For mid-market and enterprise
Your First Big U.S. Order: Importer of Record, Customs Broker and Documents
First large U.S. order? Settle the importer of record, who files with customs, which tariffs apply and which documents you need before the goods ship.
General information, not a duty quotation. Shipment-specific conclusions require licensed customs broker review.
Decide who is the importer of record first.
The importer of record is the company responsible to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for the entry: correct classification, value and origin, and payment of duties and tariffs. On a large first order this is usually either your buyer or your own company. Agree it in writing before you quote prices, because it decides who pays the duty.
If your own company will be the importer of record and has no U.S. tax ID, it registers with CBP Form 5106 and needs a customs bond. Greenwich prepares that setup with you. A licensed U.S. customs broker reviews and files every entry under your power of attorney: one of our partner brokers, or your existing broker working from the same record.
Know the tariffs before you confirm the price.
Duty depends on the HTS classification of each product, its country of origin and its customs value. Extra tariffs such as Section 301, Section 232 or other Chapter 99 measures can stack on top of the normal duty rate. A large order magnifies any mistake, so classify every product on the order before you commit to a landed price.
Greenwich models the landed cost per product, including the tariff lines that apply, and the broker confirms classification and origin before anything is filed.
Get the documents right for the first shipment.
| Document | What it is for | Common first-order problem |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Value, buyer, seller, origin and product description | Descriptions too vague to classify |
| Packing list | Quantities and packages that must match the invoice | Carton counts that differ from the invoice |
| Bill of lading or air waybill | Carrier, routing and port of arrival | Consignee does not match the importer of record |
| Power of attorney | Lets the licensed customs broker file for the importer | Signed too late, delaying the first entry |
| Agency documents where needed | FDA, USDA, CPSC or other agency data | Missing before the goods arrive |
Pick the port and the broker coverage.
Large retail orders often land at Los Angeles and Long Beach, New York and New Jersey, Houston or Miami, or cross at Laredo by truck. Confirm the customs broker coverage at the port your buyer or forwarder will use before the booking is made.
Questions, answered directly.
Do I need a customs broker for my first large U.S. order?
Shipments valued above $2,500 generally need a formal entry, and most importers use a licensed U.S. customs broker to file it. A licensed U.S. customs broker reviews and files every entry under your power of attorney: one of our partner brokers, or your existing broker working from the same record.
Can a foreign company be the importer of record?
Yes. A foreign company can be the U.S. importer of record. It registers with CBP Form 5106 and needs a customs bond. Greenwich prepares the setup and a licensed customs broker files it under your power of attorney.
Who pays the tariffs on a large U.S. order?
The importer of record pays the duties and tariffs to CBP. Whether that is you or your buyer depends on the agreed terms of sale, so settle it before you quote.
Sources and limits
- CBP: Basic import and export
- CBP Form 5106 (official PDF)
- 19 CFR Part 113: Customs bonds
- 19 CFR Part 141: Entry of merchandise
- USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule
Sources support the stated context, not an endorsement of Greenwich or a shipment-specific determination.
Define your next U.S. decision.
Agree the question, evidence and responsibilities before acting.
Import readiness review