower flow of boxes being transported.

10 – Know your rights as a consumer

When importing products from the USA, you still have rights as a consumer. This includes return and refund rights in case the product does not meet your expectations or arrives damaged. Make sure you know your rights and the seller’s return policies before making a purchase. This is yet another reason to have a reliable redirector to receive your purchases made in the US, because, suppose the return time for a product is 10 days regardless of the motivation. If this product is shipped from the store directly to your Brazilian address, and you find that the product does not suit you, you may miss the return or exchange deadline.

Once your product arrives at the forwarder’s warehouse, it will be photographed and logged into your account, and if there is any clear damage to the product or packaging, you will be notified immediately to take action if appropriate. You can also request extra photos and test videos, which are useful mechanisms to prove the full functionality of a product.

Conclusion

Importing from the USA can be a great way to have access to a wider variety of products at more competitive prices. However, it is important to be careful and follow the customs laws and regulations of your country. Use these 10 useful tips to import safely and effectively. And don’t forget that ViajaBox is a reliable parcel forwarder that can help you reduce shipping costs and handle import logistics.

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