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Simplify your customs today
Calculate duties and taxes
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import into canada
Import into the USA
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Every day, thousands of businesses around the world successfully export products to U.S. consumers, maximizing profit margins and expanding their market reach. The Non-Resident Importer (NRI) program streamlines this process, making it easier for foreign companies to sell directly to U.S. customers.
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A Non-Resident Importer (NRI) is a business entity located outside of the United States that imports goods into the U.S. without having a physical presence within the country. The NRI acts as the Importer of Record (IOR) and is responsible for all aspects of the importation process, including compliance with U.S. customs regulations, payment of duties and taxes, and ensuring that goods meet U.S. standards.
Who should consider becoming an NRI?
Direct access to the U.S. market without needing a physical office or warehouse in the U.S.
Greater control over the logistics and distribution of your products.
Ability to price goods more competitively by managing import costs and avoiding markups by intermediaries.
Simplified import process as the NRI handles all customs documentation and compliance.
Improved customer service with direct shipment and faster delivery times.
Responsibility for complying with U.S. customs regulations and standards.
Obligation to pay import duties, taxes, and other related fees.
Requirement to manage the import process, including documentation, customs clearance, and logistics.
Financial risk associated with duty and tax payments, currency exchange fluctuations, and potential delays in customs clearance.
An EIN is a unique number assigned by the IRS to identify a business entity. It is required for all businesses that file taxes or conduct business in the U.S. Your EIN can be your 3PL warehouse if necessary.
Register Here: IRS EIN Application
Public EIN Lookup Service: EIN Lookup
Once you have an EIN, register as an importer with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Learn More: CBP Importer Registration
Familiarize yourself with U.S. customs regulations, including the requirements for importing goods into the U.S.
Learn More: CBP Import Requirements
Determine the correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for your products to identify the applicable duties and taxes.
HTS Code Information: USITC HTS Codes
Estimate the duties and taxes you will need to pay on your imports.
Duty Calculator: BorderBuddy Duty Calculator
Plan the logistics for shipping your goods to the U.S., including choosing a reliable carrier and understanding shipping regulations.
Consider working with a customs broker to help navigate the import process and ensure compliance with all regulations.
Find a Broker: BorderBuddy Services
Taxes imposed on imports to protect domestic industries and generate revenue.
Taxes on specific goods, such as alcohol and tobacco, to control consumption.
Varies by state; some states require out-of-state sellers to collect and remit sales tax.
If your taxable sales are over the threshold in a particular state, you must register for sales tax in that state.
Sales Tax Registration: Each state has its own registration process. You can start by visiting the state’s Department of Revenue website.
Most goods and services, with exceptions for specific exempt items depending on the state.
Filing Frequency: Varies by state and annual taxable sales amount.
Yes, but you need to provide satisfactory proof of sales tax paid at import to your customers.
Becoming a sales tax registrant is the only way to ensure you are not responsible for the sales tax.
BorderBuddy offers comprehensive services to help NRIs navigate the complexities of importing into the U.S., including:
Expert assistance with customs clearance, documentation, and compliance.
Accurate estimation and payment of duties and taxes.
Coordination of shipping and logistics to ensure timely delivery of goods.
Advice on U.S. customs regulations and import requirements.
Continuous support to address any issues that arise during the import process.
By understanding the requirements and processes involved in becoming a Non-Resident Importer, you can effectively expand your business into the U.S. market. BorderBuddy is here to help you every step of the way.