{"id":92997,"date":"2026-09-07T15:33:31","date_gmt":"2026-09-07T08:33:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/?p=92997"},"modified":"2026-11-04T23:09:23","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T16:09:23","slug":"shipping-to-usa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/shipping-to-usa\/","title":{"rendered":"Shipping to the USA: 8 Key Points on CBP, FDA and Import Duty"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>Shipping to the USA<\/strong>, whether parcels, personal effects, samples, spare parts or commercial goods, involves more than the freight cost, because the United States has both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures and requirements from other agencies depending on the product, such as the FDA and USDA.<br \/>\nKTC Global Logistics ships goods from Thailand to the United States by air and sea, and can assess door-to-door, door-to-port and port-to-port services according to the type of goods, destination and the conditions of each shipment.<br \/>\nPreparing complete product, importer and document details before booking helps assess the route, costs and import requirements more accurately and reduces the chance of problems when the goods arrive in the United States.<\/p>\n<nav class=\"table-of-contents\">\n<h2>Contents<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"#shipping-method\">What are the ways to ship to the USA?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#service-type\">Door to door, door to port and port to port: what is the difference?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#quotation-info\">What information do you need before asking for a US shipping quote?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#documents\">Documents used for shipping to the USA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#importer\">Why do the importer of record and CBP matter?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#isf\">For sea freight, know about ISF 10+2<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#restricted-goods\">What should be checked for food, plants and controlled goods?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#process\">The shipping process to the USA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently asked questions about shipping to the USA<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h2 id=\"shipping-method\">1. What are the ways to ship to the USA?<\/h2>\n<p>Choose how to <strong>ship to the USA<\/strong> based on the type of goods, quantity, weight, size, urgency and destination city, because the United States is large and inland transport costs can vary greatly by state and ZIP code.<\/p>\n<h3>Air freight to the USA<\/h3>\n<p>Air freight suits samples, spare parts, parcels or goods that need to arrive quickly. Charges are based on actual weight and volumetric weight, or chargeable weight.<br \/>\nIf the goods are batteries, liquids, chemicals or dangerous goods, give the details before asking for a quote, as airlines may have extra requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>Sea freight to the USA<\/h3>\n<p>Sea freight suits large volumes, heavy goods or non-urgent shipments. It can be divided into:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>LCL<\/strong> for less than a container load<\/li>\n<li><strong>FCL<\/strong> for a full container, such as 20&#8217;GP or 40&#8217;HC<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Choose the port together with the actual destination, such as the West Coast, East Coast or an inland area, because transport from the port to the consignee can greatly affect the total cost.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"service-type\">2. Door to door, door to port and port to port: what is the difference?<\/h2>\n<h3>Door to door<\/h3>\n<p>The provider handles everything from pickup in Thailand to the consignee&#8217;s premises in the United States, within the scope stated in the quotation.<br \/>\n<strong>Note:<\/strong> door to door does not automatically mean the price includes import duty, customs brokerage, customs bond, exam fees, storage or all destination charges.<br \/>\nIf you want a DDP-type service, check first who will be the importer of record and who is responsible for taxes, duties and import clearance.<\/p>\n<h3>Door to port<\/h3>\n<p>The provider collects the goods at origin and ships them to a port or airport in the US. The importer or the consignee&#8217;s agent then takes over.<\/p>\n<h3>Port to port<\/h3>\n<p>Suits companies that already have a customs broker or logistics set-up in the US. The provider is responsible for transport between ports or airports as agreed.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"quotation-info\">3. What information do you need before asking for a US shipping quote?<\/h2>\n<p>Saying only &#8220;I have goods to send to the USA, how much is it?&#8221; is not enough for a quote you can actually use.<br \/>\nPrepare at least the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Product name and description<\/li>\n<li>Number of pieces, cartons or pallets<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions (width \u00d7 length \u00d7 height) of each package<\/li>\n<li>Weight per package and total weight<\/li>\n<li>Value of the goods<\/li>\n<li>HS or HTS code, if available<\/li>\n<li>Country of origin<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturer name, if relevant<\/li>\n<li>Pickup address in Thailand<\/li>\n<li>Delivery address in the United States<\/li>\n<li>City, state and ZIP code<\/li>\n<li>Cargo ready date<\/li>\n<li>Incoterms, such as EXW, FOB, CIF, DAP or DDP<\/li>\n<li>Product photos, if the goods need to be checked<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For door-to-door jobs in particular, the destination ZIP code matters, because the US is large and inland transport costs differ by area.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"documents\">4. Documents used for shipping to the USA<\/h2>\n<p>The documents needed differ by type of goods, transport mode, value and the requirements of the agencies regulating the product.<\/p>\n<h3>Commercial invoice<\/h3>\n<p>Should clearly show the seller, buyer, product description, quantity, price, currency, country of origin and terms of sale.