Freight glossaryCustomsPortsInternational Shipping
Port of Entry
Definition
A port of entry is a place officially designated where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers can accept entries of merchandise and collect duties.
What it means
CBP regulations define it as "any place designated by Executive Order of the President, by order of the Secretary of the Treasury, or by Act of Congress, at which a U.S. Customs and Border Protection ('CBP') officer is authorized to accept entries of merchandise to collect duties."[1]
Port Newark and the Elizabeth terminals fall under CBP's "New York/Newark, New Jersey" port, code 4601, whose listed address is 1210 Corbin Street, Elizabeth, NJ.[2] The port code appears on entry paperwork, and the port of entry is one of the items a commercial invoice must show.[3]
Example
A container discharged at Elizabeth is entered under CBP port 4601, New York/Newark. The broker's entry shows that port code, and any CBP exam is handled through that port's office.
Related
Related terms
- Customs BrokerA customs broker is a person or company licensed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to conduct customs...Glossary
- Importer of RecordThe importer of record (IOR) is the party responsible for an import entry: making sure it is correct and that...Glossary
- Marine Terminal OperatorA marine terminal operator (MTO) runs the wharves, container yards and other terminal facilities that ocean...Glossary
- Commercial InvoiceA commercial invoice is the seller's invoice for imported goods; U.S. Customs uses it to identify, value and...Glossary
Sources
- Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School, “19 CFR § 101.1, Definitions,” Federal regulation. Accessed September 30, 2026.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “New York/Newark, New Jersey - 4601,” Government page. 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.
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.