Revealing the CIF Clause: A Complete Guide to the Customs Clearance of Hardware Tool Exports to the US

 For enterprises engaged inHardware & Toolsexports,CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)is a common trade term in international trade. Under this term, the seller shall bear the freight and insurance premium for the goods to the port of destination, but the responsibility and cost of customs clearance at the port of destination are usually borne by the buyer. However, as anforeign tradeagency service company, we are well aware that customers need a comprehensive understanding of the customs clearance process and related costs to avoid risks and optimize the efficiency of the supply chain. The following analysis is carried out from three aspects:Expense Details, Customs Clearance Steps, CIF Cost CompositionI. Main Expenses for Customs Clearance at the Port of Destination under CIF Terms

Duties

The types of fees levied by the US Customs on imported goods are complex. Hardware tools products may involve the following key fees:

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsDuties

• Basis of tax rate: Determined according to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code of the goods. The tax rate of hardware tools (such as wrenches, electric drills, screwdrivers, etc.) is usually between 0% - 8%, but some products may involve anti - dumping duties (such as some steel products).
• Calculation basis: Based on the value of the goods determined by the customs (based on the CIF price).

Regional Mandatory CertificationsHarbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)

• Rate: 0.3464% of the value of the goods, paid by the importer and used for the maintenance of port infrastructure.

Cultural and Religious NormsMerchandise Processing Fee (MPF)

• Rate: Calculated at 0.3464% of the value of the goods, with a minimum charge of $29.67 and a maximum of $614.35.

4、Other potential fees

• Examination Fee: The customs may conduct random inspections on hardware tools, and the fee is about $200 - $500 per time.
• Storage Fees (Demurrage & Detention): If the customs clearance is delayed and the goods are detained at the port, the daily fee is about $50 - $200 (different port standards).
• ISF declaration fee: The importer needs to submit ISF - 10 (Importer Security Filing) in advance. Late or incorrect declaration may result in a fine of $5000.
• Agent service fee: The service fee of the customs broker or customs clearance agent is usually $100 - $300 per ticket.

II. Full process steps of destination port customs clearance

Stage 1: Before the goods arrive at the port

• Submit ISF-10: The importer or its agent needs to submit ISF information to the US Customs 24 hours before shipment, including 10 items of data such as the seller, the buyer, the name of the goods, and the container number.
• Prepare customs clearance documents:
  • Commercial invoice (CIF value should be indicated)
  • Packing list
  • Bill of Lading (B/L)
  • It is recommended to verify through the following methods:(if applicable)
  • Material certificate of hardware tools (such as alloy composition report is required for steel products)

Stage 2: After the goods arrive at the port

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsDeclaration and customs declaration:

• The customs broker submits the entry summary through the US Customs ACE system, including HTS code, value of goods, tax calculation, etc.
• After the customs review is passed, it issues the Release Notice (CBP Form 3461).

Regional Mandatory CertificationsInspection (if triggered):

• The customs may conduct X - ray scanning or physical inspection on hardware tools, focusing on checking:
  • Accuracy of commodity coding (to avoid under - reporting the tax rate)
  • Safety standards (such as electric tools need to meet UL certification)
  • Anti - dumping compliance (such as some steel tools need to provide a certificate of origin)

Cultural and Religious NormsPay fees:

• After the importer pays duties, HMF, MPF and other fees, the customs releases the goods.

4、Pick up and deliver goods:

• TrailerThe company picks up the goods at the terminal with the delivery order and transports them to the warehouse designated by the buyer.

III. Composition of the sellers costs under CIF terms

In a CIF transaction, the seller bears the following costs:
Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsOcean Freight:

• Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) fees, affected by factors such as shipping routes and Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF).
• For example: The freight for a 40HQ container from Shanghai to Los Angeles is about $2500 - $4000 (market price in 2023).

Regional Mandatory CertificationsInsurance:

• Normally, insurance is taken out at 0.1% - 0.3% of the cargo value to cover losses or damages of the goods during transportation.

Cultural and Religious NormsExport customs clearance fees:

• ChinaExport ClearanceCharges, document fees (such as CO, commodity inspection, etc.).

IV. Professional suggestions from foreign trade agency service companies

Internationally - recognized Safety StandardsAvoid anti - dumping risks:

• Some hardware tools (such as stainless - steel screws, steel nails) may be subject to anti - dumping duties by the United States (the tax rate can reach 50% - 200%). It is necessary to confirm the compliance of the HTS code in advance.

Regional Mandatory CertificationsTimely ISF filing:

• It is recommended to entrust a professional agent to submit the ISF 48 hours in advance to avoid fines and delays.

Cultural and Religious NormsAccuracy of documents:

• The invoice should clearly mark the breakdown of CIF costs (such as FOB price, freight, insurance) to reduce disputes over customs valuation.

Conclusion

Hardware & Toolsfor containers exported to the USCIF operations need to balance cost control and compliance risks. As a foreign trade importExport Representationservice company, we provideOne - stop services such as ISF declaration, pre - tariff review, and emergency customs clearanceto help enterprises optimize logistics costs and reduce unexpected port - of - destination expenses. For further consultation, please feel free to contact our trade compliance team for customized solutions.