What document is essential for importers to declare their goods to customs?

The entry manifest, specifically CBP Form 7533, is essential for importers as it serves as the official document submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when declaring goods that are being imported into the United States. This document provides crucial information about the cargo, including the description of the goods, their value, and the importer’s details.

By submitting the entry manifest, the importer ensures compliance with U.S. customs regulations, facilitating the assessment of duties and taxes owed on imported shipments. It acts as a formal request for the release of the imported merchandise and is critical in initiating the customs clearance process. Without this document, customs cannot properly verify or process the importation of goods.

While other documents, like the commercial invoice and the bill of lading, provide additional information regarding the transaction and ownership of the goods, they do not function as the primary declaration to customs. The export declaration form is related to goods being sent out of the country rather than imported in, making it unrelated to the customs declaration process for imports.