About Us
The argument in favor of using filler text goes something like this: If you use real content in the Consulting Process, anytime you reach a review point you’ll end up reviewing and negotiating the content itself and not the design.
Gallery
Social Account
Importing to the USA & Africa — A Complete Guide
Importing to the USA & Africa — A Complete Guide
How to Import Goods to the USA and Africa — A Practical Guide
Importing goods internationally involves more than just buying from a foreign supplier and waiting for delivery. It requires an understanding of tariff classification, duty rates, import licensing requirements, restricted and prohibited goods, and the customs process at your destination. This guide is designed for importers bringing goods into the USA (via US CBP) and into African markets served by Marwest LLC — including South Africa, Namibia, Togo, and surrounding countries.
Step-by-Step US Import Process
Determine Your HS Code
Every imported product has a 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code that determines the duty rate, applicable trade remedy duties, and any import licensing requirements. Your customs broker will verify this at quotation stage.
Check for Antidumping / Section 301 Duties
Many China-origin goods are subject to additional antidumping (AD) or countervailing duties (CVD), or Section 301 trade remedy tariffs. These can range from 5% to over 200% and must be factored into your landed cost calculation before you commit to a purchase.
File ISF 10+2
Your customs broker files the Importer Security Filing at least 24 hours before your cargo is loaded on a vessel in China. This is a mandatory requirement — non-compliance results in $5,000 CBP fines per shipment.
Obtain Import Bond
A customs bond (continuous or single-entry) is required for all formal entry shipments over $2,500. A continuous bond covers all shipments for 12 months. Your customs broker arranges the bond on your behalf.
File Formal Entry
After vessel arrival, your broker files the formal entry with CBP — submitting all required documents and calculating duties. CBP may release immediately (select entry) or hold for examination.
Pay Duties & Take Delivery
Duties are paid electronically. Once CBP releases the cargo, port demurrage stops accruing. Your freight forwarder coordinates drayage from the port to your warehouse.
Key Markets Served by Marwest LLC
South Africa (SARS)
South Africa Customs (SARS) requires formal entry for all commercial imports. South Africa has a sophisticated electronic customs system (RCG). Most goods attract 0–45% duty. Some goods require import permits from ITAC.
Namibia (NCS)
Namibia Customs and Excise (NCS) uses the ASYCUDA World electronic system. As a SACU member, Namibia shares a common external tariff with South Africa. Most goods cleared at Walvis Bay port within 24–48 hours under normal circumstances.
Togo (SYDONIA)
Togo customs uses SYDONIA electronic clearance at Lomé port. Lomé is a major transshipment hub for West Africa — many importers in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger use Lomé as their entry point. Our Lomé team handles clearance and inland transport.
What First-Time Importers Get Wrong
Wrong HS Code
Using an incorrect HS code results in wrong duty calculation — either underpayment (triggering post-entry audit and penalties) or overpayment (wasted cost). Always verify with your customs broker.
Undervaluing Goods
Declaring below-market invoice values to reduce duties is customs fraud. CBP and African customs authorities compare declared values against price databases. Penalties include cargo seizure and criminal prosecution.
Missing Documents
Submitting a customs entry without all required documents — COO, health certificate, phytosanitary certificate — causes holds and delays. Collect all documents before the vessel departs origin.
Not Filing ISF on Time
ISF 10+2 must be filed 24 hours before vessel loading at origin — not 24 hours before arrival in the USA. Many first-time importers confuse these timelines and incur $5,000 CBP fines.
Your Top Questions Answered
Get Expert Help for Your Shipment
Need Expert Logistics Advice?
Our freight specialists are ready to turn your questions into a concrete shipping plan. Contact Marwest LLC for a free consultation tailored to your cargo and destination.
