Immediate Delivery Entry, is procedurally the preferred means of making entry; it permits the goods to be released based upon the filing of partial papers and without paying customs duties. The completed papers and Customs duties are then filed with the “Entry Summary” (CF 7501) within 10 days after release of the shipment. The immediate delivery entry allows for a quicker release and the importer the opportunity to maintain better cash flow.
Live entry requires all documents and duties to be paid prior to processing of an entry and release of your goods. However, if the Automatice Broker Interface or Automatic Clearing House are used to file the entry data electronically duty can be paid 10 days later for live entries.
Other terms in the Entry Process:
Consumption Entry – A consumption entry is a type of entry used when goods are imported for use in the United States and going directly into the commerce of the U.S. without any time or use restrictions placed on them.
Warehouse Entry – An entry advising Customs that goods are being stored in a Bonded warehouse, therefore delaying payment of duties and taxes. See blog post on Bonded Warehouse.
Informal Entry – In general, an informal entry involves the importation of merchandise that does not exceed $2,000 in value. Informal entries do not require filing a CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary), posting of a Customs bond, and are liquidated at the time of release. Informal entries are used for both personal and commercial importations. The form used for an informal entry is CBP Form 3461, which is completed by the importer and submitted to CBP.
Transportation Entry – Immediate transportation entry involves CBP allowing imported merchandise to be transported under bond from one port to another port without actual filing entry and paying duty and taxes or examination.
