Goods that begin their transit from a point outside the United States and are delivered to a buyer in a city must comply with certain regulations. This article will explain how to obtain a license to import goods into Washington.
In 2021 the value of imports to the capital amounted to about 5700 billion dollars according to Statista. Already in 2020 they had increased by 35,4% according to the United States Census Bureau.
Washington's top imports last year were petroleum oils, bituminous mineral oils, midsize cars, and natural gas. Also included were video game consoles and machines, crude oil, and raw materials, the Observatory of Economic Complexity reported.
Likewise, he indicated that the products arrived mainly from Canada, China, Japan, Vietnam and South Korea.
CBP regulates imports into the US
In the United States, an import license is not required. However, there are certain regulations that must be taken into account during the process and that is taken care of by CBP.
Companies or individuals do not need licenses to bring products into the country. But many government agencies maintain restrictions for specific products.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulates most import rules and laws. Its role is to protect the country from high-risk cargo, contraband, and unsafe imports.
It handles customs, immigration, border security, and farm protection and works with other agencies. Among the goods that require permits are agricultural products that are supervised by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As does the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Weapons, ammunition and alcohol are handled by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (TTB). Commercial equipment is under the regime of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Air conditioners and furnaces enter this area.
Just like consumer products that are governed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. An example of this is toys for children under 3 years of age, supervise that they are not a risk of suffocation and that they do not use prohibited material.
Precious metals are covered by CBP and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They can enter this list Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the International Trade Commission. The first imposes sanctions and the second monitors that unfair methods of competition are not applied.
Furthermore, importers should be aware that if the import value exceeds $2500, a customs bond is required . This guarantees that duties, taxes, and other fees associated with the shipment will be paid.
If the products are regulated by any agency, a special license may be required. Most of these are free.
How to obtain a license to import into Washington
Businesses that import goods into Washington may be required to pay retail sales and business occupancy taxes. They must register to collect and file taxes if they have a physical presence in the city or an economic link. Remember that all import cargo that enters the country is subject to customs duties, taxes and fees.
In addition, other taxes are levied on the buyer, such as the Solid Fuel Dispensing Device charge and the Studded Tire charge. Review other types of taxes at https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/other-taxes.
Similarly, the importing business must have a business license. This can be obtained online by completing the application at https://dor.wa.gov/open-business/apply-business-license . The cost is $90. Then, check if you need to obtain any other permits.
All businesses must file their tax return online through https://secure.dor.wa.gov/home/Login.
For example, importing alcoholic beverages requires a license from the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB). It issues permits to wineries, distillers and distributors.
While, to carry cattle, the Department of Agriculture requires health, transportation, veterinary inspection certificate, among others.
There is also a Washington State Foreign Trade Zone. This offers importers and exporters to operate with facilities in the payment of tariffs. They also ease customs supervision procedures. It is located in Lakewood, within the Puget Sound region. The best thing is that you hire a customs agent so that you can cover all the details.
If you'd like to learn more about this business, check out our article "Why Do International Business?". It will give you a broader perspective.
