What entry documentation does CBP require for imported merchandise? Answer in under 100 words. Cite only eCFR sources.

Details / How it works

Under 19 CFR § 142.3, the following six items constitute the entry documentation CBP requires to secure the release of merchandise:

1. Entry – CBP Form 3461 (appropriately modified), or its electronic equivalent; the chosen form must be prepared in accordance with § 141.61(a)(1).
2. Evidence of the right to make entry – as set forth in § 141.11.
3. Commercial invoice – subject to the instances listed in § 141.83(d), where a pro forma invoice or other acceptable documentation may be substituted.
4. Packing list – where appropriate.
5. Other documentation – any documents required by CBP or other Federal, State, or local agencies for a particular shipment.
6. Identification – when merchandise is sold or consigned to a person in the United States, the name, street address, and appropriate identification number of that person must appear on the entry documents (CBP Form 3461, 3461 ALT, 7501, or their electronic equivalents); if there is no known buyer at the time of immediate delivery, entry, or release, the identifying details of the U.S. premises to which the merchandise will be delivered must be shown.

Additionally, all merchandise imported into the United States must be entered unless specifically excepted, per the general rule in 19 CFR § 141.4.

Numbers & thresholds

No numeric thresholds apply, but six distinct documentation elements are enumerated by § 142.3:

Exceptions & edge cases

• Entry summary filed at time of entry: When the entry summary is filed at time of entry under § 142.12(a)(1) or § 142.13, CBP Form 3461 or 7533 is not required, and CBP Form 7501 or CBP Form 3311 may serve as both the entry and entry summary documentation, provided the additional documentation in § 142.3(a)(2)–(5) and § 142.16(b) is filed.
• Contiguous-country merchandise: CBP Form 7533 (or its electronic equivalent), in duplicate, may be used in place of CBP Form 3461.
• Commercial-invoice exceptions: In the instances listed in § 141.83(d), a pro forma invoice or other acceptable documentation may replace the commercial invoice.
• Format flexibility: Documentation may be submitted in either paper or, where appropriate, an electronic format, and CBP may require additional copies.
• Entry exemptions: Per § 141.4, exceptions to the entry requirement include items exempted under General Note 3(e) of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, specified vessels, instruments of international traffic described in § 10.41a and § 10.41b(b), certain railway locomotives and freight cars, and merchandise qualifying for informal entry under part 143, subpart C.