Freight answersShipping Documentation
What Documents Are Needed to Import a Container into the U.S.?
Short answer
For a typical ocean import: an Importer Security Filing made before the container is loaded abroad, the bill of lading, the commercial invoice, a packing list where appropriate, entry documents filed within 15 calendar days of arrival with evidence of the right to make entry and a customs bond, then the entry summary with estimated duties within 10 working days. Regulated goods can need other agencies' documents, and the trucker needs a freight release to pick the box up.
The documents and when they are due
| Document | Who provides it | When |
|---|---|---|
| Importer Security Filing (ISF) | ISF importer or its agent | Generally 24 hours before loading at the foreign port[1] |
| Bill of lading | Ocean carrier or NVOCC | When the cargo is shipped; needed for release |
| Commercial invoice | Seller | With the entry[3] |
| Packing list | Seller | With the entry, "if appropriate"[2] |
| Entry (CBP Form 3461 or 7533) and evidence of right to make entry | Importer of record or customs broker | Within 15 calendar days of arrival[2] |
| Customs bond (CBP Form 301) | Importer of record | On file before release[5] |
| Entry summary (CBP Form 7501) with estimated duties | Importer of record or customs broker | Within 10 working days of entry[2] |
CBP uses the entry summary to determine appraisement, classification and origin.[6] The entry document list in the regulations includes CBP Form 3461 or its electronic equivalent.[4]
For the pickup
Customs release is only half of it. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey lists what an import pickup must have: a freight release form, the container number and the bill of lading number, with no freight, customs or demurrage holds on the box.[7] A delivery order tells the terminal which trucker may take the cargo.
Example
An importer buying furniture from Vietnam has its broker file the ISF before the vessel loads, receives the bill of lading and commercial invoice from the seller, and files entry with the bond on file before the container arrives at Port Newark. Once CBP releases it and freight is paid, the trucker books the pickup with the container and bill of lading numbers.
Limitations
Food, plants, chemicals and other regulated goods can need permits or other agencies' filings. This is general information; your customs broker confirms what applies to your goods.
Related
Related terms
- Importer Security FilingThe Importer Security Filing (ISF, often called 10+2) is advance shipment data that must be filed...Glossary
- Bill of LadingA bill of lading (BOL) is the document a carrier issues for freight it receives: a receipt for the goods and...Glossary
- Commercial InvoiceA commercial invoice is the seller's invoice for imported goods; U.S. Customs uses it to identify, value and...Glossary
- Packing ListA packing list is a document that details what is in each package of a shipment: the contents, quantities...Glossary
- Customs BondA customs bond is a financial guarantee filed with CBP that the importer will pay duties, taxes and charges...Glossary
- Delivery OrderA delivery order (D.O.) is a document issued by the consignee or its customs broker that authorizes release...Glossary
- Customs BrokerA customs broker is a person or company licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct customs...Glossary
Related questions
- Do I Need a Customs Broker to Import Goods?Not legally. U.S. law requires a customs broker's license only for conducting customs business on behalf of...Answer
- Master vs. House Bill of Lading: What Is the Difference?When an NVOCC or forwarder consolidates several shipments, the ocean carrier issues one master bill of lading...Answer
- What Happens After a Container Arrives at Port Newark?After the vessel discharges, the container has to be released by both Customs and the ocean carrier before...Answer
Sources
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 149.2, Importer Security Filing requirements,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “Importing into the United States: A Guide for Commercial Importers,” Government guidance. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 141.86, Contents of invoices and general requirements,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 142.3, Entry documentation required,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 142.4, Bond requirements,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “CBP Form 7501: Entry Summary,” Government guidance. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, “Truckers Resource Guidebook (revised July 2023),” Port authority guidance. Published July 2023. Accessed September 30, 2026.
General operational information, not legal, customs or regulatory advice. Rules and rates change; confirm current requirements with the agency, carrier or contract that governs your shipment.