<\/p>\n<h3>Packing list<\/h3>\n<p>Shows the number of packages, weight, dimensions and packing details.<\/p>\n<h3>Transport documents<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Bill of lading for sea freight<\/li>\n<li>Air waybill for air freight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Some goods may need extra permits, registrations, certificates or documents from agencies such as the FDA or USDA, so do not use the same document list for every type of goods.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"importer\">5. Why do the importer of record and CBP matter?<\/h2>\n<p>For commercial <strong>shipments to the USA<\/strong>, check before shipping who will act as the importer of record (IOR).<br \/>\nThe importer of record is responsible for the accuracy of the customs entry data, classification, customs value and related duties or fees, even when a licensed customs broker files the entry on their behalf.<br \/>\nSo before offering door to door or DDP, check whether the consignee is ready to import the goods or has a customs broker who can handle it.<br \/>\nMore information is available from<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cbp.gov\/trade\/basic-import-export\/importer-exporter-tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. Customs and Border Protection \u2013 Tips for New Importers and Exporters<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>What is the difference between an HS code and an HTS code?<\/h3>\n<p>The HS code is the international product classification at a basic level, while the United States uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for detailed product classification and duty rates in the US.<br \/>\nWhen estimating import duty or quoting DDP, check the HTS classification properly for the product, and do not choose a code from the product name alone.<\/p>\n<h3>Do not rely on the old USD 800 rule<\/h3>\n<p>The old idea that &#8220;goods worth up to USD 800 are duty-free&#8221; should not be used for current shipments, because the United States suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for imports from all countries in 2025.<br \/>\nSo check duties, taxes, fees and entry requirements for the actual shipment before quoting or advising customers.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"isf\">6. For sea freight, know about ISF 10+2<\/h2>\n<p>If you <strong>ship to the USA<\/strong> by sea, the shipper and importer should prepare the data for the Importer Security Filing (ISF), often called &#8220;10+2&#8221;.<br \/>\nKey data includes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seller<\/li>\n<li>Buyer<\/li>\n<li>Importer of record number<\/li>\n<li>Consignee<\/li>\n<li>Manufacturer or supplier<\/li>\n<li>Ship-to party<\/li>\n<li>Country of origin<\/li>\n<li>HTSUS number<\/li>\n<li>Container stuffing location<\/li>\n<li>Consolidator<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>ISF for sea imports must be filed within the time frame set by CBP before the goods are loaded on a vessel bound for the United States.<br \/>\nLate, incomplete or incorrect data can lead to penalties, extra inspections or import delays.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"restricted-goods\">7. What should be checked for food, plants and controlled goods?<\/h2>\n<p>Before shipping, check whether the goods are regulated by other agencies besides CBP.<br \/>\nExamples of goods to check further:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Food and beverages<\/li>\n<li>Medicines and health products<\/li>\n<li>Cosmetics<\/li>\n<li>Medical devices<\/li>\n<li>Plants and seeds<\/li>\n<li>Fruit and agricultural products<\/li>\n<li>Animal products<\/li>\n<li>Wood and wooden products<\/li>\n<li>Chemicals<\/li>\n<li>Batteries and dangerous goods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Can I send food to the USA?<\/h3>\n<p>Some food can be imported, but food imports must be checked against U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.<br \/>\nFacilities that manufacture, process, pack or store food for consumption in the US may be subject to food facility registration, and imported food shipments must be checked for prior notice before the goods reach the US.<br \/>\nImported food must also meet US safety, sanitary and labelling requirements.<br \/>\nMore information is available from the<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/food\/food-imports-exports\/importing-food-products-united-states\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">U.S. FDA \u2013 Importing Food Products into the United States<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Can I send plants or agricultural products to the USA?<\/h3>\n<p>Plants, seeds, fruit, vegetables, soil and some wood products are subject to the requirements of the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).<br \/>\nRequirements differ by product and country of origin. Some may need an import permit, phytosanitary certificate, treatment or inspection in the US.<br \/>\nRequirements can be checked at<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.aphis.usda.gov\/plant-imports\/how-to-import\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA APHIS \u2013 How to Import Plants and Plant Products<\/a><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"process\">8. The shipping process to the USA<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Send the product details<\/h3>\n<p>Send complete details of the goods, quantity, size, weight, value, photos, country of origin and the origin and destination information.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Check the HTS code and requirements<\/h3>\n<p>Check the classification, import duty and the requirements of CBP, FDA, USDA or other agencies for the type of goods.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Confirm the importer of record<\/h3>\n<p>For commercial imports, confirm who will be the importer of record and who will file the customs entry before shipping.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Choose the transport mode<\/h3>\n<p>Compare air freight, LCL or FCL by quantity, urgency and delivery address.