Did you know that if you import a machine into the U.S., your invoice needs to include a statement about the machine’s use or method of operation?
Or that if you import bed linen or bedspreads your invoice must state whether or not they contain any embroidery, lace, braid, edging, trimming, piping or applique work?
For certain products, Customs requires that additional information be included on the accompanying invoice. Believe it or not, there are over 40 classes of merchandise that this applies to. Is your product on the list? If it is, make sure you know what information is required before including it on your invoice.
For a list of what information is required, check out 19 CFR §141.89, Additional information for certain classes of merchandise [PDF]. The requirements start midway down page 1.
Classes of merchandise requiring additional information on the invoice
aluminum and alloys of aluminum
articles manufactured of textile materials
bags manufactured of plastic sheeting
ball or roller bearings
beads
bed linens and bedspreads
chemicals
colors, dyes, stains, and related products
copper, copper ore, and copper concentrate
cotton fabrics, raw cotton, and cotton waste
earthenware or crockeryware
fish or fish livers
footwear
furs and fur products
glassware and glass products
gloves
grain or grain and screenings
handkerchiefs
hats or headgear
hosiery
iron, iron oxide, and steel
machines, equipment, and apparatus of Chapters 84 and 85
machine parts and tools
Madeira embroideries
motion-picture films
paper
plastic plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of
printed matter
pulp
refrigeration equipment
rolling mills
rubber products of chapter 40
screenings or scalpings of grains or seeds
textile fiber products
tires and tubes for tires
tobacco (including tobacco in its natural state)
watches and watch movements
wearing apparel
wood products
wool and hair, wool products
woven fabric of man-made fibers
yarns