What is a CBP Form 7501?
The CBP Form 7501, also known as "Entry Summary" is a mandatory document that is used by the CBP to analyze and determine the accuracy of information regarding the imported commodity. The form provides details of appraisement, origin, and classification, among other key bits of information.
The Form 7501 or the entry summary needs to be submitted upon the arrival of goods into the United States. Multiple documents must be completed and filed while importing goods to comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Significance of the form in U.S. Import and Customs
CBP 7501 stands out from all the other forms that help facilitate a smooth entry of imported goods into the US. It provides the CBP with all the information they need to decide if the import process has fulfilled all the mandatory legal requirements. The officials, at a glance, can assess duties, collate statistics, and determine the origin and classification of the goods from this Entry Summary form.
When is the form required?
When an import shipment arrives in the US, the importer or the customs broker representing the company is required to file a set of documents with the Port Director at the port of entry of goods. To accelerate the release process, a Custom Release form- CBP Form 3461 must be filed. The freight forwarder has 10 days from the date of release of the shipment by the customs to file CBP Form 7501.
Who fills out the CBP Form 7501?
The Entry Summary form is completed and filed by the customs broker associated with the importing enterprise. However, the importer needs to be aware of the practice and understand the importance of this form. Experts believe it is a good practice for the importers to keep in hand all such forms/ entries within at least the past five years.
Instructions for preparing CBP Form 7501
The CBP Form 7501 consists of five pages. The first four are continuation sheets used for stating line numbers for a detailed description of articles, and the value of the goods. An aggregate cost of all the charges and expenses involved must also be mentioned.
All the entry documents must then be stapled together. You will need at least two copies of the warehouse withdrawal, the importer’s copy, and the permit copy. An extra copy will be needed for the cashier if the payment is not done through the automated clearing house mode or the electronic fund’s transfer system.
The following is an explanation of some of the fields of the Entry Summary form. You can find a detailed breakdown of each field on the Customs CBP Form 7501 Instructions.
Block 1: Entry Number
This refers to an 11 digit alphanumeric code. The entry number comprises a three-digit filler code assigned to the importer by the CBP, followed by the seven-digit entry number which is a unique number assigned to a specific importer, and the one-digit check computed on the previous 10 characters.
Block 2: Entry Type
The appropriate entry code must be recorded by choosing the two-digit code specific to the type of entry being filed. The first digit corresponds to the general category such as 0 for consumption, 1 for informal, and so on. The second digit corresponds to the specific processing type.
Block 3: Summary Date
The date, month, and the year in which the entry has been filed with the CBP has to be recorded in this format--MM/DD/YYYY.
Block 4: Surety Number
A three-digit numeric code is recorded in this block. This code identifies the surety company mentioned on the Customs Bond. For entry types that do not require any surety, code 999 appears here. Code 998 is used when cash or securities are used instead of surety.
Block 5: Bond Type
A single-digit numeric code is recorded here, for which the following format is used:-
- US Government or entry types not requiring a bond - 0
- Continuous – 8
- Single Transaction - 9
Block 6 – Port Code
This refers to the US port code from where the merchandise entered the country. Importers must use the scheduled D, Customs District, and Port Codes listed in Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) using the format - DDPP(no spaces or hyphens).
Block 7 – Entry Date
The entry date refers to the date on which the goods were released from the custody of the CBP. Generally, the goods are released on the same day if all the documents are in order and properly filed.
Block 8 – Importing Carrier
The name of the carrier or the vessel which brought the goods into the US must be recorded here. In case of goods that arrive via air, the two-digit IATA alpha code relevant to the name of the airline carrying the goods must be recorded.
Block 9 – Mode of Transport
Here, importers must record the mode of transportation by which the import shipment entered the US. There are various two-digit numeric codes assigned to different types of transport vessels.
Block 10 – Country of Origin
The country of origin refers to the export country which manufactured or produced the goods. If the goods consist of materials produced/manufactured in more than one country, the last country where the shipment underwent a major transformation should be mentioned as the country of origin.
Block 23 – Importer Number
The importer number is the importer’s unique identification code used by the CBP. You can find the IOR using your Tax ID Number by adding two zeros at the end of your Tax ID.For more information about where to find this number, see our earlier blog post about What is an Importer Number.
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What is the difference between CBP Form 3461 and CBP Form 7501?
CBP Form 3461 is submitted electronically to accelerate the release of the goods. CBP Form 7501 is filed to pay duty and provide any additional information required by CBP.
During every importing process, two important forms have to be submitted to the CBP for customs clearance. The CBP mandates that the importer provide detailed and comprehensive information while filling out these forms. This helps avoid problems related to the clearance of the goods.
Generally, the customs broker handles the entire form submission process after you authorize the individual to act on your behalf through a Power of Attorney. However, you as the importer will be primarily responsible for completing the forms and fulfilling all the procedures appropriately. The importer also must look into the payment of fees such as duties, taxes, custom inspection charges, and any other charges like penalties that may arise. Using the services of a licensed and experienced customs broker will ensure a smooth, quick, and hassle-free completion of the process.
The two important forms that have to be submitted at the customs entry are listed below:-
- The Customs Release (CBP Form 3461)
- The Customs Entry Summary (CBP Form 7501)
While both the forms are vital in the import clearance procedure, they both differ in a few ways.
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CBP Form 3461 (Customs Release)
CBP Form 3461 is submitted to the CBP, along with a host of other documents for reviewing the shipment. After perusing the forms, CBP signs off a release of the shipment so that you can proceed with the 7501 form or mark it for further examination. After the release, you must submit the Entry Summary form within 10 days. An experienced and qualified customs broker will be able to handle this stage of the procedure effortlessly if everything is in order.
CBP Form 7501 (Customs Entry Summary)
The Customs Entry Summary form must be filed to report the details of the imported goods that have entered the US and to pay the appropriate duties, taxes, and any related fees associated with the goods, etc. CBP Form 7501 is generally used to determine relevant information such as appraisement, classification, the origin of the goods, and other similar details about the imported commodity/commodities.
FAQs
How much does the CBP Form 7501 cost?
The CBP Form 7501 can be downloaded free of cost from the official website of the US CBP. If you are using the services of a customs broker, they will take care of the form procurement and filing process. You have to provide them with the details of your import shipment and the other information needed to complete the form.
How to get the CBP Form 7501 approved?
The approval of your CBP Form 7501 depends on the accuracy of filing the for ms/documents attached to the process. If all the information is submitted in the right format and on time, your import shipment can get approved for release on the same day. You are required to provide the following documents:-
- Commercial Invoice - Learn more about it here
- Bill of lading - Check more about it here
- Arrival notice
The best way to ensure a smooth, quick, and hassle-free approval is to hire a reputed freight forwarding company to handle the customs clearance. They will work with a qualified customs broker to deal with various components of the procedure such as offering appropriate advice, paying shipment duties, preparing and submitting the requisite import documents to the CBP office to ensure quick release of your goods.
Who fills out the CBP Form 7501 for personal property?
The owner of the personal property must fill the CBP Form 7501 when the person wants to ship his/her property into the US. Here, the owner will be regarded as the importer.
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