Successfully navigate the classification complexities in gift and craft materials imports

WB Skinner is particularly adept at helping gift importers navigate the complex classification protocols of US Customs.  While classifications might at first glance appear easy, the component materials of many gift and craft materials might not be so obvious, particularly gift items and crafting materials that may contain feathers, sea shells, egg shells, animal skins, gems, stones, bone or woven fabrics.  The importation of many of these items may also need to be compliant with the regulatory authority of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  It doesn’t matter whether these items are part of a lamp shade, a picture frame, or a decorated box, the same restrictions apply.

WB Skinner can help you to understand if there are any classification complexities that could cause risk or delay BEFORE your shipment even leaves its point of origin.

The import of most wild bird feathers including those incorporated into flowers, pictures, wearing apparel, Indian artifacts, necklaces, headbands, and curios decorated with feathers are prohibited by U.S. Customs law.

Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), more than 120 nations are now regulating international trade to prevent the decline of threatened species. This could apply to any gift or craft item component containing seal skin, whale or walrus ivory, decorated bird shells, tortoise shell jewelry, bearskin rugs or “leather” handbags, ivory and certain reptile skins.

If you find CITES regulations confusing, turn to WB Skinner for advice and counsel.

Finally, an additional challenge in Gift Category imports also includes the fact that many of these items, especially textiles, ribbons and woven fabric imports, originate in countries in the Far East under the scrutiny of U.S. Department of Commerce anti-dumping regulations (when a foreign company sells a product in the United States at less than fair value.) In these cases an anti-dumping duty may or may not be levied.

WB Skinner fully understands anti-dumping and countervailing duties, and can advise you whether any or all of your imports might be susceptible to these regulations.

Customs Clearance for Antiques Imports

For U.S. Customs and Border Protection purposes an antique must be over 100 years of age at the time of importation.  A formal entry is required for antiques imported for resale if the value of the combined shipment is over $2000.  When importing antiques, the country of origin may impact the ease of importation, particularly if the county is Iraq, Iran, Burma, North Korea, or Cuba.  In addition, many countries have stringent Antiquities preservation regulations in place and in the U.S. may be subject Homeland Security’s Cultural Property, Art and Antiquities Program.

WB Skinner has decades of experience helping importers of fine antiques appropriately prepare for and successfully execute commercial importation of both individual items and container loads of antiques from across the globe.