For companies relying on a global supply chain, efficiently importing manufacturing parts into the U.S. is critical for maintaining production timelines. Dealing with customs compliance, duties, and documentation for these specialized goods can be complex.
At Factorem, we’ve developed a streamlined process specifically designed for the movement of manufacturing parts, ensuring they move seamlessly from the point of origin to your U.S. facilities. Here’s an overview of the key players and how we manage the importation process on your behalf.
1. Factorem: The Shipper and Export Expert
As the shipper, Factorem initiates the process for your manufacturing parts. Our responsibilities include:
- Export Preparation: Handling all necessary preparation for the specialized parts to leave the originating country.
- Documentation: Ensuring all export documents, including commercial invoices and packing lists, are correct and complete.
- Ownership vs. Managed Liability: Ownership transfer is handled according to your chosen Incoterms (e.g., FOB, DDP). Beyond just ownership, we also help manage liability by absorbing and overseeing many of the compliance and customs-related responsibilities. This reduces the operational and legal burden typically placed on U.S. importer
2. The Carrier: Transportation Specialists
The carrier (e.g., FedEx, UPS, DHL) is your logistics partner handling the physical transport of the manufacturing parts. They are responsible for:
- Transportation: Moving the parts safely and efficiently from the export location to the U.S.
- Freight Fees: Charging for the actual transportation service (freight).
Note: Carriers handle transport but are typically not responsible for the official customs compliance required by the U.S. government.
3. The Importer of Record (IOR): Simplifying Customs Compliance
The Importer of Record (IOR) is the entity legally responsible for the shipment upon entry into the U.S. This involves:
- Customs Compliance: Ensuring the imported manufacturing parts meet all U.S. regulations and standards.
- Duties and Taxes: Paying any applicable duties, taxes, and Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Factorem’s Seamless Import Solution for Manufacturing Parts
We remove the complexity of U.S. customs so your team can stay focused on production—not paperwork. Our streamlined model relies on a sophisticated network of parcel carriers and compliance tools to ensure smooth importation without requiring your company to act as the Importer of Record.
- Billing Duties Back to the Shipper: We strategically use parcel carrier services that allow the customs duties and fees for your parts to be billed directly back to Factorem (the shipper). This effectively relieves your internal team of the administrative and financial IOR burden.
- Accurate Classification for Manufacturing Components: Ensuring accurate classification is paramount for manufacturing components. We ensure every part is correctly identified using the appropriate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes. This is vital for calculating the correct duty rate and maintaining customs compliance.
- Navigating Rapidly Evolving U.S. Customs Requirements: Customs regulations and classification rules for technical and manufactured components evolve frequently. We stay ahead of these changes to ensure your parts remain compliant, properly classified, and cleared without costly delays.
- Proactive, Managed Customs Clearance: By working hand-in-hand with our carrier network, we manage customs clearance from start to finish. Our proactive oversight ensures fast, efficient importation with minimal disruption to your supply chain.
Experience Seamless U.S. Imports with Factorem
Whether your needs involve high-precision CNC machined parts, complex 3D printed parts, durable sheet metal fabricated parts, or newly reengineered parts, Factorem ensures they enter the U.S. seamlessly.
We handle the entire customs, duties, and delivery process, removing friction in your supply chain. Get an instant quote today and experience a truly seamless manufacturing experience — your parts delivered on time, exactly where you need them.