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Check the costs<\/h3>\n<p>Check which items the quotation includes, such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pickup charge<\/li>\n<li>Export customs clearance<\/li>\n<li>Freight<\/li>\n<li>Origin charges<\/li>\n<li>Destination charges<\/li>\n<li>Customs brokerage<\/li>\n<li>Customs bond, if relevant<\/li>\n<li>Import duty, taxes and fees<\/li>\n<li>Delivery to the consignee<\/li>\n<li>Exam or storage fees, if incurred<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Step 6: Booking and pre-shipment data<\/h3>\n<p>Once the service is confirmed, the booking is made, the goods are picked up and documents prepared. For ocean freight, the ISF data must be ready within the required time frame.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 7: Customs clearance<\/h3>\n<p>When the goods reach the United States, the importer of record or customs broker files the customs entry and coordinates with other agencies if the goods are specifically regulated.<br \/>\nShipments may be selected for examination, and if an exam occurs there may be extra costs or time that cannot be fixed in advance.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 8: Delivery<\/h3>\n<p>After the goods clear customs and the relevant agencies, they are delivered to the consignee within the agreed service scope.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Frequently asked questions about shipping to the USA<\/h2>\n<h3>Can I send a parcel to the USA?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, in many cases, but check the type of goods, weight, size, value, country of origin and import requirements first.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I send documents to the USA?<\/h3>\n<p>Documents can be sent by air or courier. Tell us the type of documents and how urgent they are so the right service can be chosen.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I send food to the USA?<\/h3>\n<p>Some food can be imported, but FDA requirements such as food facility registration and prior notice must be checked, along with other requirements for the type of food.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I ship to the USA door to door?<\/h3>\n<p>It can be arranged in many cases, but the goods, importer of record and cost scope must be clear, especially duty, customs brokerage, bond and destination charges.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I get a quote without an HTS code?<\/h3>\n<p>You can send the product details and photos for an initial freight estimate, but the HTS code matters for checking import duty and import requirements.<\/p>\n<h3>Are goods under USD 800 duty-free?<\/h3>\n<p>Do not use the old USD 800 rule to plan current shipments, because the US has changed how de minimis applies. Check duties, taxes, fees and entry requirements for the actual shipment before sending.<\/p>\n<h3>How many days does shipping to the USA take?<\/h3>\n<p>It depends on air or sea freight, the route, schedule, destination city, customs clearance and inspection by the relevant agencies, so check the transit time of the actual shipment before confirming the booking.<\/p>\n<h2>Want a quote for shipping to the USA?<\/h2>\n<p>For KTC Global Logistics to assess the price and transport mode properly, prepare:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Product name and description<\/li>\n<li>Quantity<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions<\/li>\n<li>Weight<\/li>\n<li>Value of the goods<\/li>\n<li>Country of origin<\/li>\n<li>Pickup address in Thailand<\/li>\n<li>Delivery address in the United States<\/li>\n<li>City, state and ZIP code<\/li>\n<li>Cargo ready date<\/li>\n<li>Product photos<\/li>\n<li>HTS\/HS code, if available<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"cta-box\">\n<h2>Planning to ship goods to the USA?<\/h2>\n<p>Contact KTC Global Logistics and our team will check your cargo details, documents, route and a suitable transport option before you confirm the shipment. <a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/contact\/\">Contact us<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-services\">\n<h3>Related services<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/services\/air-courier\/\">Door-to-door air freight<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/services\/air-freight\/\">International air freight<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/services\/sea-freight\/\">FCL and LCL ocean freight<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/services\/customs-clearance\/\">Import and export customs clearance<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/services\/packing\/\">Export packing and wooden crating<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/prohibited-items\/\">Guide to prohibited export goods<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shipping to the USA, whether parcels, personal effects, samples, spare parts or commercial goods, involves more than the freight cost, because the United States has both U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures and requirements from other agencies depending on the product, such as the FDA and USDA. KTC Global Logistics ships goods from Thailand [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":92998,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[258],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-92997","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-shipping-guides-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92997","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92997"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92997\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":93138,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92997\/revisions\/93138"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/92998"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92997"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92997"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ktclogistics.co.th\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92997"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}